Winter Skills Foundations
Pathway: Winter
Level: Foundation
Learn the movement, equipment and decisions behind confident winter walking.
Level: Foundation
Build secure, efficient movement with an ice axe and crampons.
£150 per person
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.
Based in Aviemore, Cairngorms. We choose the exact venue around conditions and the skills being practised.
Small-group workshop. (Max 4)
Summer hillwalking experience and fitness for a winter approach are expected. No previous axe-and-crampon experience is required.
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.
The exact plan may adapt to weather, venue conditions and the group's experience. The stages below describe the intended focus.
£150 per person. Choose a confirmed date below, or register your interest while dates are being finalised.
| 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
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.
The day focuses on movement. Winter planning, navigation and avalanche awareness need further learning and experience; Winter Skills Foundations provides a broader introduction.
Yes. It is also useful for refreshing technique and becoming more efficient at the start of the season.
The exercises require suitable conditions. We review the available terrain and discuss appropriate arrangements if we cannot deliver the intended session.
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.
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.
Contact us before booking or buying kit. We will confirm what you need, what can be arranged and any hire charges for this workshop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reading to support your learning
Winter Courses with LDM - hints and tips, equipment, gear and recommendations for winter climbing and mountaineering.
Helping you choose the right boots for winter mountaineering
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.