Scotland Winter Skills - Adventure Base
Bespoke Trips

shuttle-e1619694687541 Introductions

Scotland Winter Skills

Join our winter skills trip in the beautiful Cairngorms of Scotland, providing practical learning and the necessary skills required for mountain exploring whether that's in the UK or further afield. If you are new to winter mountaineering, or just need to dust off the cobwebs, this practical trip will cover everything you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible in the mountains, whilst having an awesome time exploring and taking in new experiences.

Winter 2023 dates now available to book.

    Adventure Snapshot

  • Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    3 days

  • Created with Sketch.

    Start Location

    Cairngorms, Scotland

  • Created with Sketch.

    Date(s)

    January - February

  • Created with Sketch.

    Price

    From €750.00

Book Now from €750.00

The Cairngorms, Scotland

This course is based in the Cairngorms National Park of Scotland. The teaching will happen both in the warmth of the accommodation and while on the journey through each day in the outdoors. We will stay in accommodation with all food included (breakfast, lunch and dinner). If we decide to go out to a local pub for dinner instead, this would be an additional expense.

On this trip you will learn about the following: General safety (pre-trip planning, in-trip planning and risk mitigating) / Weather awareness / Avalanche awareness & risk assessment for route planning / Winter navigation / Safe use of crampons and ice axe / Movement techniques on snow and ice / Ice axe arrest (the use of you 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.

Mont Blanc Trip

ab-intro-new
Footprints

Introduction

We will journey to remote areas in order to practice winter skills and to truly explore the Mountain Wilderness. You don't need to have any prior experience of remote hiking and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment 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

  • Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    3 days

  • Created with Sketch.

    Start Location

    Cairngorms, Scotland

  • Created with Sketch.

    Date(s)

    January - February

  • 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!

  • Created with Sketch.

    Price

    From €750.00

image00046-scaled
Created with Sketch.

See real footage of previous expeditions

Meet The Team 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 and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.

For the full downloadable kit list please click here.

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?

  • Created with Sketch. 3 nights accommodation
  • Created with Sketch. 3 days instruction, guidance and guided hiking
  • Created with Sketch. A handpicked experienced and qualified winter mountain leader
  • Created with Sketch. Breakfasts and lunches
  • Created with Sketch. Pick up and drop off at Inverness Airport

What's not Included?

  • Created with Sketch. Personal equipment
  • Created with Sketch. Personal travel insurance
  • Created with Sketch. Snacks, drinks and personal expenses
  • Created with Sketch. Evening meals (usually pub dinners or take-away)
  • Created with Sketch. Gratuities

This Trip is running on the following dates

february 2024
2 Dates
Depart

Fri 09 Feb, 2024

Return

Mon 12 Feb, 2024

Availability

8 spots available

Depart

Thu 15 Feb, 2024

Return

Sun 18 Feb, 2024

Availability

8 spots available

What to expect from your accommodation

We will stay in comfortable accommodation with food included (breakfast, lunch and dinner). If we decide to go out to a local pub for dinner instead, this would be an additional expense.

263730627

Our Cottage Base

After each day of adventure we will return to our comfortable Cottage for a cosy night, a warm shower and a tasty dinner. We'll be located on the North-west side of the Cairngorms near Aviemore. The accommodation is on a twin share basis with single supplements available on request in advance. We will provide a basic breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Cottage, but if we decide to go out to a local pub for dinner instead, this would be at your own expense.

  • Created with Sketch.

    Duration

    3 nights

  • Created with Sketch.

    Internet

    Not included

  • Created with Sketch.

    Beds

    Twin rooms

  • Created with Sketch.

    Food

    Breakfast and lunch included

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. However, you can plan and train for the following: Distance: 10-15km per day / Elevation: 800-1,200m per day / Time: 6-8hrs per day / Possible Peaks: Lochnagar / Ben Avon / Cairn Gorm / Ben Rinnes.

  • Day 1:
    Leave work - travel to Scotland

    You will be met at Inverness Airport/Train Station at around 7-8pm (depending on your group members’ arrival time) and driven to the accommodation for a night’s rest before the fun begins. We will communicate the exact pick up time 1 week before the trip starts.

  • Day 2:
    Let's get to it!

    Awaking in the morning, we will have breakfast, discuss the plans for the day including a safety briefing and kit check, then pack our bags and head out for the day; hiking to the snow/ice line for an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/crampon skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.

    We will then head back to the accommodation for a shower before heading out to a local pub for some hearty food and drinks while discussing other things for consideration when approaching the mountains in a winter environment (e.g. weather forecasting, route planning and risk mitigation)

    Distance: 10-15km / Elevation: 800-1,200 / Time: 6-8hrs

  • Day 3:
    Summit a local peak

    We will arise early to give us as much time on the mountain as possible. After breakfast we will have another trip briefing and safety discussion before heading out to ascend the summit of a local mountain (The specific route we take will depend on group ability and ground/weather conditions). Today we will focus on walking as a team and emergency procedures to deal with potential accidents (e.g. crevasse fall)

    We will return to the accommodation with the option of heading out to a local pub for dinner.

    Distance: 10-15km / Elevation: 800-1,200 / Time: 6-8hrs / Possible Peaks: Lochnagar, Ben Avon, Cairn Gorm, Ben Rinnes

  • Day 4:
    All your new skills put to the test

    We will arise early to give us as much time on the mountain as possible. After breakfast we will have another trip briefing and safety discussion before packing the car and heading out to ascend the summit of a local mountain (The specific route we take will depend on group ability and ground/weather conditions). Today we will review everything we learnt on the first two days as we journey to the summit of a local peak.

    At the end of the day, you will be driven back to Inverness Airport/train station for your return journey home (expect to arrive in Inverness no earlier than 5pm)

    Distance: 10-15km / Elevation: 800-1,200 / Time: 6-8hrs / Possible Peaks: Lochnagar, Ben Avon, Cairn Gorm, Ben Rinnes

Mountains
image00003

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 Scotland Winter Skills 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

DSC05120
shuttle-e1619694687541

North Wales Mountaineering Intro

Let's get started!

Our three-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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    Spring and Autumn

  • Level A

  • Created with Sketch.

    €650.00

View Adventure
shutterstock_449677165-scaled
shuttle-e1619694687541

Off-Piste Skiing Intro

New for 2022

This introduction trip is all about skiing lift accessed off-piste terrain to build up skills and knowledge on how to ski mixed snow safely and confidently. Skiing off-piste is an essential skill to have in order to undertake a backcountry ski touring adventure.

  • Created with Sketch.

    January - April

  • Level A

  • Created with Sketch.

    €995.00

View Adventure
winter-landscape-from-scottish-highlands-1920x1080_44775-mm-90
shuttle-e1619694687541

Scotland Winter Skills

New for 2022

If you are new to winter mountaineering, or just need to dust off the cobwebs, this practical trip will cover everything you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible in the mountains, whilst having an awesome time exploring and taking in new experiences.

  • Created with Sketch.

    January - February

  • Level A

  • Created with Sketch.

    €750.00

View Adventure
DSC05183
shuttle-e1619694687541

North Wales Alpine Prep Course

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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    Spring and Autumn

  • Level B

  • Created with Sketch.

    €650.00

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

Chamonix Winter Alpine Skills

Into the wild

Our popular Alpine Skills course set in November and December, 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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    November - December

  • Level B

  • Created with Sketch.

    €950.00

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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    July - September

  • Level C

  • Created with Sketch.

    €3250.00

View Adventure
02-TMB_1.30.1-scaled
rucksack-copy-e1603721664484

Haute Route Self Guided Trek 6 Days

Epic journey!

The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world-famous mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Enjoy this 6 day version of the trek from Arolla to Zermatt.

  • Created with Sketch.

    July - September

  • Level C

  • Created with Sketch.

    €1948.00

View Adventure
02-TMB_1.8.1-scaled
rucksack-copy-e1603721664484

Haute Route Self Guided Trek 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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    July - September

  • Level C

  • Created with Sketch.

    €3029.00

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

Mera Peak: Robert Markwick

Private Luxury

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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    4th -19th April 2023

  • Level D

  • Created with Sketch.

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.

  • Created with Sketch.

    March - April

  • Level D

  • Created with Sketch.

    €1850.00

View Adventure
Depositphotos_355335174_XL-scaled
rope-e1603721692599

Island Peak

New Trip

Island Peak at 6,189m is considered one of the world's best adventures for any mountain lovers out there. Part trek, part mountaineering, this is a trip for those looking to add a little more adrenalin to the Everest Base Camp Trek. Book this trip and receive a free sleeping bag and duffle bag for your adventure.

  • Created with Sketch.

    Spring & Autumn

  • Level D

  • 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?

  • Created with Sketch.

    June - September

  • Level E

  • Created with Sketch.

    €4299.00

View Adventure
image00003

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.