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Scottish Winter Skills
Guiding & Instruction based in the Scottish Highlands
Experience Winter in Scotland.
If you’re gearing up for your first day in the snow, keen to build confidence in full Scottish winter conditions, or working towards bigger alpine or expedition goals which require a grounding in basic winter movement skills — I’m here to help you get there. I run entry level winter skills courses that are all about building solid, real-world mountain experience. That means learning to move efficiently on snow and ice, using an axe and crampons with confidence, making good decisions in tough conditions, and knowing what to do when things go wrong. This is about more than just ticking skills off a list — it’s about giving you the confidence and independence to head into the hills and handle whatever the weather throws at you.
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What I do differently
Winter in the Highlands is wild, beautiful — and serious. Snow, wind, poor visibility and avalanche risk are all part of the mix. That’s why we keep things flexible, adapting plans to the conditions on the ground to give you the best and safest experience each day. Whether we’re focusing on movement, navigation, or emergency skills, the goal is always the same: to give you the tools to look after yourself and make solid decisions in the winter mountains.
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Who it’s for
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New hillwalkers looking to get started in winter
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Summer hikers wanting to build their winter toolbox
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Anyone aiming for bigger mountain adventures in Scotland or beyond
What to expect
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A practical, experience-based approach
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Focus on safety, self-reliance and good judgment
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Instruction tailored to your goals and ability
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Flexible plans based on weather and conditions
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Local knowledge to find the best venues each day
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A supportive, no-ego environment — and a good bit of Type 2 fun
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All instruction is delivered by a qualified instructors or leaders — so you’re in safe hands from the first step to the last.
Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, I’d love to hear where you’re headed — and help you get there.
Let’s get out in it.
Winter Navigation
Learn to use an ice axe and crampons!
Guided Winter Walks
A windy winter day in Glencoe
Why book a Winter Skills course in Scotland? No two winter courses are the same. Whether you’re taking your first steps onto snow-covered slopes or fine-tuning your technique for bigger objectives, Scotland offers the perfect training ground. Its mix of rugged terrain, fast-changing weather, and serious winter conditions creates an authentic environment to test your skills, judgement, and mountain sense. Led by fully qualified Mountaineering Instructors or Winter Mountain Leaders. Our Winter Skills Courses maintain the highest standards of safety, instruction, and professionalism. With expert guidance, you’ll learn to move confidently on snow and ice, using crampons and ice axe effectively, mastering movement skills, and understanding how to manage risk in complex winter terrain. From avalanche awareness and navigation in whiteout conditions to efficient movement on steep ground, ropework, and emergency procedures, you’ll develop the practical and decision-making skills essential for safe and efficient winter mountaineering. Every course is carefully adapted to the conditions and your experience level, ensuring maximum learning and progression. For those with alpine ambitions, Scotland’s winter mountains offer ideal preparation—teaching you to operate independently in harsh, unpredictable environments. The lessons learned here translate directly to higher, glaciated ranges abroad, giving you the confidence and competence to step up to alpine routes and bigger objectives.
Skills We Cover: - Winter Movement Skills - Use of Axe and Crampons - Planning and Navigation - Avalanche Awareness Max Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 guests — ensuring a high-quality, focused experience tailored to your specific needs.
Why Choose an AMI-Accredited Instructor? When it comes to climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, your safety, progression, and overall experience matter. That’s why choosing an instructor who is a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is such a smart decision. AMI-accredited instructors represent the highest standard of professional climbing instruction in the UK. Every member has undergone rigorous training and assessment through Mountain Training’s Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor scheme—the nationally recognised benchmark for coaching and guiding in technical terrain. What That Means for You: ✅ Unmatched Expertise: You're learning from someone with years of personal and professional experience in mountain environments. ✅ Safety First: AMI instructors are trained to manage risk, adapt plans to conditions, and make safe decisions in real time. ✅ Tailored Learning: Whether you're just starting out or working towards independence, you’ll get coaching that suits your level and goals. ✅ Fully Insured & First Aid Trained: Peace of mind knowing your instructor is fully qualified, insured, and prepared for emergencies. ✅ Local Knowledge, World-Class Standards: You’ll benefit from both deep local insight and a nationally recognised professional standard. From learning the ropes to climbing your dream line, an AMI instructor doesn’t just guide you—they equip you with the confidence, skills, and decision-making to grow as a climber. Climb smarter. Learn faster. Stay safer. Book with an AMI-accredited instructor and experience the difference.
What You’ll Get - A qualified Mountaineering Instructor (AMI member) or Winter Mountain Leader - All technical and safety equipment required for the day (except boots, axe and crampons - can be hired locally) - A customised experience based on your goals and the weather - Expert route choices based on real-time conditions You’ll Need to Bring: - Appropriate clothing, waterproofs, and footwear (check FAQ's for details). - Lunch, snacks, and a sense of adventure!
Winter Walking and Skills Destinations: Regular winter venues might include: Lochaber: - Ben Nevis - Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag (Nevis Range Ski Area) - Creag Meagdaidh - Beinn a' Chaorinn Glen Coe: - Buichaille Etive Beag - Buichaille Etive Mor - Stob Corie Nan Lochain and Bidean Nam Bian - Glencoe Ski Area Cairngorms: - Corie an t Sneachda and Cairn Lochain - Cairn Gorm - Ben Macdui - Sgorr Gaoith
Winter Equipment & Clothing: 1. Rucksack: - 30-40L with waist and chest straps for comfort. 2. Waterproofing: - Dry bags or bin bags to keep your belongings dry. 3. Footwear: - B-rated winter boots suitable for walking on compacted snow (rentable, details below) 4. Technical Gear: - Ice axe (available for rent in Fort William; see rental links on our FAQ page). - Crampons (also available for rent). 5. Comfortable walking socks. 6. Clothing: - Thermal base layers. - Walking trousers (avoid jeans; tracksuit bottoms are acceptable). - Moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton). - Fleece jacket. - Waterproof jacket (essential; consider Gore-Tex or similar). - Waterproof trousers (essential; Gore-Tex or similar recommended). - Spare fleece or base layer. - Puffer or belay jacket (important for emergencies or rest breaks). 7. Food & Hydration: - Packed lunch and snacks (energy bars, nuts, sweets, dried meats, etc.). - Minimum of 1L of water (Hot Flask of Tea/ Juice) 8. Accessories: - Gloves (bring 2-3 pairs for warmth). - Warm hat. - Emergency survival bag. - Head torch. - Hand warmers. Boot, Crampon and Axe Hire can be found at Ellis Brigham or at Calluna Self Catering (https://www.fortwilliamholiday.co.uk/)
It’s a bit of a cliché to call the rock climbing in Scotland "world-class"—but on the right day (dry and sunny, of course), it absolutely is. From towering sea stacks and mountain ridges to hidden Highland crags, Scotland offers some of the most adventurous, character-building rock climbing anywhere in the world.
What makes Scottish climbing truly special isn't just the routes—it's the ethos. The history, the strict ethics, the deep sense of exploration, and the local community's ability to embrace the “sub-optimal” with relentless optimism. It's no wonder so much of climbing's technical and cultural evolution has taken root here.
"Rock, Ridge, and Sea — Scramble in Scotland."
Not sure what you're looking for? Here's some inspiration!
Are you a keen hillwalker ready to take the next step into steeper, more adventurous terrain? Maybe you’re dreaming of a classic ridge like Aonach Eagach, the Cuillin, or An Teallach—or looking to build the skills to move confidently through complex ground using ropes, good judgment, and solid technique.
Whether you're after a one-day intro to scrambling, a brush-up on ropework, or a multi-day mountaineering journey through Scotland’s most dramatic mountains, we tailor each experience to suit your goals, ability, and (of course!) the ever-changing Scottish weather.
Here are just a few examples of the experiences and instructional courses we can offer—designed to help you explore more safely, confidently, and independently.
Example Itinerary 4: 1-Day Intro to Mountaineering & Scrambling For walkers ready to step into more technical terrain. •Meet at a mountain venue near Fort William, Aviemore, or Inverness •Objectives: Ledge Route (Ben Nevis), CMD Arete, Schoolhouse Ridge, or Stac Pollaidh •Skills covered: basic movement, route finding, intro to ropes and belaying techniques, and operating as a team on exposed ground •A full-value day out in beautiful and complex terrain
Example Itinerary 2: The Lochaber Ridge Experience (3 Days) Big classic ridges on Ben Nevis and Glencoe’s finest peaks. Day 1: Curved Ridge (Grade 3), learn to work as team and move in scrambling terrain! Day 2: Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe (Grade 2) •One of the most continuous and exposed scrambles in Scotland •Work on movement confidence and decision-making in committing terrain Day 3: Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis (Grade 3 / Mod) •One of the UK's most iconic alpine-style scrambles •Perfect for experiencing: short-roping and complex terrain management. •Potentially descend Ledge Route
Our goal is to leave you not only with a memorable experience, but with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to go out and climb on your own. As passionate local climbers and AMI professionals, we take pride in delivering high-quality, safe, and adventurous instruction—no matter what the Scottish weather throws at us.
Get in touch to plan your course and start your journey into the best climbing Scotland has to offer.
Whatever we get on—it’ll be an adventure.
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