£650

NB: This itinerary is a sample of what we could do during the course. This is subject to change due to weather, conditions and group fitness. I will always make sure that you get the most out of your course no matter what the weather and conditions are.

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Day 1 - Introduction to Winter Mountaineering and Essential Winter Skills

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We’ll kick off by introducing essential winter skills for safe and effective winter mountaineering. After gearing up, we’ll embark on a journey through the awe-inspiring winter mountains. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered landscapes as we trek through the frozen wilderness, experiencing the beauty and solitude that winter mountaineering offers.

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Along the way, you’ll practise using ice axes and crampons, learning how to safely traverse icy slopes. We'll cover ice axe arrest techniques, essential for managing slips on steep ground, and you'll begin developing your winter navigation abilities, tackling the unique challenges of navigating in snow-covered environments. This immersive experience will provide you with a strong foundation in winter skills, setting you up for success in the days ahead.

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By the end of the day, you’ll have not only improved your technical skills but also experienced the thrill of travelling through the winter mountains.

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Day 2 - Tackling Steeper Ground, Ridge Climb, and Summit Success

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The second day will focus on advancing your winter navigation and winter skills, while introducing steeper ground to build your confidence in more technical winter mountaineering situations. You’ll ascend steeper slopes, navigate a ridge, and push towards a summit. This is an opportunity to practise techniques for reading maps and using a compass in snowy conditions, essential for safe winter summit attempts.

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We’ll also cover planning and preparation for winter mountaineering adventures, ensuring you’re equipped with the skills needed to tackle more challenging environments. In addition, we’ll introduce avalanche awareness, an essential part of winter skills, so you’ll learn how to assess risks and make informed decisions to avoid dangerous areas during your climbs.

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By the end of Day 2, you’ll have gained valuable experience in steeper terrain, ridge navigation, and summiting in winter conditions.

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Day 3 - Complex Terrain, Ropework & Advanced Winter Skills

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On day three, we’ll tackle more complex terrain, allowing you to apply and refine your winter navigation and winter skills in more challenging conditions. You’ll learn how to manage and assess more difficult landscapes, adapting your decision-making as conditions change.

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The day will also focus on ropework skills—a crucial part of winter skills for winter mountaineering. We’ll teach you how to use ropes for security, including techniques for tying into a rope team, belaying, and building anchors. These skills will ensure you’re able to protect yourself and others when navigating steep or exposed winter terrain.

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By the end of the day, you’ll feel more confident navigating complex terrain and handling technical aspects of winter mountaineering.

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Day 4 - Steep Ground Skills, Emergency Procedures & Developing Independence

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Our final day will concentrate on making you a more independent winter mountaineer. You’ll continue practising ropework skills, learning how to safeguard yourself and others in exposed areas. We’ll reinforce your winter navigation and Winter Skills, ensuring you’re confident in using them in poor visibility or extreme conditions.

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A major focus will be on developing the confidence and winter mountaineering skills to plan and execute your own winter mountaineering adventures. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of decision-making in dynamic environments, ensuring you're prepared to face challenges independently. We’ll also cover emergency procedures, a vital part of winter skills, so you can manage unexpected situations such as getting lost, injured, or dealing with rapidly changing weather conditions.

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By the end of the day, you'll have the winter mountaineering skills and confidence needed to safely enjoy winter mountaineering on your own.

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If you have any questions about this course, just get in touch!

This winter mountaineering course is designed for everyone, regardless of experience level. However, having some hillwalking/hiking experience beforehand can help you get the most out of the course. We’ll tailor the course to meet your individual needs and help you become a safe, confident, and independent winter mountaineer. 

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Good general fitness will always make the course more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’d like advice on how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ve got lots of simple and effective ways to prepare physically for winter mountaineering.

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Feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience and goals—I’m always happy to help guide you to the right course!

• Making sound decisions in winter mountaineering environments

• Enhancing personal organisation and efficiency for winter conditions

• Selecting and using essential winter mountaineering equipment

• Moving safely on snow and ice with crampons and ice axe

• Performing an effective ice axe arrest

• Understanding the winter climbing grading system for mountaineering

• Mastering ropework for gully climbing in winter mountaineering

• Perfecting ropework for climbing ridges and winter scrambles

• Setting up and using snow anchors in winter mountaineering

• Moving efficiently across snow, ice, and mixed terrain

• Developing avalanche awareness for winter mountaineering safety

• Mastering macro and micro navigation in winter terrain

• Planning and preparing for winter mountain days

• Interpreting weather and avalanche forecasts for winter mountaineering

• Assessing real-time mountain conditions on the ground

• Understanding and executing emergency procedures in winter mountaineering