Winter Climbing
Courses, training and guiding in winter climbing and winter mountaineering delivered by expert instructors from Aviemore, Scotland
Scottish winter climbing is rich in history and known throughout the world as a unique and unforgettable experience. Many great climbers and mountaineers have tested themselves on ice climbs and mixed routes in the Highlands of Scotland.
Winter climbing in Scotland tests mountaineering skills in conditions that are often challenging. It will test your navigation skills, avalanche awareness, and your ability to manage the use of ropes, ice axes and crampons.
Our winter courses focus on the mountaineering and climbing skills required to undertake a winter route safely and independently. All Cairngorm Adventure Guides are fully qualified and experienced, so you can relax in the knowledge that you’ll be led safely and enjoy the highest quality coaching. And, just as importantly, we are committed to ensuring you have fun in the mountains while you learn.
Which winter skills course is right for me?
All of our winter climbing and winter mountaineering courses require at least some winter walking experience. If you need to recap the basics, try our winter walking skills courses.
Our 2-Day Intro to Winter Mountaineering Skills Course bridges the gap between winter walking and climbing, and it’s aimed at those who already have some winter walking experience, learning the skills while staying on less serious terrain. This course runs at 1:4 ratio.
Our 2-Day Intro to Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Course covers the same skills, but at a lower ratio (1:2) meaning you can climb steeper routes and put the skills into practice on graded climbs, with the aim of helping you to become an independent and confident winter mountaineer.
On our 5-Day Intro to Winter Climbing Course covers the same as the 2 day course but with more time to practice the skills and climb more exciting routes. You’ll learn to tackle graded winter routes by climbing in pitches and using two technical axes. You’ll need some winter walking experience under your belt before you take part. We cover a condensed version of this course in our 2-Day Intro to Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Course.