Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis - Adventure Base
Bespoke Trips

shuttle-e1619694687541 Courses

Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis

Tackle Britain's highest peak in the snowy winter months away from the summer crowds. Spend 2 epic days on the west coast of Scotland as you take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in winter conditions, with crampons on your feet and an ice axe in your hand. Perfect introduction for hikers with a good level of fitness who are looking to dive into mountaineering.

    Adventure Snapshot

  • fa-clock-regular Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    2 days

  • icon-pin Created with Sketch.

    Start Location

    Fort William, Scotland

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    Date(s)

    January - March

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    Price

    From €700.00

Book Now from €700.00

West Coast of Scotland

This trip begins in Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, at the foot of the Glen Nevis valley. After a meeting with your guide at the train station, you will travel up into the Glen Nevis valley and hunt out the snow line for an introduction / revision session of crampon and ice axe skills. This helps prepare for the climb the following day and ensures everyone is well prepared to increase summit success chances. You'll spend the night at a local accommodation in Fort William and the group will head out for a pre-climb dinner.

On the second and final day you'll start early for a big summit window and to make the most of the day in the mountains. Once back down from Ben Nevis you'll be dropped back to Fort William for your onward travels.

On this trip you will learn about the following: safe use of crampons and ice axe / Movement techniques on snow and ice / Ice axe arrest (the use of your ice axe if you were to fall and slide down a slope).

This trip is perfect preparation if you're interested in our alpine trips, such as Mont Blanc, with the added bonus of climbing the highest peak in Britain!

find out more about our Climb Mont Blanc Trip here

ab-intro-new
Footprints

Introduction

We will journey to remote areas in order to practice winter skills and to truly explore the mountain wilderness. Ben Nevis in winter is very different compared to in summer. You don't need to have any prior experience of remote hiking. The small group size will enable the guide to give you his/her full attention throughout the 2 days, ensuring your safety and enjoyment, which is our number one priority.

Make sure you come with a good level of fitness as you will spend most of the time outdoors on your feet, moving through the mountains.

    Adventure Overview

  • fa-clock-regular Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    2 days

  • icon-pin Created with Sketch.

    Start Location

    Fort William, Scotland

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    Date(s)

    January - March

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    Guide Ratio

    8:1

  • Ability

    Level A

    Level A

    You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    Price

    From €700.00

Ben-Nevis-winter-1-1
Group 58
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'Better Business' page.

pattern Created with Sketch.

See real footage of previous expeditions

Meet The Team play-icon Created with Sketch.

Meet The Team

01:48

Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.

Kit & equipment required for this adventure

Please note this is a guide only and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival, depending on the weather and changes in itinerary.

For the full downloadable kit list please click here.

pattern Created with Sketch.

Time to pack

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE

We always go through the plan for the trip as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. You will get the opportunity to meet your guides and you can ask any questions and go through your kit.

What's Included?

  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 1 night accommodation in Fort William
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 2 days instruction with a fully qualified mountain leader
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 1 breakfast, 2 lunches
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All logistical support during the 2 days
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. All road transport during the 2 days
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Pick up and drop off at Fort William train station
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Use of safety equipment ( ice axe, crampons and helmet)

What's not Included?

  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Personal travel insurance
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Snacks, drinks and personal expenses
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Evening meals (usually a pub dinner)
  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Tips for the guides

This Trip is running on the following dates

january 2025
1 Date
Depart

Sat 18 Jan, 2025

Return

Sun 19 Jan, 2025

Availability

8 spots available

february 2025
1 Date
Depart

Sat 08 Feb, 2025

Return

Sun 09 Feb, 2025

Availability

8 spots available

march 2025
1 Date
Depart

Sat 01 Mar, 2025

Return

Sun 02 Mar, 2025

Availability

8 spots available

What to expect from your accommodation

We will stay in comfortable accommodation with breakfast included. The rooming will be private, single-sex rooms exclusively for your group.

263730627

Fort William

You'll spend one night in Fort William at a comfortable hostel. A great place to get to know the other members of the group and prepare for the big climb the following morning.

  • fa-clock-regular Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    1 night

  • Group Created with Sketch.

    Internet

    Wifi included

  • Group Created with Sketch.

    Beds

    Shared

  • restaurant (2) Created with Sketch.

    Food

    Breakfast and lunch

Mountains

Immerse yourself in Nature

Adventure Itinerary

While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.

  • Day 1:
    Meet the team and get going

    We will meet you outside Fort William train station at 10am for a trip briefing before traveling up to the snow line for an introduction to the winter environment. This day's session will cover an introduction / revision of ice axe and crampon skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent of Ben Nevis. By the end of the day you should feel well prepared for the climb. Overnight in Fort William with dinner taken at a local restaurant or pub.

  • Day 2:
    Ben Nevis!

    Today is summit day. We will have an early start to make the most of the day as we make our way to the summit of Ben Nevis. The specific route you will take will depend on the weather and current conditions, as well as the general ability of the group. Once the climb is in the bag we take you back down to Fort William and bid farewell.

Mountains

Meet your guides for this adventure

stuart-web-scaled
uk

Stuart

UK Guide

Stuart has over 20 years of experience in the UK and further afield. Stuart's exceptional knowledge of the UK outdoor adventure scene is unrivalled and his attention to detail on each trip makes all of our UK adventures feel special. Stuart's energy is contagious and his passion for adventure is always firing at 100%! And there's nothing he likes more than a nice cold beer at the end of the day.

Ben-proudlove-copy-e1602659964673
uk

Ben

Mountain Leader

Ben is a fully qualified British UIMLA International Mountain Leader with Swiss and French equivalence and he is also a fully-qualified Swiss Brevet Fédéral Ski Instructor and an ISIA card holder and an accomplished outdoor educator and a qualified Outdoor Education and Geography teacher. He has been based in the Alps for a long time and has extensive knowledge on a whole variety of treks and adventures. Ben brings a whole bunch of experience to our guiding team, having worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance trek with our community.

Are you ready?

Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.

Level A

For beginners and newcomers

  • You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
  • Little / no prior experience
  • Shorter time duration
  • No technical skills required but keen to learn
  • Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?

This trip is at this level

Level B

For those with some prior experience

  • You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
  • You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
  • Some basic skills
  • Moderate fitness

Level C

For accomplished adventurers

  • You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
  • You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
  • You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
  • Strong level of fitness

Level D

For the pros

  • You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
  • You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
  • Some level of technical skills
  • Strong level of fitness

Level E

For the experts

  • You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
  • Good technical skills and knowledge
  • Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
  • Very high level of fitness

View more challenging trips

P1003277
shuttle-e1619694687541

Chamonix: Splitboarding Intro

Learn, learn, learn!

Introducing keen and competent off-piste snowboarders to the world of backcountry splitboarding. This is great preparation for our backcountry splitboarding trips and an essential confidence builder for those with no previous backcountry splitboarding experience.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    January - March

  • Level A

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €1150.00

View Adventure
Ben-Nevis-winter-6
shuttle-e1619694687541

Skills & Climb: Ben Nevis

New for 2024

Tackle Britain's highest peak in the snowy winter months away from the summer crowds. Spend 2 epic days on the west coast of Scotland as you take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in winter conditions, with crampons on your feet and an ice axe in your hand. The perfect introduction for hikers with a good level of fitness who are looking to dive into mountaineering.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    January - March

  • Level A

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €700.00

View Adventure
DSC05120
shuttle-e1619694687541

North Wales: Mountaineering Intro

Let's get started!

Our two-day Mountaineering Introduction Course is a fun and friendly course to kickstart your mountaineering journey. This course is key to learning the skills you need to scramble in the mountains using a rope on grade 2 and 3 scrambles. The course will be delivered by a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) who will guide you through all the skills you need to scramble on steep terrain.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    April - May

  • Level A

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €590.00

View Adventure
Marrakech-2
shuttle-e1619694687541

Prep Peak: Toubkal

North Africa's Highest Peak

Enjoy a cultural rollercoaster ride, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the wild and quiet Atlas Mountains in just 5 days. Climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, is challenging but suitable for newcomers to trekking mountains. The combination of mountain and culture on this trip is what makes it extra special.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    April - November

  • Level B

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €550.00

View Adventure
DSC05183
shuttle-e1619694687541

North Wales: Alpine Prep

Get Alpine Ready

Do you dream of climbing in the Alps or the bigger mountains? Are you looking to develop all the skills you need to climb routes like the Matterhorn or the Eiger or do you just want to try out climbing in the mountains and see if you like it or not? Our Alpine Preparation course is ideal for anybody looking to learn the skills you need to climb in the mountains, and will help you develop your Alpine skills for your next big trip.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    April - May

  • Level B

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €790.00

View Adventure
autumn-alpine-skills-scaled
shuttle-e1619694687541

Chamonix: Winter Alpine Skills

Into the wild

Our popular Alpine Skills course set in the shoulder seasons, which are wilder, colder, often snowy and far quieter than the busy summer months in the Alps. The focus is on learning essential mountain skills such as crevasse rescue, ice climbing, roping up on glaciers all in a high mountain environment.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    April - November

  • Level B

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €1050.00

View Adventure
02-TMB_1.8.1-scaled
champion-icon

Mags: Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days

Epic journey!

The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    July - September

  • Level C

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €3250.00

View Adventure
DJI_0735-scaled
ski-1-e1603721454283

Italy, Gran Paradiso Splitboard Tour

Unique adventure

Splitboard Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m backcountry splitboard descent. That's right, there's a whole lot of downhill for all that uphill effort!

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    March - April

  • Level C

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €1850.00

View Adventure
02-TMB_1.8.1-scaled
hiking

Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days

Epic journey!

The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    July - September

  • Level C

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €3250.00

View Adventure
Bernese-Oberland-1
ski-1-e1603721454283

Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour

Vast glaciers

The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is suited for those with previous ski touring experience, who are looking to progress to the next level and discover some high altitude peaks and glaciers. You can expect long ski tour days, comfortable huts and big ski descents.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    March

  • Level D

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €1950.00

View Adventure
Screenshot-2022-03-04-at-14.23.57-scaled
rope-e1603721692599

Mera Peak

New Trip

Mera Peak at 6476m is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. At this altitude the oxygen content of air is less than half of what it is at sea level. It is located in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, a little east of the main Khumbu valley on a much quieter trail. Book this trip and receive a free sleeping bag and duffle bag for your adventure.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    Spring & Autumn

  • Level D

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €4350.00

View Adventure
switzerland-862870-copy-scaled
rope-e1603721692599

Matterhorn

Popular right now

The Matterhorn is probably the most iconic peak out there in the mountains. Rising behind the charming town of Zermatt on the Swiss / Italian border this is a highly sought after summit for mountaineers and adventurers alike. Daring, dramatic and intimidating, this is one of our favourite mountains to guide.

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    July - August

  • Level D

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €4150.00

View Adventure
Eiger1-scaled
rope-e1603721692599

Eiger

The ultimate

The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?

  • icon-cal Created with Sketch.

    July - August

  • Level E

  • icon-tag Created with Sketch.

    €4450.00

View Adventure
Ben-Nevis-winter-5-1

READY FOR THIS COURSE?

We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.

Deposit/Book Now

Account sign in

Lost your password?

Don't have an account? Sign up

By signing in, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.