Winter Skills Courses Cairngorms | 1–3 Day Training Scotland

Winter Skills Courses Cairngorms

1, 2 or 3 Day Winter Skills Training in Scotland

Our Winter Skills Training in the Cairngorms gives you the confidence and practical skills to travel safely in Scotland’s winter mountains. These expert-led courses are ideal preparation for winter walking, winter Munros, and progression into winter mountaineering.

Choose a 1-day winter skills introduction, build solid winter walking skills over 2 days, or progress to steeper ground and ropework on the 3-day course.

Book using the calendar on this page – winter dates are limited.

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Winter Skills Course Options

Ideal for: hillwalkers new to winter conditions or anyone wanting a focused winter navigation refresher.

• Winter navigation using map and compass
• Micro-navigation and whiteout techniques
• Timing, pacing and winter route planning
• Introduction to ice axe and crampons
• Winter hazards awareness and emergency basics

Available in the Cairngorms and Lake District.

Ideal for: first-time winter walkers and those planning winter Munros in Scotland.

Day 1 – Winter Navigation & Equipment

• Advanced winter navigation in poor visibility
• Ice axe and crampon use for winter walking
• Winter timing, pacing and decision-making
• Avalanche awareness and terrain avoidance
• Emergency procedures and shelter basics

Day 2 – Winter Walking Safety & Movement

• Ice axe arrest techniques
• Advanced crampon footwork on steeper ground
• Movement on steep snow and step cutting
• Weather interpretation and route choice
• Winter survival skills and emergency shelters

Common questions about equipment and fitness:
Winter Skills FAQs

Required equipment:
Winter Skills Equipment List (PDF)

Ideal for: those progressing into steeper ground and more technical winter terrain.

Includes all 2-day winter skills content, plus:

• Ropework for winter ridges and gullies
• Belaying and safeguarding on steep ground
• Moving together in exposed winter terrain
• Snow and ice anchor building
• Advanced winter route selection

Further details:
Winter Skills FAQs

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Winter Skills Course Comparison

• 1 Day: winter navigation, ice axe and crampon introduction, hazards awareness
• 2 Days: full winter walking skills including ice axe arrest and steeper terrain
• 3 Days: winter mountaineering skills including ropework and steep ground techniques

Ropework and steep ground skills are included on the 3-day course only.

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Who These Winter Skills Courses Are For

• Hillwalkers comfortable on summer terrain
• Those planning winter Munros in Scotland
• People with basic navigation skills
• Fit enough for 6+ hours of winter mountain walking
• Aged 14+ (under 18s accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Unsure which winter skills course is right for you?
Visit our Winter Skills FAQs or contact us for advice.

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What’s Included

• Instruction from qualified Winter Mountain Leaders
• All shared group safety equipment
• Small groups for personal coaching (maximum 6:1)
• Course notes and completion certificate

Not included: accommodation, meals, and personal winter equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet).

Winter Skills Equipment List (PDF)

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Course Details

• Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Season: December to March (conditions dependent)
• Course length: 1, 2 or 3 full mountain days
• Group size: maximum 6 participants per instructor
• Fitness: capable of 6+ hours of winter hillwalking

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Important Winter Safety Information

Scottish winter mountain conditions are serious and changeable. Course content may be adapted to match conditions while maintaining the highest safety standards.

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Book Your Winter Skills Course

Winter courses in the Cairngorms book quickly. Secure your place using the booking calendar on this page.

Questions? Call 07308 513040 or contact us.

• 1-day winter skills introduction
• 2-day winter walking skills course
• 3-day winter mountaineering course
• Guided winter climbs and expeditions