5-day Guided Ice Climbing Course

Spend 5 days Learning to Ice Climb on Some of Scotland’s Finest Routes

Aimed at experienced winter climbers
Guided climbing & instruction on routes up to Grade V
All guiding & instruction included
Maximum 1:2 instructor to climber ratio
Only £950 for 5 days of ice climbing

5 Stars - Based on 915 User Reviews

Got any questions? Try our FAQs

Guided Ice Climbing Course

A five-day course of guided ice climbing on some of Scotland’s finest ice falls. If there’s ice to be climbed, we’ll climb it!

Guided Ice Climbing Course Scotland

Our Guided Ice Climbing Course is aimed at people with previous experience of winter climbing. In Scotland, ice climbs reliably form from mid-February onwards and by the start of March, they are often in excellent condition and provide accessible yet disproportionately big adventures on some of Scotland’s most famous and impressive cliffs and mountains.

We will be climbing at grades III-V on some of Scotland’s classic ice falls and gullies around Ben Nevis, Creag Meagaidh, Bridge of Orchy and in Glencoe.

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Customer Reviews

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

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

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

Course Outline:

Our Guided Ice Climbing Course is performance-focused and aimed at people with previous experience of winter climbing. The essential skills will often be condensed into a short revision session before getting onto routes. So long as conditions are suitable the aim is to climb high standard classic and eoteric ice routes all week. This week is also aimed at climbing pairs looking to get a mixture of great climbs and coaching of their own leading on harder routes. Coaching leading is only available to pairs turning up together. You will further develop your winter climbing toolbox by assessing conditions and selecting appropriate routes as well as learning to be efficient and to conserve strength on steeper ice. Gear choice can also make a huge difference at these grades and will be discussed in depth throughout the course.

People attending this week should have previous winter climbing experience. Routes attempted will be within the grades of III to V. In the event of very poor or dangerous conditions alternative routes at a lower grade will be offered. It may be necessary to travel to other areas to make the most of conditions throughout Scotland.

Experience Needed:

Previous winter climbing experience, ideally to at least Grade III.

Course Ratio: 1:2

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

Costs and Equipment:

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

Let us know if there is anything else you fancy trying? 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. Coaching for pairs is available for shorter durations, as is private mountain guiding.

Dates & Prices

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

5-Day Guided Ice Climbing Course Outline:

Day 1 – Monday:

Morning: Welcome and introductions. Assess participants’ previous ice climbing experience and skills.
Gear and Equipment: Review gear choices for ice climbing, including ice tools, crampons, and appropriate ice climbing racks.
Essential Skills Revision: Briefly review essential moving on snow and ice climbing techniques, such as self-arrest, efficient movement on ice, ice tool placement, and footwork.
Ice Climbing Assessment: Head to a suitable grade III/IV ice route to assess participants’ climbing abilities and build confidence for the week ahead.

Day 2 – Tuesday:

Advanced Ice Axe Techniques: Focus on advanced ice axe techniques, including efficient movement on steeper ice and one-handed ice screw removal.
Belay’s and efficient change overs: Learn and practice the systems at the belays to continue upward progress quickly and efficiently.
Climbing a Grade IV Ice Route: Venture onto a challenging grade IV ice route, applying the techniques learned on the previous day.

Day 3 – Wednesday:

Guided Climbing on Grade IV/V Ice Routes: Continue with guided climbing on more grade IV/V ice routes, with a focus on refining technique and building confidence on steeper terrain.
Route Selection and Conditions Assessment: Learn to assess conditions and select appropriate ice climbing routes, considering safety and difficulty levels.
Safe descent techniques: Abseiling or choosing appropriate descent gullies.

Day 4 – Thursday:

Guided Climbing on Grade IV/V Ice Routes: Continue with guided climbing on more grade IV/V ice routes, with a focus on refining technique and building confidence on steeper terrain.
Safe Retreat Techniques: Learn essential retreat techniques and protocols to safely descend from ice climbs in challenging conditions.

Day 5 – Friday:

Final Guided Climbing: Spend the last day climbing more high standard classic and esoteric ice routes, applying the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course.
Course Review: Reflect on the week’s experiences and progress. Address any questions or topics of interest raised by participants.

Please Note:

Participants should have previous winter climbing experience and be comfortable climbing within the grades of III to V.
The course content may be adapted based on weather conditions and the safety of the climbing routes. Alternative routes at a lower grade will be offered if necessary.

Example Routes

Deep-Cut Chimney (III/IV) Glen Coe
Crowberry Gully (III/IV) Glen Coe
Quartzvein Scoop (IV) Ben Udlaidh
Fahrenheit 451 (IV) Bein An Dothaidh
White Shark (IV) Aonach Mor
Green Gully (IV,4) Ben Nevis
The Curtain (IV,5) Ben Nevis
Minus II (V) and III (IV) Gullies, Ben Nevis
Vanishing Gully (V,5) Ben Nevis
Point Five Gully (V,5) Ben Nevis
Orion Face (V,5) Ben Nevis
The Pumpkin (V,4) Creag Meagaidh
The Last Post (V,5) Creag Meagaidh

Point 5 Gully, Ben Nevis

Point 5 Gully on Ben Nevis is one of the most famous winter climbs in the world. First climbed in 1959, it still hasn’t lost it’s reputation for being a serious and sustained ice climb, and one that is on every winter climber’s tick lists.

Here, former owner and founder of West Coast Mountain Guides, Alan Kimber climbs the classic ice climb, whilst talking us through the route.

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