Guided Winter Climbing Week

Here’s a sample itinerary for a 5-day guided winter climbing week in Scotland:

Day 1: Meet in Aviemore at Tiso at 08:30, introductions, equipment check, and travel to the Cairngorms. Climb a relatively easy route to warm up and assess your current ability.

Day 2: Guided climb up a classic winter mountaineering route like the Runnel in Coire an t Sneachda, focusing on techniques for moving on steep snow and mixed ground.

Day 3: Guided climb up a more technical route in the Cairngorms like Hell’s Lum or Red Gully. The route chosen will ideally have some sections of ice to learn ice climbing techniques.

Day 4: Guided climb up a long, classic winter climb such as Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis.

Day 5: Choose a climb based on weather and group ability. This could be a already visited venue or a new objective. End the day with a debrief and discussion of future goals.

Throughout the week, the guide will provide instruction on winter climbing techniques, avalanche awareness, and any other aims.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your Guided Winter Climbing Course:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your guided Winter Climbing Week Long Course:

• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Sun cream, sunglasses
• Clear goggles – we may be able to provide if required please contact us.
• Waterproofs 
• Warm layers
• Thick gloves and a hat/buff
• B2 boots (we may be able to arrange hire of these if needed; please contact us if this is the case. But people normally prefer to use their own)
• Rucksack 30 litres or so will suffice
• Own personal kit IF YOU WISH TO Harness, helmet, Crampons, Axes etc (we do supply these but sometimes people prefer to use their own)

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• All instruction.
• Crampons
• Ice Axes
• Leashes
• Ropes
• Helmets
• All Technical Climbing Gear
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Transportation for 2 people. Pickup can be arranged from elsewhere if needed.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! If the weather is good we will have a DSLR professional camera  so we can take photos and videos of your adventure and you can look back at the day for years to come. If the weather is less favourable we will bring a GoPro (as it is waterproof) so we will still be able to take photos for you.