Five nights based at the highest mountain hut in the British Isles, 680m above sea level, at the foot of the North Face of Ben Nevis, giving the chance to climb some of the UK’s most revered and cherished winter lines, all from one walk in.
Our CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course is based at the highest mountain hut in the British Isles, 680m above sea level, at the foot of the most extensive and challenging winter climbing cliffs anywhere in the country. They are held in March to make the most of snow and ice conditions, which have usually consolidated well by that time. This course is ideal for winter climbers with previous experience as we will mainly be operating at grades III-V. The CIC hut is the UK’s only true self-catering ‘alpine’ hut, with full drying and cooking facilities. It is well heated by gas fires, so is a cosy place in the evenings. It also has two composting toilets.
Introduction to Winter Mountaineering 5/5 Great week spent on the 5 day intro to Winter Mountaineering course with Dave Fowler.
Fun and informative instruction learning about winter techniques and getting familiar with the gear and various techniques.
Cam away from the course having completed some of the classic grade 1/2 winter routes around Ben Nevis, Glencoe and other areas.
A great foundation for for future winter mountain adventures
Introduction to Winter Mountaineering 5/5 Great week spent on the 5 day intro to Winter Mountaineering course with Dave Fowler.
Fun and informative instruction learning about winter techniques and getting familiar with the gear and various techniques.
Cam away from the course having completed some of the classic grade 1/2 winter routes around Ben Nevis, Glencoe and other areas.
A great foundation for for future winter mountain adventures
Awesome week with West Coast I joined West Coat Mountain Guides for their CIC winter climbing week on Ben Nevis. Ken and Mark our guides were professional, knowledgeable and good company. Always willing to support, answer questions and give advice where required.
It is off note that during our stay, in conversation other groups and climbers would speak highly of West Coast and director Ken. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend West Coast to anyone looking... read more
Four seasons in one Advanced Winter Climbing week We had a fantastic week on the Advanced Winter Climbing Course under the expert guidance of Dave Fowler. Dave tailored the climbing to our level of experience, ensuring that we were challenged, without ever feeling unsafe. His knowledge of the mountains meant that we were able to climb routes on a couple of days where the weather on Ben Nevis was more challenging than the climbing itself! Highlights included a... read more
Winter Climbing Amazing experience with westcoast mountain guides. 2 days winter climbing on Ben Nevis and in Glencoe. As a couple we had different levels of experience and our guide Emma tailored the days to suit both abilities, so we both got a lot from the days. We both now have the winter climbing bug and can’t wait for the next winter season.
Fantastic day on Aonach Mor We had a great day out with Ken preparing for an upcoming trip to Nepal. Ken was a brilliant guide, very knowledgable, calm, patient and great company.
We took the gondola part way up Aonach Mor and then hiked around to the west face where we went up Golden Oldie. It’s a cracking route and the weather was kind to us, hard to believe you are quite close... read more
Top of the world Great 3 days in the Fort William area with West Coast guides. Winter skills 2 days followed by Nevis North. Stuart took great care of us with pre-planning and guidance in the hills. Highly recommended.
Perfect Three Days Two of us booked 3 days of winter climbing in early March 2022 and our guide was Will Manners. Ken got it organised in his usual efficient way and was very helpful in answering our (many!) questions in the lead-up to the course.
Day 1 was a long and memorable day on Tower Ridge (Ben Nevis). Will was outstanding in getting us up the climb and even arranged a brilliant sunset... read more
Winter Skills Training in Aviemore This is the 3rd time that we have used West Coast Mountain Guides ; the previous two times was for the Cuillins and this time was a 4 day winter skills training course. Each time our guide has been superb, putting up with my slowness with support and encouragement. We have now done all the Cuillin Ridge Munros apart from one, and also feel quietly confident to safely go out... read more
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If the dates or contents of a course are not exactly what you are after, we also offer private guiding, which makes up a large part of our working year. Private guiding can be arranged on dates to suit you, and we can tailor the course or guiding to match you needs and aspirations. There are no limits for the number of participants on privately guided day, so whether you are an individual after 1:1 guiding or tuition, or a group or club looking to develop their collective skills or reach a particular summit, please get in touch.
Climb Ben Nevis this Winter 
