Courses
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.
-
Duration
3 days
-
Start Location
Cairngorms, Scotland
-
Date(s)
January - February
-
Price
From €
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 14
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
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.
-
Duration
3 days
-
Start Location
Cairngorms, Scotland
-
Date(s)
January - February
-
Guide Ratio
8:1
-
Ability
Level ALevel 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!
-
Price
From €
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing 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.
Day Trek Pack
30-35 litre day pack to carry spare layers, water, food, camera, etc.
Sturdy hiking boots
Solid hiking boots ideally B1 rated
C1 Crampons
Strap on Crampons compatible with most sturdy hiking boots
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Hiking pants
Waterproof pants
Side-leg zippers are helpful
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin
Insulated winter jacket
Waterproof jacket
Head torch
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
Warm hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet
Mountaineering Gloves
Thick and built for the cold
Fleece windproof gloves
Sunglasses
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent locally
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
I just came back from a UK winter skills trip and I have nothing to say but compliments. The organisation has been perfectly smooth, the guide - Stuart - amazing (knowledgeable, nice, adjusting the pace to all group members, making sure he'd understand each member's situation and objectives to give them the best advice), and the trip itself very insightful and useful for anyone who's considering going into the mountains.
Just got back from a Scotland Winter Skills trip and it was absolutely amazing! Stuart was so knowledgeable and very good at what he does! We learnt so much in such a short time. From theory to practice, he answered all our questions and made sure we made the most of it to cover all basis and maximise our time to be able to do everything, I was very impressed! I cannot recommend AB enough and will definitely plan my next trip with them!
Just got home from a 3day winter skills coarse In Scotland And I must say I had an amazing time, Stuart our guide made sure everything ran like clockwork and his knowledge was invaluable, I learnt so much in a short space of time, I would definitely book again with Adventure base, great company.
I have just returned from a 3 day winter skills course in the Cairngorms with Adventure Base. I had a great time. The course was well organised and the content was excellent. Stuart our guide and tutor was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and a very good demonstrator and communicator. This was my second trip with AB and i definitely would recommend AB to you.
I recently came back from the winter skills course in Scotland. It was very well organised and our guide Stuart was great, so much knowledge and was amazing at making sure everyone was ok. Learnt so much, would definitely book with them again.
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?
- 3 nights accommodation
- 3 days instruction, guidance and guided hiking
- A handpicked experienced and qualified winter mountain leader
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Pick up and drop off at Inverness Airport
What's not Included?
- Personal equipment
- Personal travel insurance
- Snacks, drinks and personal expenses
- Evening meals (usually pub dinners or take away)
- Gratuities
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.
VIEW GALLERY
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.
-
Duration
3 nights
-
Internet
Not included
-
Beds
Twin rooms
-
Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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
Meet your guides for this adventure
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
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
- Usually less then a week in distance
- No technical skills required
- 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.
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more 'aggressive' environments
- Moderate fitness
- Some basic skills
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain.
- You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer.
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
- Fit & Strong
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- Ready to test those learnt skills on the next challenge
- Comfortable in most types of environments
- Very fit
- Some level of technical skills
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there.
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Good experience
- Very fit
More your level?
North Wales Mountaineering Intro
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.
-
Spring and Autumn
-
Level A
-
€650.00
Off-Piste Skiing Intro
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.
-
January - April
-
Level A
-
€995.00
Scotland Winter Skills
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.
-
January - February
-
Level A
-
€
North Wales Alpine Prep Course
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.
-
Spring and Autumn
-
Level B
-
€650.00
Chamonix Winter Alpine Skills
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.
-
November - December
-
Level B
-
€950.00
Mont Blanc Turbo
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s a beautiful, imposing and highly sought after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
-
June - September
-
Level C
-
€1999.00
Norway, Lyngen Ski Tour
Ski touring adventures in Lyngen, Norway. This trip has been specifically designed to showcase the best that Lyngen has to offer. Based in a comfortable sea-side lodge, you will experience some of the best skiing to be had from summit to sea. Return to our lodge each day and enjoy relaxing in the hot tub with endless ocean views of the famous Norwegian fjords. This trip is for experienced skiers with a good foundation knowledge of ski touring.
-
April 2023
-
Level C
-
€2112.00
Italy, Gran Paradiso Ski Tour
Ski the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m ski descent. That's right, there's a whole load of downhill for all that uphill effort!
-
March - May
-
Level C
-
€1650.00
Mera Peak: Robert Markwick
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.
-
4th -19th April 2023
-
Level D
-
€12980.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
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.
-
March - April
-
Level D
-
€1850.00
Island Peak
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.
-
Spring & Autumn
-
Level D
-
€4150.00
Eiger
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?
-
June - September
-
Level E
-
€4150.00
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