Winter Skills Cairngorms
We have a range of one and two day winter skills, walking and navigation courses in the Cairngorms at Aviemore and Glenshee. Our fully qualified and experienced instructors will take you through navigation techniques, avalanche awareness, the use of crampons and ice arrest using an ice axe. Options are available for those new to winter mountaineering and more seasoned adventurers!
Whether you are new to hillwalking and want to venture out and learn new skills or you are an experienced and seasoned mountaineer ready for a new challenge, we’re here to help you achieve and conquer your goals. Improving winter skills in the Cairgorms is a great way to prepare for adventures such as tackling the renowned Eagle Ridge at Lochnagar or further afield at the Cuillin ridge on Skye.
Introduction to Winter Skills Course
This two-day course, Winter Skills in Aviemore and Glenshee in the stunning Cairngorms, is the first step into the magical world of winter hill walking and mountaineering.
Course objective
Our experienced team will give you the skills to explore the hills of the UK in the winter safely and with confidence.
What you will learn
You will cover the fundamentals of winter hillwalking such as use of ice axe and crampons, winter navigation techniques, avalanche awareness, route choice and equipment choice and much more.
| Aviemore | Glenshee |
| Sat/Sun 5-6 March 2022 | Sat/Sun 5-6 February 2022 |
| Sat/Sun 12-13 March 2022 |
Duration: 2 days
Required skills/fitness level:
You will gain most from this course if you have done some summer hill walking and have a good basic level of fitness.
Spaces: 6 (Ratio 1:6)
Price: £160
Course information
Meeting point for Glenshee winter skills courses
We will meet at 9:00 at The Bothy Braemar where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
Meeting point for Aviemore winter skills courses
We will meet at 9:00 at Tiso shop cafe where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
Over the 2 days on the hill we will look at:
- Identifying risks and safe travel including basic snowpack checks
- Safe travel wearing crampons
- Carrying and using your ice axe safely and effectively
- Ice axe arrests
- General navigation in the winter environment
- Building emergency shelters
- We will also cover the topic of transceivers and rescue equipment such as snow shovels and avalanche probes.
Below is a list of equipment you will be required to bring as part of the winter adventure in the Cairngorms.
*Should you not have any of the below equipment please get in touch as we can supply some items.
- Compass and map case
(Those attending navigation course, maps will be provided) - Mountaineering axe, available if required
- Mountaineering crampons, available if required
- Head torch
- Ski goggles
- 30 – 40ltr rucksack with waterproof liner
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Thermal flask
- Waterproof jacket and trousers suitable for winter
- Stiff mountaineering boots
- Gaiters are advised
- Thermal Base layers
- Trousers, Wind stopper, power stretch, warm trousers /leggings
- Mid layers, soft shell/ fleece/ synthetic mid layer jacket
- Spare warm jacket (belay jacket)
- Hat and spare
- Waterproof/warm gloves and spares
- Climbing helmet
- Snow shovel
(Not essential, but if you have one bring it along) - Walking poles if you use them
Introduction to Winter Hillwalking Course
Whether you are looking for a refresher, or taking your basic navigation skills to the next level, this winter hillwalking course in Aviemore or Glenshee in the stunning Cairngorms, will teach you the techniques and skills required to navigate confidently through the mountains in winter while having a great day out.
Course objective
Our experienced instructors will teach you the skills to navigate the hills of the UK in the winter safely and with confidence.
What you will learn
You will cover the fundamentals required such as use of a compass and winter navigation techniques, avalanche awareness, route choice and equipment choice and much more.
| Aviemore | Glenshee |
| Sat 12 February 2022 | Sat 19 February 2022 |
| Sun 19 March 2022 | Sat 26 March 2022 |
Duration: 1 day
Required skills/fitness level:
You will gain most from this course if you have done some summer hill walking and have a good basic level of fitness, along with basic map and compass skills. You will also need to have walked in crampons before and be used to carrying an ice axe for support, if needed.
Spaces: 6 (Ratio 1:6)
Price: £80
Course information
Meeting point for Glenshee winter hillwalking courses
We will meet at 9:00 at The Bothy Braemar where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
Meeting point for Aviemore winter hillwalking courses
We will meet at 9:00 at Tiso shop cafe where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
Over the day on the hill we will look at:
- Identifying risks and safe travel including basic snowpack checks
- Safe travel wearing crampons
- Carrying and using your ice axe safely and effectively
- Ice axe arrests
- General navigation in the winter environment
- Building emergency shelters
- We will also cover the topic of transceivers and rescue equipment such as snow shovels and avalanche probes.
- Below is a list of equipment you will be required to bring. *Should you not have any of the below equipment please get in touch as we can supply some items.
- Compass and map case
(Those attending navigation course, maps will be provided) - Mountaineering axe, available if required
- Mountaineering crampons, available if required
- Head torch
- Ski goggles
- 30 – 40ltr rucksack with waterproof liner
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Thermal flask
- Waterproof jacket & trousers suitable for winter
- Stiff mountaineering boots
- Gaiters are advised
- Thermal Base layers
- Trousers, Wind stopper, power stretch, warm trousers /leggings
- Mid layers, soft shell/ fleece/ synthetic mid layer jacket
- Spare warm jacket (belay jacket)
- Hat and spare
- Waterproof/warm gloves and spares
- Climbing helmet
- Snow shovel
(Not essential, but if you have one bring it along) - Walking poles if you use them
- Compass and map case
Winter Navigation Course
This one-day course based out of Aviemore and Glenshee in the stunning Cairngorms, is suitable for winter walkers, mountaineers, climbers as well as ski tourers. During this winter adventure we will teach you the techniques and skills required to navigate confidently through the mountains in winter and how to avoid the hazards you may be faced with.
Course objective
Our experienced instructors will refresh and build on your skills to give you the confidence to head into the hills safely this winter.
What you will learn
You will learn the advanced techniques of using a compass and winter navigation techniques, avalanche awareness, route choice and equipment choice and much more.
| Aviemore | Glenshee |
| Sat 13 February 2022 | Sun 20 February 2022 |
| Sat 20 March 2022 | Sun 27 March 2022 |
Duration: 1 day
Required skills/fitness level:
You will gain most from this course if you have done some summer hill walking and have a good basic level of fitness. Participants should have good map and compass skills to build on. You will also need to have walked in crampons before and be used to carrying an ice axe for support.
Spaces: 6 (Ratio 1:6)
Price: £80
Course information
Meeting point for Glenshee winter navigation courses
We will meet at 9:00 at The Bothy Braemar where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
Meeting point for Aviemore winter navigation courses
We will meet at 9:00 at Tiso shop cafe where you can grab a coffee while we go through the plan for the day and ensure you have the correct equipment. We will discuss route choice, avalanche forecasting and weather forecasting and the implications they will all have on our route choice before heading out onto the hill.
During the day on the hill we will look at:
- Identifying risks and safe travel including basic snowpack checks
- Safe travel wearing crampons
- Carrying and using your ice axe safely and effectively
- Ice axe arrests
- General navigation in the winter environment
- Building emergency shelters
- We will also cover the topic of transceivers and rescue equipment such as snow shovels and avalanche probes.
- Below is a list of equipment you will be required to bring for this winter adventure.*Should you not have any of the below equipment please get in touch as we can supply some items.
- Compass and map case
(Those attending navigation course, maps will be provided) - Mountaineering axe, available if required
- Mountaineering crampons, available if required
- Head torch
- Ski goggles
- 30 – 40ltr rucksack with waterproof liner
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Thermal flask
- Waterproof jacket & trousers suitable for winter
- Stiff mountaineering boots
- Gaiters are advised
- Thermal Base layers
- Trousers, Wind stopper, power stretch, warm trousers /leggings
- Mid layers, soft shell/ fleece/ synthetic mid layer jacket
- Spare warm jacket (belay jacket)
- Hat and spare
- Waterproof/warm gloves and spares
- Climbing helmet
- Snow shovel
(Not essential, but if you have one bring it along) - Walking poles if you use them
- Compass and map case
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