Lake District Guided Winter Climbing & Mountaineering - Snow & Ice Climbs | Ridges and Winter Scrambles

WINTER GUIDING:

LAKE DISTRICT

WALKING, CLIMBING & MOUNTAINEERING

Experience winter walking, climbing and mountaineering adventures on Lake District climbs and scrambles, on winter mountains such as Helvellyn, Great End & Blencathra.

Guided by WMCI guides, you'll develop key winter skills - ice axe and crampon techniques, route finding, and avalanche awareness. Perfect for climbers and mountaineers seeking focussed instruction & progression in challenging winter terrain.

GUIDING PRICES

PER DAY:

1:1 £295

1:2 £180pp

ENQUIRE NOW

OVERVIEW

Join Lake District Mountaineering for guided winter walking, climbing and mountaineering days in the Lake District, tailored to your experience and goals.

Whether you’re new to the winter environment or an experienced climber looking for a challenge, our qualified guides will help you climb snow, ice, and mixed routes and winter ridges suited to your level for a rewarding day on the mountain.

OUTLINE:

Customised Climbing Experiences:

We tailor each day to your abilities, goals, and interests - whether that’s tackling classic winter routes and gullies, exploring ridges, or learning core winter skills. Your adventure is designed around you.

Professional, Certified Guides:

Our team of AMI-certified guides combines expert technical knowledge with local experience. Passionate and safety-focused, they lead you confidently through the Lake District’s winter terrain.

Safety First Approach:

Safety is our priority. Our guides follow the latest best practices, undergo regular training, and use top-quality equipment. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Skill Development and Coaching:

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, our guides provide personalised coaching to help you improve technique, build confidence, and achieve your climbing goals.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Guided climbs on ice, mixed and gully routes tailored to your skill level
Full days in rugged winter mountain terrain with stunning views
Expert instruction in winter techniques including crampon use, ice axe skills, and route finding
Emphasis on safety with thorough risk management and top-quality gear
Personalised coaching to help you build confidence and improve skills
Flexible itineraries based on conditions, ability, and goals

EXAMPLE ITINERARIES:

Introductory:

Helvellyn’s Edges

Winter ascent via Striding Edge & descent via Swirral Edge, with crampon/ice axe coaching

Blencathra Winter Skills

Traverse including Sharp Edge, with focus on movement and safety

Red Tarn Cirque Skills Day

Skills based day (ice axe arrest, crampon work, ice axe use) followed by short and steep ascents on the Red Tarn Face

Intermediate:

Great End Gullies

Climb Central Gully or Window Gully - classic Lakes snow and ice climbing

Brown Cove Crags

Mixed ground on Helvellyn’s north side - guided and instructed winter climbing/scrambling

Pinnacle Ridge (St. Sunday Crag)

Classic grade II winter mountaineering ridge, combining climbing and scrambling

Advanced/Experienced:

Dollywagon Pike:

Grade III/IV routes in the depths of Dollywaggon

Green & Great Gable

Pinnacle Ridge (III) or turfy mixed climbs on Green Gable

Red Tarn Grade III's:

Longer, exposed mied and ice climbs with complex route finding

Viking Buttress:

Technical mixed routes (III–V), using rock protection and winter gear

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Beginner winter mountaineers & climbers wanting to learn winter climbing skills in a safe, supportive environment
Intermediate mountaineers & climbers looking to progress on classic winter routes
Experienced climbers seeking new challenges on ice & mixed routes and snowy gullies

Suitable for ages 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

A good level of fitness and some summer hillwalking and/or Grade I scrambling experience is required for our introductory winter days.
For climbing days, prior attendance of a winter skills course and some trad climbing experience are essential. Summer mountaineering experience is also beneficial.s

COURSE RATIOS

1:2 Ratio

Safety is paramount so no more than 2 people per 1 instructor on winter climbing & mountaineering routes.

A party larger than 2 will require multiple instructors - we can supply instructors adhering to our ratios - please enquire.

1:4 for winter walkers and bespoke skills days

PRE-REQUISITES

For walkers and mountaineers: Some summer hill walking/scrambling experience is necessary.

The days are progressional and we are looking to build confidence in technical ground.

For climbers: some winter skills experience is necessary and ideally some trad rock climbing in the summer.

EQUIPMENT

All technical equipment can be provided, including ice axes for climbing.

We will share kit lists with you during the booking stage

You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing for the winter mountain environment (full gore-tex, warm layers and gloves) and suitable mountain footwear (B2/B3 for crampon use)