This is a beginner winter course designed to introduce hill walkers to the delights of winter walking in Scotland.

We hope to develop skills to allow access into the high mountains when covered in snow and ice, giving you the technical knowledge to understand how to remain safe in this dynamic environment.

On this course we cover:

Movement on snow - using the boot as a tool and kicking steps

Ice axe technique - for security and balance and for cutting steps

Crampons - fitting crampons, walking in crampons and front pointing

Self arrest - for halting a slip and gaining control

Avalanche awareness - to stay safe and develop understanding of a hazardous and dynamic landscape

Winter navigation - all those summer features become covered; practice on a different scale map and winterise your navigation.​

Day 2 of this course will head up onto the high mountain plateau of the cairngorms - we will use the skills learnt on day 1 to plan, prepare and undertake a mountain journey and summit an appropriate mountain.

Being based in Aviemore and using the ski centre as a base will allow for quick and easy access to this high mountain area of the UK. ​

You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter walking boots.

These boots should be rigid and rated to B1/B2 standard (we can advise during the booking stage).​

Boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.

We will provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment.

This course is non residential

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The price of this day is inclusive of:

1. A qualified Mountaineering Instructor/Winter Mountain Leader
2. Affiliated with AMI & Mountain Training Association 
3. Extensive knowledge of the venues
4. Technical equipment 
5. Professional coaching & instruction

1. Experience of hill walking in summer conditions. 
2.  You will need to be fit and healthy and able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack.
3. ​Some navigational knowledge will be beneficial (map & compass)

Waterproof Jacket

Waterproof Trousers

Fleece Layer

Spare Warm top (Down jacket or similar)

Hat & Gloves

35-40L Rucksack

Ski Goggles

Spare Hats & Gloves

Camera

Walking Poles

Lunch & Snacks

1 litre water

Hot drink

Personal Medication

Equipment provided:

Helmet

Equipment for hire:

Silva Expedition Type 4 compass

B1/B2 boots (£10 per day)

Ice Axe (£5 per course)

Crampons (£5 per course)

We will send a full course itinerary on booking - please look out for our email.