1-day Winter Skills Course
Is it for me?
This course is ideal if you are a summer hill walker who is keen to learn basic winter hill walking skills. Based out of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, this course provides an introduction to essential winter skills, and makes an ideal "taster" day, or serves as a useful refresher for skills which may have lapsed over time.
Small groups - maximum 4 participants.
Choose between scheduled events (available for individuals to join as part of an open group) and private courses (can be run throughout the winter on mutually-agreeable dates to suit you and your group).
Hire of crampons, ice axe and helmet included in the course price.
Course content
Over the day we will look at:
- Selection of clothing and equipment suitable for winter hill walking;
- Planning a winter mountain day, taking into account weather forecasts, avalanche forecasts (where they are available, and what to do if they're not) and other factors; and
- Movement over snow- and ice-covered terrain including the use of winter boots, crampons and an ice axe for security.
Dates and prices
Scheduled events (available for individuals to join as part of an open group):
- 2025 dates coming soon
Price: £100 per person
Private courses (can be run throughout the winter on mutually-agreeable dates to suit you and your group):
- 1 person or 2 people: £200
- 3 people: £240
- 4 people: £260
Further information
Experience required: My winter skills courses are ideal if you already have some summer hill walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness, and you wish to extend your skills so you can enjoy the mountains all year round. No previous winter hill walking experience is required.
Equipment required: A full kit list will be provided at the time of booking. Course participants will need to supply most of their own kit including ski goggles and winter boots. Winter boot hire can be arranged from several outdoor shops in Aviemore - further details are included on the kit list.
Joining instructions: Course participants will meet in Aviemore on the morning of their course. This will allow the most suitable venue for the day to be chosen based on the weather forecast, snow conditions etc. Course participants will need to arrange their own travel from Aviemore to the course venue. If you will not have a car, for example if you are planning on arriving in Aviemore using public transport, please advise at the time of booking as it may be possible to facilitate a lift "up the hill". Car sharing amongst course participants will be encouraged.
Please contact me to discuss your requirements or to book.