• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Tripadvisor
  • Mail
[email protected] | +44(0)1397 532022 | +44(0)7799 863068
  • TripAdvisor
West Coast Mountain Guides
  • Home
  • Private Mountain Guiding
  • Winter Courses
    • Climb Ben Nevis this Winter
    • Winter Skills & Summits Course
    • Winter Mountaineering Course
    • Introductory Winter Climbing Course
    • Advanced Winter Climbing Course
    • CIC Hut Winter Climbing Course
    • Hemsedal Ice Climbing, Norway
  • Summer Courses
    • Guided Traverse of the Aonach Eagach
    • Guided Ascent of Tower Ridge
    • Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge
  • Skye Cuillin Courses
    • Guided Ascent of the In Pinn
    • Cuillin Munros Course
    • Cuillin Ridge Traverse
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • More
    • About Us
    • Booking Form
    • Course Locations
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Kit Lists & Hire
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Useful Links
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • INTRODUCTORY WINTER CLIMBING COURSE - £730

    This five day introductory level course aims to develop your winter climbing skills.

    Introductory Winter Climbing Course Scotland

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
Winter Climbing Course Scotland

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

Please Leave Your Precious Feedback:


Name
Review Title
Rating
Review

Introductory Winter Climbing Course Overall rating: ★★★★★ 5 based on 8 reviews.
5 1
Anonymous
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

5 Day Courses £730

  • 18-22 January 2021
  • 8-12 February 2021
  • 15-19 February 2021
  • 22-26 February 2021
  • 8-12 March 2021
Kit Requirements

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

Monday
Kit checks – Essential skills revision – Snow and ice axe belays – ‘Moving together’ roped on grade I/II ground.

Tuesday
Simple gully or ridge (II) looking at detail of basic winter belays, as previous day. Introduction to rock/ice peg belays.

Wednesday
Steeper ice climb (II/III), introducing more advanced two climbing tools techniques.

Thursday
Clients leading a route (II) under supervision of the instructor. Look at abseil techniques for safe retreat.

Friday
Clients choice (either further leading on a grade II or seconding a grade III+ climb)

Example Routes

Ben Nevis

  • No. 2 Gully II
  • Good Friday Climb III
  • Gardyloo Gully II
  • Neptune Gully

Aonach Mor

  • Left Twin III
  • Right Twin II
  • Golden Oldie II
  • Western Rib III

Glencoe

  • Dorsal Arete II
  • Twisting Gully III
  • SC Gully III
  • Curved Ridge II/III

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
Becoming independent on one of our winter climbing course
It's not all suffering when winter climbing in Scotland
Clear over the Scottish Highlands
Coached leading on our winter climbing courses
Coached lead climbing on Forgotten Twin on Aonach Mor.
Good Friday Climb on one of our Scottish Winter Climbing Courses
The finest winter climbs in Scotland!
Guiding Daim Buttress on one of our Scottish Winter Climbing Courses
Climbing No. 3 Gully Buttress on one of our Scottish Winter Climbing Courses
Learning to lead on our winter climbing course
Winter Climbing Course Scotland
Climbing No. 2 Gully on our winter climbing course
Reaching the summit after a winter climb.
Leading on Daim Buttress on a winter climbing course
Fantastic winters day in the Scottish Highlands!
Another stunning day on our Scottish winter climbing courses
Fantastic conditions on Ben Nevis for our winter climbing courses
The finest winter climbing venue in the UK, 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]

Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Booking Terms and Conditions

Contact Us

West Coast Mountain Guides
E:[email protected]

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

Accreditations

Latest News

  • Adventure climbing on Boa Constrictor, Aonach Air Chrith in GlenshielAdventure climbing on Boa Constrictor, Aonach Air Chrith in GlenshielJanuary 2, 2021 - 9:50 pm
  • Titan Cracks, Ben NevisTitan Cracks, Ben NevisDecember 10, 2020 - 8:31 pm
  • Season opener: Hobgoblin and Hanging Garden, Ben NevisSeason opener: Hobgoblin and Hanging Garden, Ben NevisDecember 3, 2020 - 5:20 pm
Copyright © 2021 | West Coast Mountain Guides | All Rights Reserved | Website by Alexander Marketing
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Tripadvisor
  • Mail
Scroll to top

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

West Coast Mountain Guides
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Cookie Policy

More information about our Cookie Policy