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Axe & Crampon Movement

Level: Foundation

Build secure, efficient movement with an ice axe and crampons.

Format
Workshop
Duration
1 day
Pathway
Winter
Group
Small-group workshop

£150 per person

Workshop Overview

Axe & Crampon Movement is a focused coaching day to refine your winter technique. We choose snow and terrain that allow repeated practice with boots, crampons and an ice axe, developing balance and footwork before moving onto more varied slopes. The workshop is about movement rather than completing a summit and works best when you want concentrated practice in a single day.

Key Information

  • Based in Aviemore, Cairngorms. We choose the exact venue around conditions and the skills being practised.

  • Small-group workshop. (Max 4)

Who It's For

  • Summer walkers preparing for their first winter mountain days.
  • People who have used axe and crampons but do not yet feel natural in them.
  • Winter walkers wanting a movement refresher at the start of their trip or to build confidence ahead of the season.

Skills Covered

  • Boot, crampon and axe compatibility and correct fitting.
  • Walking securely on firm snow and icy terrain with and without crampons.
  • Flat-footing, edging, direction changes and efficient ascent or descent.
  • Using an ice axe for support, balance and security.
  • Basic arrest practice when terrain and snow make it appropriate.

Pre-requisites

Summer hillwalking experience and fitness for a winter approach are expected. No previous axe-and-crampon experience is required.

What to Bring

Winter boots compatible with your crampons; a mountaineering axe and crampons; map and compass; waterproofs and insulating layers; spare gloves, hat and goggles; headtorch with spare power; food, warm drink and personal medication.

We can provide a mountaineering axe, crampons and a helmet. If you have your own, please bring them with you.

You will need suitable winter mountaineering boots: B2-rated boots are our normal minimum, and we can provide B2 boots where needed.

Itinerary

The exact plan may adapt to weather, venue conditions and the group's experience. The stages below describe the intended focus.

Dates & Prices

£150 per person. Choose a confirmed date below, or register your interest while dates are being finalised.

Dates, prices and places for Axe & Crampon Movement
Dates Location Price per person Places Book
Thu 21 Jan 2027 Cairngorms · Aviemore £150 per person 4 places left Book now, Thu 21 Jan 2027

Tailored development built around you

Need a different date?

Ask about arranging Axe & Crampon Movement privately. Tell us your experience, priorities, group size and preferred dates so we can confirm a suitable format and quote.

View Bespoke Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Axe & Crampon Movement FAQs

Is one day enough for independent winter walking?

The day focuses on movement. Winter planning, navigation and avalanche awareness need further learning and experience; Winter Skills Foundations provides a broader introduction.

Can I join if I have used crampons before?

Yes. It is also useful for refreshing technique and becoming more efficient at the start of the season.

Will the workshop run if the snow is unsuitable?

The exercises require suitable conditions. We review the available terrain and discuss appropriate arrangements if we cannot deliver the intended session.

Can I use any boots with crampons?

Your boots and crampons need to be compatible and suitable for the planned terrain. Send the make and model if unsure; check before buying or hiring equipment.

Is this useful before an alpine trip?

It can help establish or refresh winter movement. An alpine objective may require further ropework, glacier skills and experience; share the trip details so we can advise on the right preparation.

Kit & Equipment FAQs

What if I do not have all the equipment?

Contact us before booking or buying kit. We will confirm what you need, what can be arranged and any hire charges for this workshop.

What happens if the weather changes?

We choose terrain around snow, wind, visibility and the avalanche forecast. Routes and exercises may change; we will discuss the arrangements if conditions prevent the intended activity.

Booking & Cancellation FAQs

Can I book one place?

Yes. Public courses and workshops are priced per person, so you can book an individual place and join others. Check the page prerequisites before booking; you do not need to provide a whole group yourself.

How do I book?

Choose the course or workshop, check the date and location, and follow Book now. Complete the requested participant information and payment steps. If you are unsure about suitability or need equipment advice, contact us before completing the booking.

How do I pay?

Bookings below £300, or made fewer than 42 days before the start, are payable in full. For bookings of £300 or more made at least 42 days before the start, a deposit option is available, with the balance due 30 days before the start. The booking page confirms the amount due when you book.

Are prices per person or for the whole group?

Public course and workshop prices are per person. Private delivery is quoted separately for the agreed format and group. Mountain Leader reassessment is priced according to the scope agreed after reviewing your report.

Can I cancel or move my booking?

Please read our Booking & Cancellation Policy before booking. It explains the applicable notice periods, charges and options for moving a place. Contact us promptly if your circumstances change, giving your booking name and date.

What if I am ill or injured before the course?

Contact us as soon as you know you may be unable to attend. Changes, transfers and refunds are handled under the Booking & Cancellation Policy. Let us know before the day rather than arriving unsure whether you can take part.

What happens if LDM changes or cancels the event?

We will contact you to explain the change and the options available under our booking terms. Read the policy before booking, particularly before making separate travel or accommodation arrangements.

What happens if minimum numbers are not reached?

Public dates depend on sufficient bookings. If numbers affect your date, we will explain the situation and the options under our booking terms. The places shown online are availability, not a promise that minimum numbers have already been met.

The date is full. Can I join a waiting list?

Use Join the waiting list where it is shown, or contact us with the course and date. A waiting-list request is not a confirmed booking; we will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.

There are no dates listed. Can I register interest?

Yes. Use Register interest or contact us with the offering and your preferred dates. We can let you know about forthcoming public dates or discuss private delivery, subject to availability.

Can I use an existing voucher?

Yes. We will honour valid existing vouchers as the booking system changes. Contact us with the voucher details before paying so we can explain how to apply it.

Can I give my place to someone else?

Contact us before arranging a replacement. We need to check the booking terms, the other participant's suitability and their details before confirming whether a transfer is possible.

I have not received booking confirmation. What should I do?

Check your spam or junk folder, then contact us with the booking name, course and date. Please check with us before making a second payment so we can establish what happened.

Structured progression

Your next step

You will have practised the core movement patterns and understand when, why and how to use axe and crampons more effectively.

  • Winter Skills Foundations

    Pathway: Winter

    Level: Foundation

    Learn the movement, equipment and decisions behind confident winter walking.

    A smiling walker in goggles and a blue jacket in falling snow
  • Avalanche Awareness

    Pathway: Winter

    Level: Foundation

    Learn to use avalanche forecasts, terrain and real snow observations to make better winter route choices.

    A mountaineer with a shovel checks the snowpack on a winter slope

Reading to support your learning

Knowledge Hub

  • Preparing for Your Winter Skills or Mountaineering Course

    Pathway: Winter, , 9 min read

    Level: All levels

    Winter Courses with LDM - hints and tips, equipment, gear and recommendations for winter climbing and mountaineering.

    Resource type: Kit & Gear

  • Choosing boots for winter mountaineering

    Pathway: Winter, , 4 min read

    Level: Foundation

    Helping you choose the right boots for winter mountaineering

    Resource type: Kit & Gear

    Two walkers on a snowy ridge, lit from behind by a low winter sun
  • LDM - Winter Round up 2022

    Pathway: Winter, , 3 min read

    Level: All levels

    Lake District Mountaineering have enjoyed a busy winter season - running skills courses, private guided days and taking lots of great people into the winter mountains.

    Resource type: Inspiration

    Four walkers with ice axes cross a snowy plateau below a corrie rim

Why choose Lake District Mountaineering?

  • Highly qualified instructors. MCI and WMCI qualified professionals.
  • Small groups, real attention. More time for coaching and feedback from your instructor.
  • Structured progression. Every course builds towards real independence in the mountains.
  • Real mountain environments. Trained on the fells of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.