Introductory Winter Climbing Course

A 5-day Introductory Level Course to Develop Your Winter Climbing

Ideal for winter hillwalkers and summer climbers
Winter lead climbing tuition available
Learn to use technical ice axes & crampons
Tackle Grade I-III climbs with instruction included
Only £950 for 5 full days

5 Stars - Based on 915 User Reviews

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Introductory Winter Climbing Course

This 5 day introductory Scottish winter climbing course is ideal for people who have limited winter climbing experience but aspire to tackle graded winter routes. It’s also great for existing winter climbers looking to develop their lead climbing skills.

Introductory Winter Climbing Course Outline

Winter climbing is the pinnacle of adventure in the UK. Along with all the challenges of a winter hill day such as limited day light hours, navigation and avalanche awareness, winter climbing brings a whole host of additional challenges such as selecting appropriate climbs, route finding, ropework, arranging suitable protection, variable conditions and exposure. If you would like to experience these challenges and therefore reap the rewards, then our introductory Scottish winter climbing course is for you. This course will be delivered in a progressive way to suit your needs and aspirations.

The course is also suitable for existing winter climbers looking to develop their lead climbing skills, so as to become more independent in the future.

Read Full Details

Customer Reviews

It was an awesome two days with Simon. We did Curved Ridge on Tuesday and Right Twin on Wednesday. I first did Curved Ridge in Feb 2006 on an Alan Kimber weekend. On that trip it was more wintry but not by so much. Many time I have thought about repeating it as a rock climb so in that respect it was perfect even though it should have been under... read more read less
Jon E. 25 Feb 2023

Great winter climbing course with Sally We had an amazing day with Sally from West Coast on the winter climbing course. From initial contact to finals plans the night before we felt like we were in good hands. She provided the gear and took three of us up the hill and had great patter. Once we reached the snow we were led through the training with the ice axes and crampons before tackling the climb full... read more read less
Roddy M. 25 Feb 2023

Introductory winter climbing course I completed the 5 day intro to winter climbing course with west coast mountain guides Our guide Alex Kay did a great job, he tailored each day to suit the groups aims and we learnt a lot in the short space of time whilst still keeping it really enjoyable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who's thinking about it, just get it booked in, you won't regret it!
Colum H. 10 Feb 2023
Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day
Maxime G. 22 Jan 2023

Awesome intro to winter climbing Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day
Maxime G. 22 Jan 2023

Winter mountaineering course Fantastic course led by Dave and David. Some brilliant routes completed (Aonach Eagach, Dorsal Arête and Beinn a Chaorainn) and plenty learnt! The two guides were both super friendly, knowledgeable and able to tailor to the specific needs of each of the clients on the course. Would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to foray into winter mountaineering.
Johnny 02 Jan 2023
Great day out on Aonach Eagach, which I have wanted to do for years! Dave was very experienced, knowledgable and friendly and his guidance allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. Would thoroughly recommend and I will be back for some more adventures on my next winter visit to Scotland!
Jonathan A. 02 Dec 2022

Great day on Aonach Eagach Great day out on Aonach Eagach, which I have wanted to do for years! Dave was very experienced, knowledgable and friendly and his guidance allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. Would thoroughly recommend and I will be back for some more adventures on my next winter visit to Scotland!
Jonathan A. 01 Dec 2022

Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.
A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life.
We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read more read less
564lindisd 04 Sep 2022
Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life. We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read more read less
Lindis D. 04 Sep 2022

I went on the introduction to winter mountaineering course with west coast mountain guides. It was a great week and Dave Fowler took us on some really good routes and taught us so much in the week. I’ll definitely be booking with west coast again
colum h. 01 Aug 2022

I did a winter mountaineering course with Dave Fowler from West Coast Mountain Guides back in march and it was awesome. We learnt SO much and had an amazing time.Specifically Dave was great. Easy to get on with, a great teacher, and really knows his stuff.Stop thinking about doing a course with these guys and book it. Stop reading this review, go book it now, you won't regret it!
Merlin W. 09 Jul 2022

Full Description

Introductory Scottish Winter Climbing Course Outline:

Winter climbing is the pinnacle of adventure in the UK. Along with all the challenges that a winter hill day will throw at you, winter climbing brings a whole host of additional challenges such as route finding, arranging suitable protection, variable conditions and exposure. If you would like to experience these challenges and therefore reap the rewards, then our introductory level Scottish winter climbing course is for you.

During this course, we will revisit core winter skills, but the focus really is on climbing some of the classic gullies, snowed up rock, ice and mixed climbs that Scotland has to offer, with guidance and instruction on moving on steep ground, using two climbing axes, placing protection, ropework and building belays. The grades of routes climbed will be tailored to your requirements and aspirations, and will generally be in the grade II to III range. There may be the opportunity to lead your first winter pitch should conditions and experience be appropriate.

Skills that will be covered during the course:

Gear and equipment (including use of winter specific protection e.g. ice screws, hooks and pegs)
Planning a climbing day out (including weather interpretation, conditions and avalanche risk)
Use of two technical ice axes and crampons
Movement on steep ground
Ropework
Building winter belays
Navigation in winter
Avalanche awareness & safe route choice

Course Ratio: 1:2

Ratio: 1:2 Individuals or couples are welcome. No minimum numbers.

Costs and Equipment:

Prices include guiding and instruction and the use of a harness and helmet. You will also need to take accommodation, food, uplift, personal equipment (including hiring of crampons, ice axes and boots) and insurance costs into consideration.

If the course dates don’t work for you or your partner but you still like the look of the programme then please get in touch as we are able to provide guides for all weeks of the year and private mountain guiding may be an option for you.

Dates & Prices

Winter 2023-2024 Dates

5 Day Courses Monday to Friday £950

15th – 19th January 2024
29th January – 2nd February 2024
5th – 9th February 2024
12th -16th February 2024
4th – 8th March 2024

If these dates dont work for you get in touch.

Private course for individuals, couples, groups or mountaineering clubs

1:1 – £300

1:2 – £325 (£162.5/person)

1:3 guiding or instruction- £450 (£150/person) – This invloves guiding on Grade I gullies and ridges.

1:4 instruction only – £375 (£93.75/person) – This involves no graded terrain or climbs, included is instruction of using the rope on snow and all snow belays by a Winter Mountaineer and Climbing Instructor.

Kit Requirements

Kit Ideally in a 35-45ltr Rucksack

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (35 -45 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.

Meals –Lunch, snacks and spare food.

Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres.

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!

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

Insulated jakcet – Down jacket or synthetic/primaloft for emergencies

Ski Goggles & Sunglasses – Some form of eye proctection is needed for the different conditions from sun light refacting of snow to snow blowing in your eye.

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

Compass/Map/Watch –(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.

Gloves – Bring lots of 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.

Regular kit on your body

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.

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

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Essential for all courses.

Long Sleeve Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.

Midlayer Synthetic or Fleeces –At least one mid 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 useful for the bivi in the evening.

Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.

Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.

Warm Hat & Gloves – Bring lots of gloves – I often carry a thin pair for walking in, 2x mid weight pairs for the days work and 1 extra large pair for emergencies.

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.

Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. To keep weight down, consider taking only one, that can be either compressed or collapsed to fit inside your pack when not in use.

Climbing Equipment (We can supply all items below)

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 (45-55cm) 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 –Required for winter skills & summits courses, not necessarily required for guided winter hillwalks. Please check.

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.

Programme Outline

Programme for Introduction to Winter Climbing (5 days):

Day 1 – Monday:

Morning: Welcome and introductions. Kit checks to ensure everyone is adequately equipped for winter climbing.
Essential Skills Revision: Review and practice snow and ice axe techniques, including self-arrest and self-belay.
Guided Climb and Skills Revision: Review fundamental climbing techniques, belaying, seconding focusing on efficient movement and communication.

Day 2 – Tuesday:

Steeper Ice Climb (II/III): Take on a slightly more challenging ice climb at grade II/III, refining your two-tool climbing techniques.
Introduction to Rock/Ice Peg Belay: Learn about and practice using winter rock protection and ice screws for protection on belays on mixed terrain.
Abseil Techniques: Learn and practice safe abseil techniques for controlled descents.

Day 3 – Wednesday:

Steeper Ice Climb (III/IV): Take on a slightly more challenging ice climb at grade II/III, refining your two-tool climbing techniques.
Or Clients Leading a Route (I or II): Under the guidance of the instructor, clients will lead a route at grade I or II, gaining valuable experience and confidence in their abilities.
Snow and Ice Axe Belays: Learn and practice snow and ice axe belays to secure yourself and your team on steep terrain.

Day 4 – Thursday:

Clients Leading a Route (I or II): Under the guidance of the instructor, clients will lead a route at grade I or II, gaining valuable experience and confidence in their abilities.

Day 5 – Friday:

Clients’ Choice: Clients can choose between two options:
Further Leading (Grade II): For those seeking to build on their leading skills, tackle another grade II climb with instructor support.
Seconding (Grade III+): Alternatively, opt to second a grade III+ climb, experiencing more challenging terrain with instructor supervision.

Possible Winter Climbing Routes (Grade II to III) in Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and Aonach Mor:

Ben Nevis:

Tower Ridge (Grade IV)
Castle Ridge (Grade II/III)
Observatory Ridge (Grade II)
Number Three Gully Buttress (Grade III.4)
Green Gully (Grade IV)
No 2 Gully Buttress (Grade III)

Glen Coe:

Curved Ridge (Grade II/III)
Dorsal Arete (Grade II)
SC Gully (Grade III)
Twisting Gully (Grade III)
North Buttress (Grade IV)

Aonach Mor:

Golden Oldy (Grade II/III)
West Ridge (Grade III)
Left Twin (Grade III.4)

Please note that the exact routes chosen for the course will depend on weather conditions, group experience, and instructor assessment. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to winter climbing, fostering skill development and confidence in the participants.

Example Routes

Booking Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below if you would like to book or have any enquiries. Most common enquiries are dealt with in our FAQs – try there first.

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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

Introductory Winter Climbing Course

A 5-day Introductory Level Course to Develop Your Winter Climbing

Introductory Winter Climbing Course

Introductory Winter Climbing Course Outline

Customer Reviews

Introductory Scottish Winter Climbing Course Outline:

Course Ratio: 1:2

Costs and Equipment:

Booking Enquiry Form

Private Guiding

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