2-day Winter Skills Course
Is it for me?
This course is ideal if you are a summer hill walker, keen to head out on your own adventures in winter. Based out of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, the 2-day format of this course provides significantly more input than time allows on the 1-day course, enabling opportunities to consolidate skills introduced on the first day, as well as developing other important skills including avalanche awareness, navigation and emergency procedures.
Course content
Over the two days we will look at:
- Selection of clothing and equipment suitable for winter hill walking;
- Planning a winter mountain day, taking into account weather forecasts, avalanche forecasts (where they are available, and what to do if they're not) and other factors;
- Movement over snow- and ice-covered terrain including the use of winter boots, crampons and an ice axe;
- An introduction to avalanche awareness;
- "Winterising" your navigation; and
- Emergency procedures.
Dates and prices
Scheduled events - available for individuals to join as part of a small, open group (maximum 4 participants):
- Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th January 2025
- Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th February 2025
- Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th March 2025
Price: £200 per person
Price includes complimentary use of crampons, ice axe, helmet, map, map case and compass.
Returning clients receive a 10% discount.
Private courses - can be run throughout the winter (December to April inclusive) on mutually-agreeable dates to suit you and your group:
- 1 person or 2 people: £400
- 3 people: £480
- 4 people: £520
Prices include complimentary use of crampons, ice axe, helmet, map, map case and compass.
Returning clients receive a 10% discount.
Further information
Experience required: My winter skills courses are ideal if you already have some summer hill walking experience, a good level of fitness, and you wish to extend your skills so you can enjoy the mountains all year round. No previous winter hill walking experience is required.
Equipment required: A detailed kit list will be provided at the time of booking. Course participants will need to supply most of their own kit including ski goggles and winter boots. Winter boot hire can be arranged from several outdoor shops in Aviemore - further details are included on the kit list.
Joining instructions: Course participants will meet in Aviemore on the first morning of their course. This will allow the most suitable venue for the first day to be chosen based on the weather forecast, snow conditions etc. Course participants will need to arrange their own travel from Aviemore to the course venue each day. If you will not have a car, for example if you are planning on arriving in Aviemore using public transport, please advise at the time of booking as it may be possible to facilitate a lift "up the hill". Car sharing amongst course participants will be encouraged.