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Intro to Snow & Ice Climbing Course

Glencoe/ Fort William

4 out of 5: Difficult

2 Days

1:2 (Needs 2 to Run)

From £310

Course Overview

Explore the wonderful world of winter climbing with our Intro to Snow and Ice Climbing Course in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. This two-day course is designed for those with winter mountaineering or summer rock climbing experience who want to progress onto steeper, more technical terrain. Set against the iconic backdrops of Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and surrounding areas, you’ll learn advanced techniques such as effective use of two climbing axes, movement on steep snow and ice, ropework, and building secure winter belays.

 

Under the guidance of experienced Northwest Mountaineering instructors, you’ll also gain essential knowledge for planning a winter climbing day, including interpreting weather and avalanche forecasts, navigating in challenging conditions, and making safe route choices. The course is tailored to your experience and goals, with routes typically ranging from Grade II to IV. For those ready to push their limits, there may even be an opportunity to lead your first winter pitch if conditions are suitable.

 

This winter climbing course offers an incredible chance to develop the skills and confidence needed to climb classic Scottish winter routes, all while immersing yourself in the adventure and beauty of Scottish rugged winter landscape.

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Course Length

Our Intro to Snow and Ice Climbing course is 2 days. We offer bespoke courses and run these in the West Highlands from December until April. 

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Cost

The course cost is £310 per person, with a minimum and maximum of 2 people required.​ Northwest Mountaineering also offers a private 1:1 Course at £580.

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Experience Needed

This course is ideal for those with a good level of fitness and previous winter mountaineering and/ or rock climbing experience wanting to progress onto Scottish winter climbing.

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When

Whenever suits you. We also schedule dates for Intro to Snow and Ice Climbing Course

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  • Our West Highlands Intro to Snow and Ice Climbing Course is designed to provide the ultimate winter climbing experience in Scotland’s ever-changing conditions. Led by a qualified and experienced instructor, this course takes a conditions-based approach to ensure you learn essential skills and techniques for tackling snow, ice, and mixed climbing routes in the Scottish winter mountains. With carefully chosen venues to match the weather, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed for safe and successful winter climbing adventures.

  • Outline of Areas Covered in the Three Days

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    • Safe route planning and Avalanche avoidance

    • Learning the limitations of equipment in winter and making sure the kit is appropriate for the intention in winter

    • Gaining experience with using climbing crampons and two ice axes

    • Learning snow & ice climbing techniques including swinging axes, torquing on mixed terrain and how to efficiently climb ice

    • Learning how to winterise summer rock climbing skills

    • Gaining further winter navigation skills including safe and efficient route planning

    • Have fun climbing graded Scottish Winter Climbs

    • Understanding winter weather and it's impacts with winter climbing

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    Examples of routes that we may climb on our Intro to Snow and Ice Climbing Course;

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    Ben Nevis & Aonach Mor

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    • Number Two Gully (Grade II)

    • Ledge Route (Grade II)

    • Raeburns Easy Route (Grade II)

    • North Gully (Grade II)

    • Glovers Chimney (Grade III 4)

    • Number 3 Gully Buttress (Grade III)

    • Golden Oldie (Grade II)

    • Right Twin (Grade II)

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    Glencoe

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    • Twisting Gully (Grade III 4)

    • Dorsal Arete (Grade II)

    • SC Gully (Grade III)

    • Sron na Larig (Grade II)

    • Boomerang Gully (Grade II)

    • Boomerang Arete (Grade III)​

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    The routes for the winter climbing course will be carefully chosen based on weather conditions, participant experience, and the instructor’s expertise. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to winter climbing, helping participants develop essential skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. Perfect for anyone looking to embark on their winter climbing journey, this course offers a balance of practical training and adventure.

  • Our Intro to Snow & Ice Climbing Courses maintain a maximum ratio of 1:2. 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.

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    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

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    Below is a list of dates for our Intro to Snow & Ice Climbing 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. 

     

    Prices are £310 per person for an open course with a maximum and minimum of 2 people required.​​

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    A private course with a date to suit you is £580 for the 2 days

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2025 Open Course Dates

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