Scottish Winter Mountaineering Course

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

• Winter hill walkers ready to progress to graded winter climbs

• Those with basic ropework skills and experience using ice axe and crampons

• Individuals with good fitness levels and a passion for mountain adventure

Prerequisites:

• Completion of a winter skills course or 15+ days of personal winter hill walking

• Experience in rock climbing or advanced scrambling

• Familiarity with harness use and knots like the clove hitch and Italian hitch

What You’ll Learn

Over three days, you’ll gain essential winter mountaineering skills:

• Ice axe and crampon techniques

• Avalanche awareness and risk assessment

• Route finding on ridges, gullies, steep snow, and rocky terrain

• Practical mountaineering on Grade I–III routes

Sample Daily Programme

Each day begins with a review of the weather and avalanche forecast to select the safest and most rewarding routes. Expect a mix of gullies and ridges, with alternative activities like scrambling, dry tooling, or rock climbing in poor conditions.

Course Location & Logistics

Our base in Fort William offers quick access to:

• Ben Nevis

• Aonach Mor

• Glencoe

We often use ski centre chairlifts to maximise time on snow.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is not included, allowing you to choose somewhere that suits your budget. Fort William offers a wide range of options, all within walking distance of our meeting point. Visit this page for travel and accommodation options. 

Travel:

• Train: Fort William station is nearby

• Air: Fly to Glasgow, then connect via train or coach

Meet Your Instructors

Courses are led by Rob Johnson and Huw, both certified Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructors (WMCI). Learn more about us on the About page.

Related Courses

• 5-Day Winter Skills Course: Ideal for beginners in winter

• 5-Day Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Course: For those ready to advance further

Questions & Booking

Still have questions? Visit our Contact Page for support. Ready to take the next step? Book this course now and start your winter mountaineering journey!