Warm layers, waterproofs, winter gloves (plus a spare pair), hat/buff, food and a hot drink, and a small rucksack. We can send a full kit list after booking (or before, if you message us).

Qualified winter instructors Small dedicated team Max 6 per instructor

Winter Skills Courses in the Cairngorms

Q: What will I learn (and what’s the difference between 1 / 2 / 3 days)?

Day 1 covers crampon and ice axe basics, safe movement, and an introduction to winter navigation. Day 2 adds steeper ground, winter navigation drills, and emergency strategies. Day 3 (if offered) goes deeper into decision-making, complex terrain, and safety scenarios. Content adapts to conditions.

Q: What fitness level do I need?

If you can comfortably walk for 5–7 hours with breaks on mixed terrain, you’ll be fine. Winter travel is slower and we pace the day around learning rather than speed.

Q: Where do we meet, and what about transport / accommodation?

We typically meet near Aviemore / Cairngorms access points. The final location is confirmed closer to the date based on weather and learning goals. You arrange accommodation, and we can suggest local options.

Q: What if conditions are stormy or there isn’t much snow?

We adapt the plan to suit conditions and prioritise safe, high-value learning. If higher ground isn’t appropriate, we’ll use sheltered venues and focus on navigation, movement and decision-making. If it’s unsafe to run, we’ll contact you with options in line with our booking terms.

Q: What’s the group size and who is it guided by?

Group sizes are kept small so you get coaching time and space to practise. You’ll be guided by a suitably qualified and experienced instructor, and the day is tailored to the group and conditions.

Build the judgement, confidence and movement skills for your first winter Munros. Training in the Cairngorms covering winter weather, avalanche awareness, navigation, crampons, ice axe arrest and safe movement on steep snow — with optional snow-holing where conditions allow.

Our team are members of Mountain Training and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors.

Who This Winter Skills Course in the Cairngorms Is For

Designed for summer hillwalkers stepping into winter and those preparing for their first winter Munros in the Cairngorms. This course builds the confidence, judgement and practical movement skills required for safe winter travel in Scotland.

Ideal for

First-time winter Munro aspirants
Confident summer hillwalkers new to winter conditions
Those wanting structured training in winter judgement and decision-making
People who want to understand winter weather and avalanche awareness
Anyone wanting real confidence using crampons and an ice axe

Many participants go on to combine winter training with multi-day journeys such as our wild camping experiences in Scotland , applying their winter skills in more remote mountain environments.

Not the right fit if

You’re looking for a technical winter climbing course
You want a fast-paced guided Munro day
You already move confidently and independently in winter terrain
You’re seeking advanced ropework or graded winter climbing

If you’re completely new to hillwalking, you may prefer starting with one of our Mountain Skills courses before progressing into winter terrain.

Unsure? Start with our Winter Skills FAQs or contact us for advice.

Choose 1, 2 or 3 Days

All options start together on Saturday with the core winter skills. Continue into Day 2 and Day 3 for consolidation & progression in smaller groups.

1 Day

£95

Foundations — winter weather, avalanche awareness, navigation basics, crampon technique, ice axe arrest and safe movement on steep snow.

Best for: first winter Munros
Outcome: confidence + core safety skills
Ratio: max 6 per instructor

1 Day Winter Skills Course in the Cairngorms

2 Days

£185

Foundations + consolidation — more time on steeper terrain, better decision-making, snow assessment and route choice, with coached repetition.

Best for: faster progress through practice
Outcome: stronger movement + judgement
Ratio: max 6 per instructor

2 Day Winter Skills Course in the Cairngorms

3 Days

£265

Foundations + progression — more committing terrain and independence, building real winter judgement and confident movement.

Best for: a true winter “step up”
Outcome: confidence on more serious ground
Ratio: max 6 per instructor

3 Day Winter Skills Course in the Cairngorms

Optional snow-holing: where conditions and time allow, we may include an introduction to snow shelters / snow-holing on later days.

Why Train in the Cairngorms?

The Cairngorms are ideal for winter skills training: a high plateau environment, reliable snow holding terrain and progressive corries that allow us to match the day to the conditions.

Terrain that suits learning

Progressive slope angles for steady confidence-building
Plateau and corrie terrain that allows safe skills practice
Real mountain conditions (not artificial training slopes)

Typical areas used through a season include the Cairngorm Plateau, Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain.

Chosen day-by-day for safety

Locations selected based on weather, wind direction and snowpack stability
Flexible use of the Northern Corries and the Fiacaill Ridge area
Better learning because the terrain suits the group

You’ll learn how conditions influence route choice and how to move efficiently and safely on winter ground.

Bottom line: the Cairngorms give us the terrain variety to teach winter movement, judgement and navigation in a genuine mountain environment.

Qualified & Experienced Winter Instructors

Winter skills training is delivered by qualified winter instructors with nationally recognised mountain awards and decades of personal mountain experience.

Instructor Qualifications

Mountain Leader (Summer)
Mountain Leader (Winter)
Rock Climbing Instructor
Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor
16-hour Outdoor First Aid trained

We have operated as Peak Adventures for over five years, with personal mountain experience stretching back to our teens in the UK and overseas.

Professional Membership

Peak Adventures is an Approved Mountain Skills Provider with Mountain Training .

Our team are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors .

Winter skills training is delivered within the scope of the relevant winter instructor awards and professional standards.

Equipment & Preparation

Arriving with the right kit makes a huge difference. Use our equipment and kit lists to prepare properly before you travel.

What you’ll need

Winter boots suitable for crampons
Crampons and an ice axe
Helmet (recommended for later days / steeper terrain)
Warm layers + waterproofs + winter gloves
Goggles / sunglasses, headtorch, food and a hot drink

Don’t worry if you’re missing kit: our kit list explains what matters most and what can be hired or borrowed.

View Full Kit List Winter Resources Winter Skills FAQs

If you’re unsure what you have is suitable, contact us before booking and we’ll help.

Winter Advice & Preparation

Short reads to help you arrive prepared and get more from your winter skills course.

Winter equipment explained — axes, crampons, helmets and what you actually need.
Winter layering & clothing — a simple system for staying warm and managing sweat.
Choosing boots for winter skills — fit, compatibility and common mistakes.
Calories & hydration in the hills — simple habits for better energy and decision-making.

Need a quick kit check? If you’re unsure what’s suitable, just ask before booking and we’ll point you in the right direction.

New to winter? Read our guide on how to prepare for a winter skills course in the Cairngorms .

FAQs

Quick answers before you book — if you’re unsure about anything, just message us.

1Do I need winter walking experience before joining?

No — our 1-day and 2-day courses are designed for beginners to winter travel. You just need a reasonable level of hill fitness and the right clothing. We build skills progressively and keep group sizes small.

2What will I learn (and what’s the difference between 1 / 2 / 3 days)?

Day 1: crampon + ice axe basics, safe movement, simple step cutting, intro to winter navigation.
Day 2: steeper ground, confidence techniques, winter nav drills, emergency strategies.
Day 3 (if offered): more advanced decision-making, complex terrain, deeper navigation + safety scenarios.

(Exact content flexes with conditions — we always prioritise safe, high-value learning.)

3Do you provide boots, crampons and ice axes?

We can provide (or arrange) technical kit depending on your setup. As a rule: you’ll need compatible winter boots for crampons, plus helmet, axe and crampons. If you’re not sure what you have is suitable, tell us what you own and we’ll advise.

4What fitness level do I need?

If you can comfortably walk for 5–7 hours with breaks (on mixed terrain) you’ll be fine. Winter travel is slower and more effort — we pace the day around learning, not racing for summits.

5Where do we meet, and what about transport / accommodation?

We typically meet near Aviemore / Cairngorms access points (final location confirmed closer to the date based on weather and learning goals). You arrange your own accommodation, but we can suggest good local options.

6What if conditions are stormy or there isn’t much snow?

We adapt. If higher ground isn’t appropriate, we’ll use sheltered venues and focus on high-value skills like navigation, movement, and decision-making. If it’s genuinely unsafe to run, we’ll contact you with options in line with our booking terms.

7What’s the group size and who is it guided by?

Small groups so you get coaching time and space to practise. You’ll be guided by a suitably qualified and experienced instructor, and we tailor the day to the group and conditions.

8What should I bring?

Warm layers, waterproofs, winter gloves (spare pair), hat/buff, food + hot drink, and a small rucksack. If you want, we can send a full kit list after booking (or before, if you message us).

Tip: read the FAQs, then book — your place is confirmed once payment is complete via the widget below.

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Not sure if 3 days is right for you? If you’re comfortable summer hillwalking and want proper winter consolidation — not just an introduction — this is the course that builds real confidence. If conditions prevent us running safely, you can move dates or receive a full refund.

Dates & Booking

Choose your course length, check availability, and book online.

Course Dates

Courses typically run from January to the end of March, subject to conditions. All courses start on a Saturday and normally run every week.

Popular dates: some Saturdays fill quicker than others (especially during holidays and settled snow). If you have a preferred date, book early.

Location & Meeting Point

Day 1 begins at 8:30am at Tiso in Aviemore, with around an hour indoors covering core winter skills theory and current conditions. We then head to the Cairngorm ski area for practical training on snow.

Days 2 and 3 are selected according to weather and snow conditions, using appropriate areas in the northern Cairngorms.

Own transport is helpful for moving between venues, but not essential — we can assist with lift sharing where needed.

If We Have to Cancel

If we cancel a date due to conditions or safety, you can move to another available Saturday or choose a full refund.

Before You Book

Check your kit using our equipment & kit lists.
Read the Winter Skills FAQs.
If you’re unsure which course length is best, contact us and we’ll help.

Check Availability

Tip: if you don’t see your preferred Saturday, try a different course length — availability can vary week to week.