Cairngorm Winter Skills Course
Glencoe/ Fort William
3 out of 5: Moderate
2 or 3 Days
1:6 (Needs 3 to Run)
From £200
Course Overview
At Northwest Mountaineering, our Cairngorm Winter Skills Course is perfect for anyone looking to confidently explore the Northern Cairngorms and other areas in the Scottish Highlands in winter. Over 2 or 3 days, our expert instructors will teach you essential skills such as using an ice axe for self-arrest, walking with crampons on steep and icy terrain, navigating in winter conditions, and understanding avalanche awareness and avoidance. Tailored for beginners and those aiming to build skills for winter Munro bagging, this course offers hands-on training in one of Scotland’s most iconic winter mountain areas. Gain the practical knowledge you need to safely enjoy the challenges and beauty of the Cairngorms this winter.
Course Length
Our Cairngorm Winter Skills course is 2 & 3 days. We offer bespoke courses and run these in the Northern Cairngorms from December until April.
Cost
The 2-day course cost is £200 and the 3-day course is £300 per person. These courses need a minimum of 3 people with a maximum of 6. Northwest Mountaineering also offers a private course at £300 per day with a cost of £100 per person after 3 people.
Experience Needed
This course is perfect for those with good fitness and hill walking experience. The days are often 6-7 hours in length in a mixture of Scottish winter weather.
When
Whenever suits you. We also schedule dates for our Cairngorm Winter Skills Course
Our Cairngorm Winter Skills Course is designed to give you the confidence and ability to take on the stunning yet challenging winter mountains of the Northern Cairngorms.
Based outside of Aviemore, the course is led by experienced and qualified North West Mountaineering instructors who adapt each course to match the snow and weather conditions. You’ll learn essential winter mountain skills, such as using an ice axe for self-arrest, walking safely with crampons on icy and mixed terrain, winter navigation techniques, and understanding avalanche awareness and avoidance.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills learned on iconic Cairngorm summits, including Cairngorm Mountain, Coire an t-Sneachda, and Coire an Lochain. Whether you’re new to winter mountaineering or looking to enhance your abilities, this practical course will prepare you for safe and confident adventures in Scotland’s breathtaking winter landscapes.
Key Skills Covered on the Cairngorm Winter Skills Course
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Learn to use crampons and ice axes effectively for safe movement on snow and icy terrain in the Northern Cairngorms and the Scottish Winter Mountains.
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Master ice axe arrest techniques to stop a slip or fall on steep winter slopes.
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Gain essential avalanche awareness skills, including hazard assessment and understanding winter weather patterns specific to the Cairngorms.
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Develop confidence in winter navigation, including map reading, route planning, and navigating in poor visibility conditions.
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Understand the principles of efficient movement on snow and ice, including step-kicking and using crampons on mixed terrain.
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Learn how to layer clothing effectively for winter conditions, ensuring you stay warm and dry in the harsh environment of the Cairngorms.
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Recognise the limitations of winter equipment and ensure your gear is suitable for Scottish winter mountaineering.
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Practice constructing and using snow anchors, gaining an understanding of how to secure yourself on snowy slopes.
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Learn about safe route choice in the mountains, incorporating avalanche forecasts and terrain analysis.
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Experience applying these skills on iconic Cairngorm summits such as Cairngorm, Coire an t-Sneachda, and Cairn Lochain.
This Cairngorm Winter Skills Course is perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh and improve their winter mountain skills, offering a comprehensive introduction to navigating and thriving in Scotland's winter conditions.
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Our Cairngorm Winter Skills Courses maintain a maximum ratio of 1:6. This approach prioritises safety while allowing for personalised instruction on the essential skills needed to stay safe and enjoy the unique challenges of the Scottish winter mountaineering environment.
The Scottish winter can be demanding, particularly when combined with the effort of a strenuous hike to reach higher summits, often carrying a heavy pack from sea level. Therefore, we recommend participants have prior experience with winter mountain walking and be at least 18 years old.
Winter 2024/ 2025
Below is a list of dates for our Cairngorm Winter Skills Course in the winter of 2024 - 2025. We also run bespoke dates (including midweek) if none of these work, so feel free to get in touch.
The 2-day course cost is £200 and the 3-day course is £300 per person. These courses need a minimum of 3 people with a maximum of 6. Northwest Mountaineering also offers a private course at £300 per day with a cost of £100 per person after 3 people.
2025 Open Course Dates