winter Mountaineering: Intro
the cairngorms
Two full days in the heart of the Cairngorms building confidence in winter mountain terrain. This course is designed for those new to winter mountaineering or moving beyond winter walking and aiming to experience graded terrain, gullies and mixed ground.
2 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£370pp
50% deposit secures your booking
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is designed to help you transition from winter hillwalking into steeper, more technical mountaineering terrain and climbing on grade I/II winter routes.
We’ll introduce key techniques such as using a rope for security on exposed ground, using snow anchors, and moving efficiently on easy gullies and graded mountaineering ground.
We aim to get hands-on with real mountaineering challenges - whether ascending gullies, tackling rocky ridges, or navigating complex mixed ground.
By the end of the course, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to approach technical winter ground with greater independence, confidence, and awareness.
COURSE OUTLINE:
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Steeper Winter Terrain Intro
Explore the shift from winter hillwalking to mountaineering terrain: snow slopes, gullies, mixed ridges, and learn how to assess conditions, terrain and avalanche risk.
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Movement Skills on Snow, Ice & Mixed Ground
Develop efficient footwork and crampon/ice‑axe technique across varied ground, from open snow to steeper features and ice.
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Rope‑work for Winter Mountaineering
Get hands‑on with rope safety: tie‑in, belays and moving as a roped team on winter ground.
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Snow Anchors & Basic Protection
Learn to build snow anchors and use protection gear in winter environments.
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Route Planning & Judgement
Use weather forecasts, avalanche reports and map reading to plan safe winter mountaineering days, with a strong emphasis on decision‑making in real conditions.
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Guided Winter Mountaineering:
The second day is your opportunity to apply everything on a real journey or climb. Depending on weather, conditions, and experience, we may aim for a classic Grade I–II winter mountaineering or climbing route, such as:
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Fiacaill Ridge
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Jacob’s Ladder
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The Runnel
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Aladdin’s Couloir
You’ll be involved in route choice, preparation, and execution - with your instructor supporting you through steeper sections, rope-work, and decision-making along the way.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Two full days of instruction in the Cairngorm mountains
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Progression from winter walking to technical mountaineering terrain
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Coaching in efficient movement on snow, ice, rock, and mixed ground
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Training in snow anchors, belays, and winter protection
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Route planning and avalanche awareness tailored to winter conditions
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A guided mountaineering route or climb on Day 2 (conditions dependent)
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Instruction from qualified WMCI instructors
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A supportive environment to build confidence and practical skill in winter climbing
SKILLS COVERED:
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Movement on snow, ice, rock, and mixed terrain
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Use of crampons and ice axe for steep terrain
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Rope-work fundamentals: tying in, belaying, and rope management
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Moving safely as a roped team on exposed or steep ground
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Building and using snow anchors
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Gear placement for winter scrambling
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Route planning with weather and avalanche awareness
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Judgement and decision-making in dynamic mountain environments
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 B2 standard minimum (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 good summer mountaineering experience
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Those who’ve completed a winter skills course or have basic winter walking experience
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Individuals looking to progress onto Grade I–II winter mountaineering and climbing routes
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People wanting to develop rope-work, movement, and decision-making in steeper terrain
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Anyone aiming to become more confident and independent in winter mountain conditions
Suitable for ages 18+
To get the most from this course, you should have solid summer hillwalking experience and be comfortable on uneven, mountainous terrain.
Some prior winter walking experience - such as using crampons and an ice axe - is strongly recommended. Completion of a Winter Mountain Skills course is an ideal pre-cursor.
Some summer trad climbing or a summer scrambling/mountaineering course would be ideal.
A good level of fitness is important, as days can be long and physically demanding in winter conditions.
dates
COURSE RATIOS
1:2 Ratio
2 people per 1 instructor
Safety is paramount in technical terrain so 1:2 is max ratios
This course is open to the public and has 4 spaces per course.
Minimum of 2 for courses to run in full. If you are the only booking, that will secure an instructor for one day.
Private rates are:
1-1 £350| 1-2 £190pp
PRE-REQUISITES
Age: 18+
Experience: Comfortable with summer hill walking; some basic winter walking or winter skills recommended.
Preparation: Completing the
Winter Skills: Intro course is ideal.
Additional: Some summer mountaineering experience is beneficial.
For questions,
please contact us.
EQUIPMENT
Technical gear is available to hire from LDM.
Crampons and ice axes: £10/day as a set.
Suitable outdoor clothing and rigid B2 boots (for crampons) are required.
Boot hire available (£10/day) subject to size and availability.
Read more about kit and equipment on our blog.
VENUE
Day 1 begins with a meet at Tiso Explorer cafe in Aviemore and day 2 at the Ski Centre car park in the Northern Cairngorms.
The evening before the course includes an avalanche briefing, weather forecast, and kit hire/kit check.
Click here for a list of accommodation
Please choose accommodation central or close to Aviemore where possible - we can advise.
OTHER COURSES OF INTEREST...
Hire our Lake District 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 £330
1:2 £190pp
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