winter skills: Development
ben nevis & glen coe
An in depth winter skills course, based in the West Highland and tackling steeper terrain and some classic Munros over 3 days in the mountains. A comprehensive course covering all skills you need to stay in the winter environment.
Ideal for walkers looking to build more confidence with a well rounded, holistic course in big mountain terrain.
3 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£390pp
50% deposit secures your booking
COURSE OVERVIEW
This three-day winter development course is designed for walkers who already enjoy the mountains and are ready to progress into more challenging winter terrain. Based in the West Highlands, the course builds confidence on steeper ground, introduces more advanced navigation techniques, and finishes with a self-led mountain journey to consolidate skills.
This is a walkers’ course — not a mountaineering or climbing programme — and we operate on a maximum of Grade 1 winter ground only.
Ideal for those wanting to take the next step beyond basic winter skills and become confident independent winter hillwalkers.
OUTLINE:
-
Core Winter Skills & Equipment
Fitting and using crampons effectively
Ice axe techniques: support, balance & basic self-arrest
Efficient footwork and movement on snowy / icy slopes
Winter clothing, layering & equipment essentials
Avalanche awareness introduction
Emergency considerations & group shelters
-
Winter Navigation
Navigation in poor visibility & snow-covered ground
Compass work
Contour interpretation & relocation in winter
Pacing/timing techniques
1:40k & 1:50k navigation techniques
Whiteout navigation and safety
-
Steep Ground
Decision-making on more committing winter terrain.
Route choice on steeper winter slopes (Grade 1 maximum)
Avalanche terrain evaluation & hazard avoidance
Winter journey planning under supervision
-
Self-Led Winter Journey
Route planning & execution
Terrain assessment & safe route choices
Group management & time planning
Managing real-world winter conditions confidently
-
Terrain and Summits:
We will operate in mountainous terrain and aim to summit several winter Munros. The terrain and summits used during the course may include:
-
Ben Nevis, Carn Mòr Dearg (CMD), Aonach Mòr, Aonach Beag, Stob Bàn (Grey Corries), Buachaille Etive Beag, Buachaille Etive Mòr, Stob Coire nan Lochan, Bidean nam Bian
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Three full, practical days in the winter mountains (Ben Nevis & Glen Coe area)
-
Progressive structure: learn → apply → lead
-
Steeper winter ground within walkers’ limits
-
Supportive coaching and individual feedback
-
A realistic journey day to build independence and judgement
-
Some Munros and summits appropriate to the conditions and group ability
-
Time to practise, ask questions and refine technique
SKILLS COVERED
-
Winter movement on snow, ice & mixed ground
-
Crampon & ice axe techniques on steeper ground
-
Basic ice axe arrest
-
Emergency procedures
-
Route planning & safe terrain selection
-
Winter navigation on 1:40k & 1:50k maps
-
Recognition of avalanche terrain & safe travel choices
-
Weather interpretation & hill decision-making
-
Kit management, efficiency & winter safety systems
-
Leadership & group management in winter conditions
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?
-
Experienced hillwalkers wanting to gain confidence in winter conditions
-
Walkers with basic winter experience looking to gain confidence on steeper ground
-
Anyone preparing for independent winter journeys on classic Scottish mountains & Munros
Suitable for ages 18+
This course is aimed at hillwalkers looking for progression in winter mountain terrain, or those with limited winter experience who want to develop greater confidence and competence - building knowledge and skills to indpedent travel across all winter mountain terrain.
dates
COURSE RATIOS
1:4 Ratio
4 people per 1 instructor
Min: 2 | Max: 4
Learn with like-minded people in the winter environment
We can provide additional instructors so if courses are full then please still enquire.
PRE-REQUISITES
18+
Previous experience of hill walking in summer conditions is ideal. 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)
Please contact us to discuss regarding any queries.
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
Our venues are carefully selected and tailored to get the most out of the programme.
On the day, we will meet you at Costa in Fort William at 7:45am.
We will then look to organise your equipment.
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)
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 £275
1:2 £300
(£120 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