winter climbing courses
Winter Climbing Courses
Firstly our winter climbing courses and or days, are pitched at the novice winter climber wanting their first taste of winter climbing. Through to seasoned winter climbers, looking to be guided up a classic climb/route.
These days run predominantly from Scotland but likewise can be run from the Lake District when conditions arrive.
UK for winter climbing is totally unique in the fact that the changing weather conditions means that no 2 days are the same! Soft powder, Steep ice, and mixed terrain can be encountered in a single day.
We choose the grade for you’re ability, and give you the appropriate instruction to get you to the top. Under your own steam of course. Depending on what you’re needs and interests are, we’ll tailor the day and structure it accordingly.
Below is a list of some of the topics covered; this is by no means extensive.
Main Topics covered:
Movement on various terrain types
Using 2 axes
Leashes or no leashes?
Equipment used
Placing/taking out equipment
Ice screws
Belays and construction
Stance management
Using double and single ropes
Retreating/Abseiling
Threads
Snow bollards/belays
Emergency procedures
Winter climbing leading: winter climbing courses
We can also introduce winter lead climbing to people wanting to progress and take it to the next level. This is a big step, and having a qualified and experienced instructor to hand is essential, as well as comforting. Having someone at the side of you whilst your leading can really propel you to the next stage in you’re winter climbing career. Help choosing the correct route line, as well as what and when to place gear is essential.
The instructor will assess you’re ability and decide on the day if you are ready to winter lead climb. It may be that you want to, but on the day doesn’t feel right. If this is the case, no problem the instructor will take the reigns and give you a fantastic and memorable day.
Don’t forget if winter climbing isn’t what you’re looking for? We run our winter skills courses. See here for more information. And we also provide guided winter walking day? See here.
Below is a list of some of the most popular winter climbs – We also offer these on our – winter climbing courses:
Winter climbs: winter climbing courses
Aonach Eagach – Glencoe
Tower Ridge – Ben Nevis
Ledge Route – Ben Nevis
Point 5 Gully – Ben Nevis
North Gully – Lurcher’s crag
Raeburn’s Gully – Lochnagar
Taxus – Beinn an Dothaidh
Golden Oldy – Aonach Mor
Our winter climbing courses are physically demanding. Most of the time the walk in is long and often hard going. Therefore a reasonable degree of fitness is required. Of course you may be a racing snake already, well that’s great! But you should be hovering around top end of our bronze, and the start of our silver fitness ratings before embarking. See here.
Kit
Equipment can be hired in advance. Ice axe and crampons. We can also hire winter crampon compatible winter climbing boots (B3 rated) out for a small daily fee. The prices shown are for the duration of your chosen course – So if your booking for 3 days this is the only price to pay.
- Crampons – £10.00
- Ice axe – £10.00
- B2 boots – £20
- Our ‘Trio’ package – All 3 above – £35
Dates:
The climbing winter period runs from December – March. Therefore these months are the most reliable for snow and ice. That said it officially kicks off in January as December can sometimes just be getting going and can be wetter.
Prices:
The price is per person per day. Our winter climbing days are run with a maximum of 1:2 clients per instructor.
1-1 – £220
1-2 – £120
Pricing:
A £50 deposit is required to book a place. See our Contact and Pricing page for more details.
For larger groups more than 2 persons please get in touch for pricing.
*The prices does not include kit hire. A selection of B2/B3 boots and crampons/ice axes can be hired.
Further reading:
BMC – Climbing snow and frozen turf secondly thirdly
BMC – Protecting steeper mixed ground
The BMC – Climbing steep ice tactics