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  • WINTER MOUNTAINEERING - £450–£525

    These 4 & 5 day courses aim to take competent walkers into the more technical aspects of Winter Mountaineering

    Winter Mountaineering Course

Winter Mountaineering Course

Our 4 & 5 day courses aim to teach competent walkers the technical aspects of Winter Mountaineering. Skills are developed to increase confidence in tackling low grade gullies and ridges providing extremely memorable adventures in the mountains.

Winter Mountaineering Course Outline

Winter Mountaineering is about moving efficiently over steep and occasionally exposed terrain. This course is designed to teach hillwalkers the diverse range of skills required to tackle Winter Mountaineering ground such as graded snow gullies and narrow snow ridges. Throughout the four or five days, we will also revisit core winter skills such as arresting using an ice axe and movement skills before introducing climbing techniques, ropework, building winter belays, avalanche awareness and winter navigation. All these essential techniques will be tought whilst journeying through some impressive scenery, usually with a summit as an objective. The possibilities for Winter Mountaineering around Fort William and Glen Coe are endless. Join us this season and become a Scottish Winter Mountaineer.

Read Full Details
Winter Mountaineering 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
Full Description

Course Outline:

Winter mountaineering offers a considerable breadth of activities, ranging from basic axe and crampon skills, to roped gully or ridge climbing (Grade I & II).  The possibilities for winter mountaineering around Fort William and Glen Coe are endless. Throughout the four or five days, opportunities to learn more about snow and ice climbing, navigation in poor visibility and winter survival techniques/snow shelters are offered, along with daily weather, avalanche and climbing condition assessments.

This course aims to provide participants the confidence and knowledge necessary to travel through Scottish Winter Mountains with a higher degree of safety. It is Ideal for mountaineers wishing to explore more adventurous routes to reach the summits of Munros and Corbetts throughout the winter and early spring. Over the duration of the course it is our aim to attempt classic routes such as the Aonach Eagach, Ledge Route, Sron na Lairig and Golden Oldie which are particularly good objectives for those wishing to develop a solid foundation of mountaineering skills who then may be considering Alpine mountaineering in the future.

Experience Needed:

Regular summer walkers with a good level of hill fitness. Some previous winter walking would be advantageous as would some easy summer scrambling, rock climbing or a summer trip to Skye.

Course Ratio: 1:3

There is no minimum number for the course to run.

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 group 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

4 Day Course £450

  • 8-11 December 2020
  • 12-15 December 2020
  • 30 December 2020 – 2 January 2021

5 Day Courses £525

  • 11-15 January 2021
  • 14-18 February 2021
  • 1-5 March 2021
  • 22-26 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 mountaineering, 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.

Boots –For mountaineering courses, stiff, crampon compatible boots are required.  They should have a stiffness rating of B1 minimum, and ideally B2 or B3.

Crampons –Should have 10 or 12 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 walking or general mountaineering an axe of 50 – 65cm is adequate.  Whether you choose to have a wrist loop or leash is up to you, we recommend going without as they can get in the way.

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

Meet Monday morning (with the exception of the New Year Course).

Monday
Kit checks – Essential skills – Step kicking/cutting – Ice axe arrest – Walking & scrambling in crampons – Snow belays – Guided ascent of a graded gully or ridge.

Tuesday
Essential skills – Using previous skills to ascend a simple graded ridge or gully (Grade I/II). Introduction to ‘moving together’ roped and basic winter belays.

Wednesday
Essential skills – Ascent of simple ridge or gully followed by Navigation, Map & Compass, Pacing & Timing.

Thursday
Ridge climbing day led by clients under supervision of instructor (Grade II).

Friday
Client choice depending on conditions and fitness level.

Example Routes
  • Ledge Route (I/II) Ben Nevis
  • East Ridge (I/II) Beinn a’Chaorainn
  • Ledge Route (II) Ben Nevis
  • No.2 Gully (II) Ben Nevis
  • Aonach Eagach (II) Glen Coe
  • Golden Oldie, (II) Aonach Mor
  • Curved Ridge, Buachaille Etive Mor (II/III) Glen Coe
  • School House (ENE) Ridge of Sgorr Bhan (II) Glen Coe

Winter Mountaineering Course

Winter in Scotland can bring with it anything from clear, sunny days through to wild and windy conditions. Being a competent winter mountaineer requires the ability to be able to look after (and enjoy) yourself in this dynamic environment. Our Winter Mountaineering Course will equip you with these skills.

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
Ledge Route, a classic route done on our Winter Mountaineering Course
Glencoe, a fine venue for our winter mountaineering courses
Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland
Winter mountaineering in No. 2 Gully, Ben Nevis
Winter mountaineering on Ben Nevis' great ridges
East ridge of Beinn a'Chaorainn on our winter mountaineering course
East Ridge of Stob Ban, a classic winter mountaineering ridge
Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland
Good snow on the winter mountaineering route of Ledge Route, Ben Nevis
Great winter mountaineering conditions in the Mamores
School House Ridge in Glencoe, on our winter mountaineering course
Winter mountaineering can be done early season on Ben Nevis
Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland
Heading up towards Ledge Route on a winter mountaineering course
One of the best grade IIs in Scotland, Golden Oldie on Aonach Mor
High on a wintry Ledge Route, Ben Nevis
Winter mountaineering on the Forcan Ridge
Winter mountaineering high on Ben Nevis
Winter mountaineering on Sron na Lairig, Glencoe
Winter mountaineering on the ENE Ridge of Sgorr Bhan, Glencoe
Practising moving together on a winter mountaineering course in Scotland
Winter mountaineering on Beinn a' Chrulaiste in Glencoe
On the summit of Beinn a'Chaorainn on a winter mountaineering course
At the top of School House Ridge in Glencoe, on a winter mountaineering course
Amazing winter conditions in Glencoe
The Pink Rib, Beinn a'Chrulaiste, Glencoe
Practising a stomper belay
Proper winter mountaineering conditions
School House Ridge, Ballachulish
Winter Mountaineering Course
Testing snow anchors for winter climbing
Very snowy in Glencoe

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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