In winter, the mountains take on a magical charm. They can be wild and unpredictable, but also beautiful in their garb of ice and snow. This picture I took is of Glen Etive taken from Ben Starav, at dusk on such a day. Breathtaking, and not photo-shopped!
Many walkers hang up their boots for the colder months, but why not let me take you to experience the elemental nature of winter in the hills?
I can provide ideas on routes to suit all, along with tuition and coaching in the additional skills required to move safely over the more demanding terrain. This can be from the most basic of instruction on moving over relatively easy ground using good footwork, crampons and ice axe, through to full-on days progressing through the skills needed to be safe on larger, longer mountain days.
Whether your desire is to summit your winter Munro and experience a wild winter's day, or whether you would like to improve your confidence with the equipment needed, I can help.
Many walkers hang up their boots for the colder months, but why not let me take you to experience the elemental nature of winter in the hills?
I can provide ideas on routes to suit all, along with tuition and coaching in the additional skills required to move safely over the more demanding terrain. This can be from the most basic of instruction on moving over relatively easy ground using good footwork, crampons and ice axe, through to full-on days progressing through the skills needed to be safe on larger, longer mountain days.
Whether your desire is to summit your winter Munro and experience a wild winter's day, or whether you would like to improve your confidence with the equipment needed, I can help.
Winter Courses
I run these on demand based on an individual or group's skills and desires, from December to April. Predominantly they are tailored to the summer hill walker who wants to become independent in the winter mountains. Typically they are as follows -
One Day Winter Introduction
This will cover the basics required to move safely in the hills in winter
I run these on demand based on an individual or group's skills and desires, from December to April. Predominantly they are tailored to the summer hill walker who wants to become independent in the winter mountains. Typically they are as follows -
One Day Winter Introduction
This will cover the basics required to move safely in the hills in winter
- Equipment and kit
- Route choice, taking conditions into consideration
- Moving across winter terrain using the boot as a tool
- Use of the ice axe
- Fitting and walking in crampons
- Avoiding a slip and ice axe arrest
Two Day Mini Winter Skills
This will cover all of the above, but will also cover
Four Day Winter Skills
This will cover all of the above, but will also incorporate a day on the difficulties of winter navigation, and a final day putting it all into practice on a full-on winter mountain route, including
This will cover all of the above, but will also cover
- Making progress on steeper terrain
- Avalanche awareness
- The mountain journey, using all the skills to achieve a summit
Four Day Winter Skills
This will cover all of the above, but will also incorporate a day on the difficulties of winter navigation, and a final day putting it all into practice on a full-on winter mountain route, including
- Emergency procedures
- Emergency shelters and snow holes
All courses are operated and tailored to the individuals, on a basis of a group of four. I will match aspirations and skill levels where individuals make up a group, or suggest alternative dates where they become available. Contact me for details and availability.
The courses will be held either around Ben Lawers, in the Cairngorms or in Glencoe, dependent on conditions. We will confirm the location within two weeks of the dates to allow you to make accommodation arrangements. It is not usually difficult to find accommodation in the winter.
I will build in dates as people request them.
All courses for 2021/22 are being run on a bespoke ad hoc basis, please contact me for details
The courses will be held either around Ben Lawers, in the Cairngorms or in Glencoe, dependent on conditions. We will confirm the location within two weeks of the dates to allow you to make accommodation arrangements. It is not usually difficult to find accommodation in the winter.
I will build in dates as people request them.
All courses for 2021/22 are being run on a bespoke ad hoc basis, please contact me for details