Guided Winter Climbing 2 Days

A guided introduction to winter climbing (2 day) course in Aviemore & the Cairngorms. Scotland has amazing winter climbing options, and climbing in the Cairngorms is an excellent opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and awesome crags of some of the best climbing destinations in the country. Scotland is often hailed with some of the greatest winter climbing anywhere in the world. With an experienced guide leading the way, participants will learn and improve their technical skills, such as using ice axes and crampons, avalanche awareness, tying in & belaying appropriately. The Cairngorms offer a range of routes suitable for climbers of all levels, from beginners to experienced climbers seeking a new challenge and we can tailor the course to your abilities.

Scotland’s reputation for winter climbing is well-known, and the Cairngorms are at the forefront of this reputation, making it an excellent place to learn and improve your climbing skills. Routes in the Cairngorms quite literally range from the easiest in the world to the hardest winter climbs in the world so there is something for everyone!

Any Winter Climbing courses will only be delivered by individuals holding the highest UK climbing award you can attain the WMCI and all instructors will be members of AMI (association of mountaineering instructors) – proving they adhere to strict CPD requirements and are currently at the very top of the climbing industry. 

Prior winter walking experience is recommended but not essential and some basic prior climbing experience would also be ideal.

A 2 day guided winter climbing course in the Cairngorms, Scotland is a perfect introduction to the beauty and challenges of winter climbing. 

Day 1: The itinerary typically starts with a weather and avalanche discussion as well equipment check at Tiso in Aviemore. This then follows a short drive to Cairngorm Mountain where on the walk in we will discuss plans, snow conditions and aims for the two days. Over the course of the day, participants will get to climb at least one routes suitable for their level, under the guidance of an AMI expert instructor. The instructor will also teach navigation skills, including reading maps and using a compass (if you wish). Each day will be tailored to suit the group’s experience and skill level, with the aim of building confidence and competence in winter climbing. We will cover ice axe and crampon usage as well as many technical skills associated with climbing gear, tying in and belaying. The route we will aim to do today will be that of Hidden Chimney (or something in the surrounding area) which is a classic mixed routes involving snow, rock and sometimes small patches of ice which weaves its way up through the Mess of Pottage.

A guided introduction to winter climbing (2 day) course in Aviemore & the Cairngorms, Scotland is the perfect fit for anyone looking to improve their climbing skills in a challenging and breathtakingly beautiful environment. The Cairngorms offer a range of routes for climbers of all levels, from gentle slopes to steep and technical climbs.

Ideally you should have some winter walking experience and some basic climbing experience beforehand but we don’t make this a requirement and can tailor easier climbs to people who don’t have any experience yet.

With an experienced guide (a member of AMI) leading the way, participants will be able to develop their technical skills, such as using ice axes and crampons. Scotland’s reputation for winter climbing is world-renowned, making it an excellent place to learn and improve and the Cairngorms makes this all the easier with some the countries best climbing at a short 1/1.5 hour walk from the car.

If you want to open a whole new climbing playground having only climbed in summer before then this is for you! We can tailor the course to adults or children and are open to giving you an awesome winter adventure climbing trip that you will love for the years to come. The course is suitable for adults or adventurous young people as we are an AALA approved organisation and have been checked by HSE to be allowed to provide winter climbing for kids.