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Course Info

Scottish Winter Courses

Scottish Winter Mountaineering

You’re a dedicated hillwalker who wants to take things up a level and become a true ‘mountaineer’, tackling the more challenging peaks of Glencoe and Lochaber in winter.


BreakdownWhat's included?Kit List
Dates, Prices & Booking
  • Payment plans available

5 Days

Scotland

Instructor Ratio1:4

Location

Scotland

Length

5 Days

Instructor Ratio

1:4

Course Breakdown

Overview

Our top-class instructors will combine practical instruction with ascents of many of the finest summits in the Western Highlands to develop your winter skills on steeper snow and winter scrambling terrain.

You’ll cover winter navigation, and avalanche evaluation alongside the emergency procedures of building a snow shelter and basic ropework for steep ground. You’ll get masses of practical experience during the day, and we’ll share our expert technical knowledge with you through a series of evening lectures to reinforce what you’ve learned out on the mountains.

The Objectives

  • Make the transition from winter hillwalker to mountaineer.
  • Learn practically over five days in the spectacular Scottish mountains, in combination with evening theory sessions.
  • Cover all of the main skills you need to gain masses of confidence in your personal mountaineering ability.

What to Expect

This course will take you progressively through the skills of winter mountaineering. Venues and day to day activities are weather and snow-dependent with decisions regarding each day’s programme being decided by the course director. The whole group will meet for a daily briefing, allowing you to share the decision making process.

We will aim to cover the following topics;

  • Use of ice axe and crampons
  • Ice axe arrest
  • Winter navigation
  • Avalanche risk assessment and avoidance
  • Emergency snow shelters/survival
  • Elementary ropework and snow belays
  • Terrain – ridges, rocky steps, cornices, steep snow (Grade 1)
  • Mountaineering decision making
  • These areas will be incorporated into mountain journeys, hopefully taking in some of the major peaks.

Experience Required

Ideally you’ll have completed our Scottish Winter Hillwalking course. Experience with axe and crampons would be very useful on this course and a good level of summer hill walking fitness is essential.

You should be fit enough to undertake five consecutive days out in the mountains each with an approximate height gain of 1000m whilst carrying a rucksack weighing about 8-10kg. This will help you to get the most out of the week and allow you to cope with what at times, can be challenging conditions. The days can be long and demanding but, as with all our winter courses, enthusiasm and determination are the key.

How Should I Prepare?

You should have a high level of hillwalking fitness with the ability to spend 6-8 hours walking on steep paths and on broken terrain. The days will often include 800 -1000m of ascent and descent. You will also need to carry a rucksack with your spare clothing, lunch and equipment in which will weigh between 8-10kg.

This level of fitness will be obtained through regular summer hillwalking and 2-3 exercise sessions per week. This could include running, cycling, walking or playing sport, these should feel challenging and tiring sessions. Some upper body strength will be beneficial but the main focus should be on leg fitness and stamina.

Dates, Prices & Booking →

What's Included? Res vs Non-Res

Res

Non-Res

Instruction & Coaching

Expert, trained & qualified instructors

In-depth local knowledge

200+ years of combined team experience

PYB coaching ethos & tailored delivery

Fully insured for all activities

 Our instructor team shares venue insights, local tips, and tailors your experience based on individual and group needs.

Accomodation

Shared En Suite

Shared with your course attendees

Single En Suite Upgrade

Food

Fully Catered

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Packed Lunch

Afternoon Tea & Cake

Tea, Coffee and Cakes on arrival back at PYB

Two Course Evening Meal

Expedition / Camp Food

Facilities

Kit Hire & Course Equipment

Climbing Wall Access

Subject to availability, T&C’s apply

Laundry

Drying room

Evening lectures

Some at additional cost if lectures are charged

On-site physio

By appointment

Lake access

Free On-Site Parking

Free Wi-Fi

24hr front desk

Bar and restaurant access

In-Course Transport

Scheduled courses only*

Rolling Pool

T&C’s apply

EV Charger

* In-Course Transport is included for all scheduled courses. For Private Instruction, in-course transport arrangements need to be booked in addition (subject to availability at an additional cost).

Further Information

General CoursesScottish Winter CoursesSummer Camps

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to talk you through it.

Dates, Prices & Booking →

Kit List

We offer extensive kit lists to help you prepare for your course, including our recommendations for the best in the business. We also have a wide range of equipment available for hire on-site at no extra cost.

View Kit List →

Dates, Prices and Booking

All dates and prices can be found on our booking platform.

Dates, Prices & Booking →

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About Us

Managed by The Mountain Training Trust on behalf of Sport England


National Outdoor Centre
Capel Curig, Conwy
LL24 0ET
North Wales

info@pyb.co.uk+44 (0) 1690 720 214
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