The courses below can be run in most areas of the Scotland and I like to remain as flexible as possible between East (Northern Cairngorms) and West (Locharber) as this allows us to move to where the conditions are best. Of course, if there is a particular area you would like to go climbing or a particular route you want to do then that is not a problem.

Course content is flexible and so if you would like to mix your winter climbing with some navigation or want to brush up on your winter skills before climbing this is not a problem. The length of courses is flexible and normally dependant on your ambitions and experience.

Introduction to Winter Climbing

Outline - If you have some winter hill walking experience and have always wanted to give winter climbing a go then this is the course for you.

Content - Over the course you will develop and revise the basic winter skills as well as learning some new ones like: climbing movement technique, route choice and guide book interpretation, climbing rope work, equipment choice and avalanche awareness.

Previous Experience - Winter hill walking, some summer rock climbing would be useful

Ratio - 1:2

Learning to Lead Winter Climb

Outline - If you have experience of seconding winter climbs and have always wanted to get on the sharp end then this is the course for you.

Content - Over the course you will revise your winter climbing skills before getting on the sharp end and putting new skills into action like: winter climbing rope work, placing gear on lead, belay construction, stance management, climbing movement skills, route choice and guide book interpretation and avalanche awareness.

Previous Experience - Seconded winter climbs at grade II/III grade plus a solid background of winter hill walking.

Ratio - 1:2

Guided Winter Climbing

Outline - If you have a classic route you would like to do or would just like to go climbing without having to worry about the leading aspect of it all then this is the course for you.

Content - Over the course you can revise or learn any of the skills mentioned above or you can just sit back and enjoy the views and climbing experience, the choice is yours!

Previous Experience - Dependant on your ambitions, contact me to discuss this further. Winter hill walking experience is essential.

Ratio - 1:2