winter skills:
Ben Nevis summit course
A two-day winter skills course focused on building the essential techniques and knowledge needed for safe travel in winter mountains. Day one develops core skills such as ice axe and crampon use, movement on snow, and understanding winter hazards. On day two, these skills are put into practice on a journey day with the aim of summiting Ben Nevis.
2 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£250pp
COURSE OVERVIEW
A two-day winter skills course designed to build the fundamental knowledge and confidence needed for safe travel in winter mountains. The course focuses on developing core skills such as using ice axe and crampons, understanding winter hazards, movement on snow and ice, and essential decision-making in winter conditions.
The first day is dedicated to establishing these foundation skills in a practical environment, allowing time to practise techniques and build confidence. On day two, participants will put these skills into practice on a journey day, working towards a summit attempt on Ben Nevis, applying the techniques and decision-making learned throughout the course.
This course is ideal for hillwalkers looking to take their first steps into winter and gain the skills required to travel safely and efficiently in Scotland’s winter mountains.
OUTLINE:
- Gear and Equipment:
Learn how to choose and use essential winter clothing, boots, and equipment for cold, wet, and windy conditions. You'll also cover how to correctly fit crampons and use an ice axe,.
- Navigation Essentials:
Develop your map reading and compass skills for navigating in poor visibility. You'll also explore how snow cover affects terrain, route-finding, and overall navigation strategy. All on smaller scale maps - 1:40k & 1:50k.
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Route Planning & Avalanche Awareness:
Understand how to plan safe and realistic routes in winter, with an introduction to avalanche awareness. You'll learn to identify hazardous terrain, interpret avalanche forecasts, and make informed decisions about the ongoing snow conditions.
- Snow and Ice Techniques:
Practise safe movement on snow-covered slopes, in ascent and descent. Instruction includes the practical use of crampons, ice axes, and key techniques for moving confidently on steep or icy ground.
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Emergencies on the Hill:
Learn how to look after yourself and others in winter emergencies - from insulating against the cold and using group shelters learning how to call Mountain Rescue.
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Ben Nevis Summit:
We will operate in mountainous terrain and aim to summit Ben Nevis on day 2, putting all of our skills into practice.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Two full, practical days in the winter mountains (Ben Nevis & Glen Coe area)
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Progressive structure
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Supportive coaching and individual feedback
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A journey day to the summit of Ben Nevis (condtions dependant) to build independence and judgement
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Time to practise, ask questions and refine technique
SKILLS COVERED
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Route planning and decision-making
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Winter gear, equipment, and clothing
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Weather interpretation and its impact on the mountain environment
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Efficient movement and walking techniques on winter terrain
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Navigation in poor visibility and snow-covered ground
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Winter kit management and organisation
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Staying safe and managing yourself in harsh conditions
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Ice axe use for support and security
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Crampon techniques for various slope angles
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Ice axe braking / self-arrest
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Avalanche awareness and terrain assessment
WHAT YOU NEED:
You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter mountaineering boots.
These boots should be rigid and rated to a minimum B2 standard (we can advise during the booking stage).
Boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.
We can provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
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Hillwalkers with summer experience looking to transition into winter mountain conditions
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Outdoor enthusiasts keen to build confidence using crampons & ice axes
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Those wanting to improve their winter navigation, route planning, and avalanche awareness
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Anyone preparing for independent winter adventures in the UK hills and mountains
Suitable for ages 18+
This course is aimed at hillwalkers looking to take their first steps into winter mountain terrain, or those with limited winter experience who want to develop greater confidence and competence.
dates
COURSE RATIOS
1:6 Ratio
6 people per 1 instructor
Min: 2 | Max: 6
Learn with like-minded people in the winter environment
We can provide additional instructors so if courses are full then please still enquire.
We can also do this as bespoke booking - please enquire. Jan/Feb only.
PRE-REQUISITES
18+
Previous experience of hill walking in summer conditions is mandatory. Some previous winter experience can be beneficial.
You will need to be fit enough to be able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack.
Some navigational knowledge will be needed to build on your skills (map & compass)
The next step after this course would be the
EQUIPMENT
All technical equipment can be provided & hired from LDM.
We will share kit lists with you during the booking stage
Ice axes provided
Crampons can be hired
(£10 per day)
You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing and have appropriate mountain footwear
(B2 boots - these are rigid to take crampons)
Boot hire is £10 per pair, per day
VENUE
Ben Nevis and the surrounding Lochabar area.
On the day, we will meet you at Costa in Fort William at 8:00am.
Click here for a list of accommodation
The course is based in the Lochaber and will use various locations around Ben Nevis and Glen Coe and we will meet on location for some days (car parks from where the walks start).
We hope to summit Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis on day 2.
OTHER COURSES OF INTEREST...
Hire our mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.
Suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.
Day rates:
1:1 £300
1:2 £350pp
(£75 per additional person)
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.
Thank you