Winter Navigation Introduction Course | 1 Day Winter Skills Scotland & Lake District

Learn Winter Mountain Navigation in One Day - £95

Want to explore winter mountains safely but not ready for a full winter mountaineering course? Our 1-day Winter Navigation Introduction gives you essential winter navigation skills to tackle snowy hills with confidence.

Perfect for hillwalkers ready to extend their season into winter, or anyone considering our full Winter Skills Course who wants to start with navigation fundamentals.

Book your Winter Navigation day in Scotland or the Lake District

Why Winter Navigation Skills Matter

Summer navigation is one thing. Winter navigation is a different challenge entirely. When snow covers landmarks, visibility drops in white-outs, and familiar paths disappear, your navigation skills become critical safety tools.

This focused 1-day course teaches you winter-specific navigation techniques used by experienced winter hillwalkers and mountaineers across Scotland and the Lake District.

What You'll Learn on Your Winter Navigation Course

Morning: Winter Navigation Theory & Planning

Winter-specific navigation challenges in Scottish and Lake District mountains
Map and compass skills for low visibility and white-out conditions
Micro-navigation techniques when landmarks are snow-covered
Timing and pace calculations in winter terrain
Route planning with escape routes and emergency procedures
Understanding winter weather and how it affects navigation
Introduction to ice axe and crampon use for winter walking

Afternoon: Practical Winter Navigation Skills

Hands-on navigation exercises in real winter mountain terrain
Using contours and terrain features when visual landmarks disappear
Handrail features and attack points in snow conditions
Group navigation practice and decision-making
Building confidence for independent winter hillwalking
Real-world scenarios and problem-solving
Basic ice axe and crampon techniques for safe winter travel

Who Is This Winter Navigation Course For?

This 1-day winter navigation introduction is ideal if you:

Are a confident summer hillwalker wanting to try winter mountains
Feel nervous about winter navigation in white-outs or snow
Want to test winter mountaineering before committing to a multi-day course
Have done some winter hills but lack navigation confidence
Need a refresher on winter navigation techniques
Are considering our 2-day Winter Skills Course and want to start with navigation

Fitness requirement: You should be a regular hillwalker comfortable with a full day on the hills. No winter mountain experience needed - this course is designed for people new to winter conditions.

Course Details

Duration: Full day winter navigation training (approximately 8 hours including breaks)

Price: £95 per person

Group Size: Maximum 6 participants for personalized instruction

Locations: We run winter navigation courses in:

Lake District: Helvellyn area
Cairngorms: Northern Cairngorms near Aviemore

Location depends on snow conditions, weather, and group preferences.

Season: December to March (winter season)

Minimum participants: 2 people

What's Included in Your Winter Navigation Day

Full day of expert instruction from qualified Mountain Leaders
All group safety equipment
Winter navigation course notes and resources
Small group sizes (max 6) for quality learning
Personalized feedback and guidance
Introduction to ice axe and crampon use for winter walking

Equipment & What to Bring

What to Bring

Winter walking boots (suitable for snow and ice)
Warm layers and waterproof jacket and trousers
Map and compass (we can provide if you don't have your own)
Food and hot drinks for a full day in winter conditions
Headtorch with spare batteries
Rucksack (30-40L)
Basic first aid kit
Gloves, hat, and warm accessories

Ice Axe & Crampon Hire

Don't have your own winter equipment? No problem. Ice axes and crampons are available to hire - simply add at checkout when booking. Winter boots can be hired from outdoor retailers in Aviemore including Tiso. Check our Boot Ratings guide to see what you need.

Full kit list provided on booking.

Progress to Full Winter Mountaineering Skills

This winter navigation introduction is the perfect stepping stone to our comprehensive winter mountaineering courses:

Winter Skills Course (2-3 days): Full winter mountaineering including ice axe skills, crampon techniques, avalanche awareness, and ropework in the Scottish Cairngorms

Many students start with this 1-day navigation course, then progress to our multi-day winter skills training once they've built confidence.

Got Questions?

We've answered the most common questions about winter navigation, equipment, fitness requirements, and what to expect on our Winter Skills FAQs page.

Still have questions? Call 07308 513040 or contact us – we're here to help.

Book Your Winter Navigation Introduction