Winter Adventure in the Highlands
Build the confidence and technical skills to travel safely in winter mountains with our Scottish Winter Skills Courses. Based in the Cairngorms and Glencoe, our practical winter mountaineering training teaches you how to use ice axes and crampons effectively, navigate in winter conditions and make safe decisions in snow and ice terrain.
Whether you’re new to winter walking or preparing for bigger mountaineering objectives, we offer both 1-day and 2-day winter skills courses in Scotland designed to give you real-world mountain competence.
What Is a Winter Skills Course?
A winter skills course teaches the essential techniques required for travelling safely in snowy and icy mountain conditions.
Unlike summer hillwalking, winter terrain demands specialist equipment, movement skills and decision making.
On our courses, you’ll learn how to:
Walk safely in crampons
Use an ice axe for balance and security
Self-arrest if you slip
Navigate in poor visibility
Assess avalanche and snow hazards
Make smart route choices in winter terrain
These are the core skills every winter hillwalker or mountaineer should have before venturing into Scotland’s mountains.
Who These Courses Are For
Our Scottish winter mountaineering courses are ideal for:
✔ Hillwalkers moving into winter conditions
✔ Scramblers and climbers expanding seasonal skills
✔ Mountaineers preparing for bigger objectives
✔ Anyone wanting structured, professional instruction
No previous winter experience is required for the 1-day course.
Locations — Scottish Winter Mountains
Adventuring’s courses run in classic Scottish winter environments such as:
Cairngorms National Park
Glencoe
Ben Nevis & Lochaber
These locations provide varied terrain, reliable snow and ideal learning ground for winter mountaineering skills.
Choose the right Winter course for you:
1-Day Winter Skills Course
- Cairngorms NP, Scotland
Perfect introduction to winter walking and essential safety skills.
Covers:
- Basic navigation tips
- Winter movement skills
- Simple self-arrest
- Ice axe basics
- Crampon techniques
Ideal if you want a single day of focused learning or a refresher.
1
Day
8
Group Size
£250
Per Person
2-Day Winter Skills Course
- Cairngorms NP, Scotland
Our most popular option for deeper learning and real confidence in the mountains.
Covers everything from Day 1 plus:
- Winter navigation in whiteout
- Avalanche awareness
- Steeper terrain travel
- Emergency procedures
Ideal if you want to become fully self-sufficient in winter conditions.
2
Days
8
Group Size
£300
Per Person
What’s Included
We provide:
- Qualified and experienced instructors
- Group safety equipment
- Small group ratios
Your Bring:
- Personal kit
- Food and drink
- Waterproof clothing
- Winter boots (B2/B3 compatible)
Crampons and ice axes available to hire if needed. A full Packing list can be downloaded once you book onto a course
Progression After Your Winter Skills Course
After building your winter foundations, many people progress to:
- Mountaineering courses in the Lake District
- Climbing guide in the Lake District
- Rock climbing courses in the Lake District
If you are new to outdoor climbing, start with our rock climbing courses in the Lake District before moving to multi-pitch training.
Why Train With Lake District Adventuring?
- Fully qualified and experienced instructors
- Small group sizes
- Real mountain environments
- Friendly, professional coaching
- Focus on practical, usable skills
Our aim is simple: help you move confidently and independently in winter mountains.
Frequently Asked Question
This course is ideal for beginners and intermediate adventurers looking to learn or refine essential winter mountaineering skills.
Participants will master essential skills like using crampons and ice axes, avalanche awareness, snow shelter building, and basic ice climbing techniques.
The training is conducted in the scenic and challenging environment of the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.
Essential gear includes winter boots, crampons, ice axes, and appropriate clothing. Specific requirements will be provided upon booking.
No prior experience is necessary; the course is designed to accommodate different skill levels and provides comprehensive training.
