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West Coast Mountain Guides
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  • CIC HUT WEEK WINTER CLIMBING COURSE - £850

    Our flagship course is 5 full days of climbing based at the highest mountain hut in the British Isles. The hut is similar to alpine huts and is well heated!

    CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course

CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course

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.

CIC Hut Week Course Outline

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.

Read Full Details
Orion Direct on our CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course

Customer Reviews

  • 5 star rating Out again with WCMG! After an amazing few days doing winter mountaineering with Ken back in January, we booked again for some summer days. Ken was happy to adapt to Will and my climbing abilities, did some classic rock routes which was great! Learned lots, had a great time out. Cannot recommend Ken & West Coast Mountain Guides enough, there's really no better day out in Lochaber.

    manderswanders 04 Oct 2020

    5 star rating Great days, great ridges, great fun After a great experience with WCMG in January winter mountaineering we can back to do some classic rock routes. The weather lined up perfectly and we tackled some fairly sizable ridges that required the conditions. Ken was great as always, helping us move quickly and providing helpful advice along the way that we can take to our next experiences.

    WillB1345 22 Sep 2020

    5 star rating 5 great days winter mountaineering Me and my partner booked 5 days private mountaineering with West Coast Mountain Guides in January. We were very worried as the week before as there had been no snow, however we were very fortunate and there was a huge dump the night we arrived in Fort William. We went out with Peter Stollery who was fabulous. The 5 days were really varied and we has a great time, learning... read moreMe and my partner booked 5 days private mountaineering with West Coast Mountain Guides in January. We were very worried as the week before as there had been no snow, however we were very fortunate and there was a huge dump the night we arrived in Fort William. We went out with Peter Stollery who was fabulous. The 5 days were really varied and we has a great time, learning winter snow skills, weather interpretation, avalanche awareness, as well as getting a few climbs in some very wintery weather. Peter is incredibly knowledgable and is always eager to share his experience, we had a really great time. We would certainly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides and Peter. read less

    588matthewc 31 Aug 2020
  • 5 star rating CIC hut (mid March 2020) Had an amazing week of winter climbing, which was professionally guided by Ken Applegate and Mark Scales. All the clients on this particular course were experienced winter climbers and we were well matched, allowing us to make the most of the excellent conditions and cram in so many classic grade IV/V routes over the week including: Minus Three Gully, Gutless, Minus Two Gully continuing up North East Buttress, Right Hand... read moreHad an amazing week of winter climbing, which was professionally guided by Ken Applegate and Mark Scales. All the clients on this particular course were experienced winter climbers and we were well matched, allowing us to make the most of the excellent conditions and cram in so many classic grade IV/V routes over the week including: Minus Three Gully, Gutless, Minus Two Gully continuing up North East Buttress, Right Hand Wall Route, Vanishing Gully continuing up Tower Ridge, Hadrian's Wall Direct and finishing the trip with the incredible Orion Face Direct. read less

    G5764WYphilg 26 Apr 2020

    5 star rating CIC HUT WEEK WINTER CLIMBING COURSE A truly fantastic week with Ken and Mark. I can't believe how much we got done and how kind the conditions were to us. The guides knowledge of the mountain and routes was outstanding, which allowed us to make the most of everyday. I always felt safe and found the climbing, conditions, views and exposure amazing.
    Definitely up there as one of my best climbing trips!
    I have previously...
    read moreA truly fantastic week with Ken and Mark. I can't believe how much we got done and how kind the conditions were to us. The guides knowledge of the mountain and routes was outstanding, which allowed us to make the most of everyday. I always felt safe and found the climbing, conditions, views and exposure amazing.
    Definitely up there as one of my best climbing trips!
    I have previously been on three other trips around Glencoe, The Ben and in the Cairngorms, winter climbing with larger organisations. My experience with" West Coast Mountain Guides" stands out and exceeded my expectations. Ken and Mark love climbing and just wanted to get out there with us and get as much done as possible!
    read less

    Swillis72 16 Apr 2020

    5 star rating Private Guiding with Ian Fowler Top notch service. Excellent and tailor made winter guiding with tough routes and summiting Ben Nevis and Cairgoms. Highly recommend!

    BorysD2013 31 Mar 2020
  • 5 star rating Quality Mountain Day with a Quality Company An outstanding quality mountain day (QMD) on 16 March PLD (pre-lockdown) with Dave and Ian from West Coast Mountain Guides. Ken runs a great company and is efficient, organised and responsive. First rate administration. Dave and Ian, our guides for the day, were both brilliant; knowledgable and highly professional, and also great company. And we would not have been able to do what we did (Schoolhouse Ridge, Ballachulish) without them,... read moreAn outstanding quality mountain day (QMD) on 16 March PLD (pre-lockdown) with Dave and Ian from West Coast Mountain Guides. Ken runs a great company and is efficient, organised and responsive. First rate administration. Dave and Ian, our guides for the day, were both brilliant; knowledgable and highly professional, and also great company. And we would not have been able to do what we did (Schoolhouse Ridge, Ballachulish) without them, not least given the ‘proper‘ Scottish winter conditions encountered.
    Definitely highly recommended. I doubt there is a better guiding company in Scotland.
    read less

    79nicka 31 Mar 2020

    5 star rating Great Guide. Great Communication before and during the course. Great Course. Booked a private, 2 day, winter mountaineering skills course with these guys.
    Our team of 2 really liked Dave Barker’s approach. He gave good advice, showed very good judgement and was a safe pair of hands in somewhat challenging conditions.
    He was clearly very experienced and his depth of knowledge, from research and experience was evident.
    Our team had very different levels of experience and Dave was great with both...
    read moreBooked a private, 2 day, winter mountaineering skills course with these guys.
    Our team of 2 really liked Dave Barker’s approach. He gave good advice, showed very good judgement and was a safe pair of hands in somewhat challenging conditions.
    He was clearly very experienced and his depth of knowledge, from research and experience was evident.
    Our team had very different levels of experience and Dave was great with both of them.
    Dave's explanations were clear and he explained why he did things in a certain way, but gave alternatives if the boys wanted them.
    His precise approach appealed to our group - one an engineer, one a scientist. They made a good team.
    Both learned a lot and would willingly do a course with Dave again.
    Both liked his personality too and enjoyed the time spent in his company. Dave had a great sense of humour which was essential in the weather conditions. Great that the wet weather gear performed well.
    Book self catering accommodation as you may get an early start each day. The hotels don’t offer breakfast early enough!
    Dave met our team at 7.30am at our accommodation each day, then took them to Glencoe from Fort William as local avalanche risks were high. The guide chooses the best location each day depending on conditions out there. They really know these hills.
    There is a great kit list on their website.
    They answered our emails promptly.
    Would definitely book with these guys again!
    read less

    JT_NS 15 Mar 2020

    5 star rating Winter mountaineering course Had a brilliant week with West Coast. Did some amazing routes including schoolhouse ridge, ring of steall and dinnertime buttress. Andy was a great teacher and we learnt so much with regards to reading snow conditions, potential hazards on the hill, movement on steep terrain and becoming inpendent in the mountains in winter. To really get the most out of the course I would recommend having good hill fitness, It... read moreHad a brilliant week with West Coast. Did some amazing routes including schoolhouse ridge, ring of steall and dinnertime buttress. Andy was a great teacher and we learnt so much with regards to reading snow conditions, potential hazards on the hill, movement on steep terrain and becoming inpendent in the mountains in winter. To really get the most out of the course I would recommend having good hill fitness, It will make it so worthwhile. Thanks again for a fantastic week. The West Coast of Scotland has so much to offer. read less

    A5719PSaliceb 07 Mar 2020
  • 5 star rating winter climbing intro I did the 5 day intro to winter climbing course with Rich. Really great week, he was very safe and aware of how to avoid areas with an avalanche risk whilst still ensuring we got the best possible experience from the week.
    He was happy to tailor the time to our abilities and what we wanted to achieve.
    Would highly recommend booking with them if you want to push your...
    read moreI did the 5 day intro to winter climbing course with Rich. Really great week, he was very safe and aware of how to avoid areas with an avalanche risk whilst still ensuring we got the best possible experience from the week.
    He was happy to tailor the time to our abilities and what we wanted to achieve.
    Would highly recommend booking with them if you want to push your mountain abilities and generally have some really fun days.
    read less

    Alec139s 07 Mar 2020

    5 star rating Winter Skills Course Booked a winter Skills Day course. Excellent service from start to finish. Course instructor James was very informative and made the day really enjoyable. i feel more confident using my crampons and ice axe. Many Thanks

    Scrad26 01 Mar 2020

    5 star rating Highly recommend Conditions in Scotland can be highly variable in winter. Ken & West Cost Mountain Guides seem to be able to always find routes and things to do.

    Christopher C 25 Feb 2020
Full Description

Course Outline:

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 late winter to make the most of snow and ice conditions, which have usually consolidated well by that time. This course is ideal for intermediate or advanced levels of participant from grade III to V. People booking should indicate their upper level of aspiration and instructional or guiding requirements.

The course meets on Sunday late morning and is spent checking kit, shopping and walking up to the hut from the top car park (1 – 2 hours). Climbing instruction/guiding takes place on five days (Mon to Fri). It is possible to shop for food in Fort William on the Sunday if necessary (food should be provided by those attending the course).  Dinners are cooked communally by the participants and instructors/guides on these courses. The odd bottle of wine or whisky has been known to make an appearance!  All cooking utensils are available at the hut, and the kitchen area was upgraded during the summer of 2018.

It is a cosy and comfortable place to spend some time and share stories with others. There is a fireplace, drying room, kitchen and dining area and dormitory, which can accommodate up to twenty four people. It is served by bottled gas and wind power for lighting, heating and cooking. A sleeping bag should be brought for use in the hut.  Mattresses are on the beds and it is now very similar to an Alpine Hut, except for the guardian service.  Freshwater is available via a pipe outside which is fed by a spring high up the mountain. Small electrical items (phones/cameras) can be charged, but as the electricity is generated by a wind turbine, during very settled periods, this shouldn’t be relied upon.

You can read about our previous CIC Hut Weeks on our blog:
Great Week at The CIC Hut, Ben Nevis
Another Great Week at the CIC Hut, Ben Nevis
Brilliant week at the CIC Hut, Ben Nevis

Experience Needed:

Previous climbing experience and the desire to climb some great routes. The course aims to operate at III to V for the duration. Pairs are welcome and can be more specific in their wishes, including focusing on climbing introductory climbs at grade I-II.

Ratio: 1:2

Costs and Equipment:

Prices include guiding and instruction and hut fees. You will also need to take accommodation (before and after the course), food, personal equipment (including hiring of crampons, ice axes and boots) and insurance costs into consideration.

Dates & Prices

6 Day Courses £850

  • Unfortunately, due to Covid related restrictions, the CIC Hut won’t be open in 2021, so we are unable to run any courses there. We can offer guided climbing, based out of Fort William, instead.
Kit Requirements

Hut specific kit

Sleeping bag and liner –The hut is generally quite warm, even in the depths of winter, so a 2 or 3 season sleeping bag is fine.

Pillow –If you have space, then a packable pillow will be useful.

Casual clothes –You may wish to change out of your climbing clothing in the evenings. Don’t bring too much though.

Spare baselayers, underwear and socks –Again, enough but not too much.  Wet or damp clothes will dry quickly in the drying room.

Comfortable shoes for in and around the hut

Washkit –Don’t go OTT with a wash kit, the only really option for a proper wash is outside.  Wet wipes and antibacterial gel can help.

Earplugs

Books/cards

Toilet Roll

Small and big pack –You will probably walk-in with the small pack on your front, and a larger one on your back.  You will also need to carry group climbing equipment such as ropes.

Regular Climbing Kit

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks. You may like to wear a thin liner pair underneath the thicker pair.

Thermal/Base Layers –A couple of thermal layers are useful, along with thermal leggings. Powerstretch works well.

Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is essential.

Synthetic Belay Jacket –Whilst not essential, will be a good booster layer.

Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.

Warm Hat & Waterproof Gloves –It is very important to look after your hands in winter. A thin pair, a thick warm waterproof pair and a pair of thick mittens will often all be used in one day on the Scottish Hills. If it’s particularly wet, then carry a couple of spare pairs.

Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots/crampons. This is an essential point to remember as winter boots are bulkier than summer ones.  Lightweight waterproofs are often inadequate under severe winter conditions. A large hood to fit over a helmet and your face with wired visor is essential for the jacket in winter.

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (35-50 litres) is best for winter climbing, with ice axe carrying loops. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner.  Everything needs to fit inside your sac.

Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Essential for all courses.

Head Torch –Essential for all courses, plus spare batteries.

First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.

Compass/Map –(OS sheet 41 & 34- 1:50 000 or BMC/Harveys Ben Nevis & Glencoe 1:40 000)
The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.

Whistle/Watch

Flask –0.5-1 litre for hot drinks on the hill. If you take a flask, a waterbottle is optional. Don’t carry too much liquid in winter!

Lunch & Spare Food

Ski Goggles

Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. Ideally they will collapse to fit inside your pack when not in use.

Boots –For climbing courses, stiff, crampon compatible boots are required.  They should have a stiffness rating of B2 minimum and ideally B3.

Crampons –Should have 12 or 14 points and be compatible with your boots. Clip-on heel crampons  and front straps are very easy to fit on most modern B2 and B3 boots, whilst older traditional strap-on crampons are okay, but less easy to fit in cold windy conditions. We recommend anti-balling plates and cutting your straps to a suitable length (Not too short!). Ask for advice if you are unsure.

Ice Axe –For winter climbing, two technical climbing axes (40-50cm) are required. Most folk these days use ‘leashless’ tools, which means not having traditional wrist loops, but will be attached to their tools via a lanyard or spring-leash. Ask if unsure.

Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.

Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over thick clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting. The DMM Super Couloir or Black Diamond Bod harness is very good in this respect and is a good one harness suits all type.

Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Programme Outline

Typical Programme

Sunday
Meet mid-morning in Fort William – shopping for food and last minute gear – enjoy lunch in town – head up to the top car park – walk in to the CIC Hut on Ben Nevis.

Monday – Friday
Climb some of Ben Nevis’ finest winter climbs without having to walk-in and out each day. Head down to the car park after climbing on Friday.

Example Routes
  • Minus Gullies (IV to VI)
  • NE Buttress (IV,4)
  • Smith’s Route (V,5)
  • Indicator Wall (V,5)
  • Comb Gully (IV,4)
  • Green Gully (IV,4)
  • The Curtain (IV,5)
  • Vanishing Gully (V,5)
  • Point Five Gully (V,5)
  • Hadrian’s Wall Direct (V,5)
  • Orion Face (V,5)
  • Tower Ridge (IV,4)
  • Observatory Buttress (V,5)
  • Thompson’s Route (IV,4)
  • Central Gully Righthand (IV,4)

Orion Face Direct, Ben Nevis

Orion Face Direct on Ben Nevis is one of the longest ice climbs in the UK, and is truly alpine in scale. It’s 420m in length, and often climbed in 9 pitches.

Here, former owner and founder of West Coast Mountain Guides, Alan Kimber climbs this classic ice climb whilst describing the route along the way.

Booking Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or would like to book.
We’ll be in touch soon!

Private Guiding

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.

Find out more about Private Guiding
Ken Applegate Mountaineering Instructor and Mountain Guide

AMI Mountaineering Instructor Stuart Lade cooking on our CIC Hut Week
Ben Nevis above the clouds during our CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course
The CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course
CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course
Logbook at the CIC Hut on our Week Winter Climbing Course
We hope for these skies in the Scottish Highlands on our winter climbing courses
Enjoying another feast in the CIC Hut on our week long winter climbing course
Orion Direct on our CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course
Perfect views from the summit of Ben Nevis
Our playground for our CIC Hut Winter Climbing Course
The CIC Hut on Ben Nevis
Setting off up Observatory Buttress on our Winter Climbing Course based at the CIC Hut
Spindrift whilst being guided on Orion Direct
Dawn from the CIC Hut on Ben Nevis

Other Winter Courses

Guided Ice Climbing Scotland

Ice Climbing Norway

Hemsedal Ice Climbing, Norway

With over 100 icefalls, short approaches and reliable conditions, ice climbing in Hemsedal is not to be missed!
Read More
Guide Ben Nevis Winter

Climb Ben Nevis this Winter

Hire a qualified and experienced private guide to climb the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, via the walkers' mountain (tourist) track from Glen Nevis this winter.
Read More
CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course

CIC Hut Week Winter Climbing Course

Five nights based at the highest mountain hut in the British Isles, 680m above sea level, under the North Face of Ben Nevis...
Read More
Advanced Winter Climbing Course

Advanced Winter Climbing Course

These are our flagship weeks aimed at getting as much climbing in as possible from III to V (snow and ice conditions permitting).
Read More
Introductory Winter Climbing Course Scotland

Introductory Winter Climbing Course

This introductory level course aims to climb on routes within the grades of I to III or possibly IV. Ideal for people with limited experience.
Read More
Winter Mountaineering Course

Winter Mountaineering Course

These 5 day courses aim to take competent walkers into the more technical aspects of Winter Mountaineering.
Read More
Winter Skills Course Scotland

Winter Skills & Summits Course

These two and five day introductory winter skills & summits courses are aimed at people with limited experience of snow and ice covered mountains.
Read More
Find Out More

Contact us if you would like more information or have any questions

About Us

West Coast Mountain Guides Ltd. is here to help anyone interested in visiting mountain regions do so with both confidence and enjoyment. E:[email protected]

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West Coast Mountain Guides
E:[email protected]

Scottish Enquiries:
T: +44 (0)1397 532022
M: +44 (0)7799 863068

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Latest News

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