WINTER MOUNTAINEERING

Philip operates winter walking and climbing courses in the Scottish Highlands. he has many years experience of Scotish winter conditions and through this, we guarantee that the best possible use will be made of the prevailing conditions. We have the mobility to move where conditions are best, thus ensuring that you get the best possible climbing or walking experience that Scotland has to offer.

Our five day and weekend courses cater for a wide variety of tastes, from the summer hill walker, who wants a safe introduction to winter skills to the devoted winter climber, wanting to improve their grade under expert tuition. Our courses are also an excellent introduction to climbing in the Alps as many skills learned build a firm foundation for the budding alpinist.

Our courses include:

WINTER HILL WALKING

This is an ideal course for keen hill walkers with little or no winter experience. During the week it should be possible to ascend some superb 3000 ft mountains with an overnight bothy expedition if appropriate. The week is also aimed at improving participant's personal skills. Instruction will be given in:

No winter experience at all is necessary but clients should be fit enough to enable them to undertake consecutive days out in the hills. Some summer hill walking experience is necessary.

WINTER MOUNTAINEERING

A course which builds on general winter skills by introducing basic rope work. Suitable for beginners with no previous snow and ice experience, this course will cover ice axe, crampon and navigation techniques in detail. Armed with these skills, participants progress to climbing snow gullies and ridges of Grade I - II in standard, where rope work and snow belays will be taught. You will be able to try some basic ice climbing, and avalanche theory and precautions will be taught. This course will form a firm foundation with which participants can proceed to gain further experience of winter climbing. A fair amount of hill walking experience is necessary for this course, but no actual snow and ice experience is required. You should be as fit as for the Winter Hill Walking course.

INTRODUCTORY SNOW & ICE CLIMBING

For the experienced winter hill walker who would like to sample winter climbing, but has little or no rock climbing or rope work skills. This course covers the safe movement over steep snow, ice and rock so that winter walkers may progress to the more demanding environment of winter climbs, using the appropriate rope handling skills. All aspects of belaying and winter climbing techniques will be taught and participants will be encouraged to lead their own climbs. You do not need any climbing experience on this course but a good level of competence in winter walking conditions is expected. There will be some long days out so a good level of personal fitness would make life easier.

SNOW, ICE AND BUTTRESS CLIMBING

We aim to give clients the ultimate in winter climbing experiences, with low Guide to client ratios giving close personal attention during the course. Those who lead summer rock climbs will find this course a rewarding experience. The course concentrates on packing as much winter climbing into the week as possible, with ascents of classic climbs, either led by the clients themselves or Guided. We run the course to your requirements and instruction will cover modern climbing methods in winter conditions, after initial sessions on snow and ice craft and rope work. Routes may be climbed from Grade I - IV.

Clients must have enough rock climbing experience to be able to lead summer climbs of Very Difficult standard. Previous winter climbing experience is preferable and a good level of personal fitness is essential.

PRIVATE GUIDING

We pride ourselves in enabling people to realise their ambitions. Our Private Guiding Service caters for those with specific objectives in mind. Whether you are an individual or a group of friends, contact us and we will arrange a programme to suit you. The cost of a Guide is £150 per day plus £10 for each additional person. The Guides expenses will be shared by the group.

PRICE

Price includes: Guiding fee & Guides expenses, accommodation, dinner & breakfast, local transport and group equipment.
Price does not include: Lunch, travel to & from the start of the course, equipment hire.