Winter Skills Foundations
Pathway: Winter
Level: Foundation
Learn the movement, equipment and decisions behind confident winter walking.
Level: Foundation
Learn to use avalanche forecasts, terrain and real snow observations to make better winter route choices.
£150 per person
Avalanche Awareness turns forecast information into practical decisions on the hill. Using the Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast and the Be Avalanche Aware process, we look at how snow, weather, slope angle, aspect and terrain shape affect a route. The day builds the awareness and observation skills behind good decision making, it does not remove uncertainty or make avalanche terrain risk-free.
Based in Aviemore, Cairngorms. We choose the exact venue around conditions and the skills being practised.
Small-group workshop. (Max 4)
Some winter hillwalking experience and sufficient axe-and-crampon skills for the chosen terrain are expected. You need suitable winter clothing and fitness for a practical day outdoors. If you are new to winter walking, contact us before booking.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 9 Jan 2027 | Cairngorms · Aviemore | £150 per person | 4 places left | Book now, Sat 9 Jan 2027 |
Tailored development built around you
Ask about arranging Avalanche Awareness privately. Tell us your experience, priorities, group size and preferred dates so we can confirm a suitable format and quote.
It is a practical awareness workshop. It does not certify a slope as safe or replace continued learning and experience.
Snow observations may include examining the snowpack when useful. The main emphasis is applying information to route choices, rather than relying on one test.
You need the movement skills and fitness for the chosen winter terrain. If you are new to axe and crampons, contact us so we can advise on the best starting point.
The advertised focus is awareness, planning and terrain decisions. If you need practical transceiver or companion-rescue training, contact us about a session specifically designed for that purpose.
We choose terrain to support learning while managing exposure. Useful forecast interpretation and observations do not require deliberately entering an unstable slope.
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.
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.
Helping you choose the right boots for winter mountaineering