Master Winter Mountaineering with Expert-Led Skills Course in Aviemore
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate to good fitness due to sustained physical effort in cold conditions and uneven terrain.
Overview
Learn crucial winter mountaineering techniques like ice axe use, crampons, and avalanche awareness on this two-day course in Aviemore’s Cairngorms. Perfect for beginners and adventurers refreshing their skills.
Winter Mountain Skills
Up to 6 people • 2 Days • Minimum age 16
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About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 2-day Winter Skills course that equips you with essential mountaineering techniques. Learn to navigate snowy terrains confidently using ice axes and crampons, while gaining vital avalanche awareness. Perfect for beginners and those seeking a refresher, this adventure transforms you into an independent winter explorer amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Start Your Winter Journey
Duration
2 Days
About
These are your first steps to accessing a new world of winter mountaineering safely.
Our 2 day course will leave you feeling confident with the use of ice axe and crampons, winter navigation and coping with winter weather. You will gain avalanche awareness, as well as how to generally equip yourself for the mountains at this magical time of year.
The course is designed to introduce you to a range of core skills that will enable you to enjoy and move about the UK’s mountains in winter conditions competently and confidently allowing you to become your own independent adventurer.
Our precise Winter Skills itinerary varies with the weather conditions and aims of the group. A flexible approach is best where we focus on:
Selection and organisation of personal kit appropriate to winter mountaineering Personal movement skills on snow, including kicking steps and using the ice axe for walking, self-belay, cutting steps, and self-arrest Use of crampons in ascent/descent Emergency procedures Weather and avalanche awareness and interpretation. Pre planning, safe route and venue choice Core techniques of winter navigation
More info
Our 2 day Winter Skills course is designed for those with little or no previous experience of winter mountaineering, and also for those looking for a refresher in the skills needed to venture into the mountains during winter.
Difficulty Level
Challenging
Total Distance
8 - 10km / day
Summit
Varies
Mountaineering Time
6-7 hours per day
What's Included
Experienced & qualified AMI guide Ice Axe Crampons Helmet
What's Not Included
Winter mountaineering boots - crampon compatible Waterproof jacket and trousers Warm clothing Hat and gloves Lunch Accommodation Transport
What to bring with you
Winter mountaineering boots - crampon compatible Waterproof trousers Please do not use cotton clothing Wool socks Base layer Gloves – plus spares Lightweight fleece Warm hat – plus spare Fleece or soft-shell jacket Spare fleece / warm top Trousers – synthetic that dry quickly Lunch, snacks and drinks Waterproof jacket with hood If you have your own - Ice axe and crampons
Adventure Tips
Check Weather Forecasts
Winter mountain conditions change rapidly; always review forecasts before heading out.
Dress in Layers
Use moisture-wicking base layers combined with insulating and waterproof shells to adapt to shifting temperatures.
Practice Self-Arrest Techniques
Regular practice of self-arrest with an ice axe can be lifesaving on icy slopes.
Understand Avalanche Risks
Boost safety by learning to read terrain and carrying avalanche transceivers during backcountry travel.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mountain hare
- Ptarmigan
History
The Cairngorms have been a focus of Scottish mountaineering since the early 20th century, with Aviemore as a gateway to these peaks.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize "Leave No Trace" principles to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem during winter travel.
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Adventure Hotspots in Aviemore
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mountaineering Boots
Necessary for compatibility with crampons and insulation against cold terrain.
winter specific
Ice Axe
Crucial for balance and self-arrest on snowy and icy slopes.
winter specific
Crampons
Provide traction on ice, vital for safe movement during this course.
winter specific
Layered Clothing System
Allows adjustment to varying weather and exertion levels during training.
winter specific