During this 2-day course, we will revisit core winter skills. The main focus is on climbing some classic gullies, snow-covered rocks, ice and a mix of climbs that Scotland has to offer. There will be guidance and instruction on moving on steep ground, using two climbing axes, placement protection, ropework and building belays. The grades of the routes climbed will be tailored to your requirements, abilities and aspirations.
Skills that will be covered during the course:
- Gear and equipment (including use of winter-specific protection e.g. ice screws, hooks and pegs)
- Planning a climbing day out (including weather interpretation, conditions and avalanche risk)
- Use of two technical ice axes and crampons
- Movement on steep ground
- Ropework skills
- Belaying
- Winter navigation
- Avalanche awareness & safe route choice
Day Itinerary
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Our guide will come and meet you at the hotel after breakfast (8.00-8.30am) and drive you to the chosen mountain location for the day.
We will walk into the chosen climbing venue, doing some refresher skills along the way, as we make our approach walk. We will then commit to our climb with lots of coaching as we climb. We will then complete our climb. If time allows us to do so, we will further our skills with instruction before returning to our vehicle.
The guide will then drop you off at the hotel. You will have a briefing for the following day before departing for the evening.
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Our guide will come and meet you at the hotel after breakfast (8.00-8.30am) and drive you to the chosen mountain locations for the day.
We will walk into the chosen climbing venue, doing some refresher skills along the way, as we make our approach walk. We will then commit to our climb with lots of coaching as we climb. We will then complete our climb. If time allows us to do so, we will further our climbing skills with instruction before returning to our vehicle.
The guide will then drop you off at the hotel in the afternoon so you can proceed with your travel plans.
The price includes:
- 2 guided days with IFMGA guides or UK qualified Mountain Leaders
- Group safety equipment
- Mountain Guide's fees and expenses
- Transport from a hotel to the hill venue each day
The price does not include:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Drinks
- Equipment hire
- Insurance
- Travel
It is possible to run a course on 1:1 ratio with a supplement.
Please contact Mountain Tracks office for details
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34
We accept the following payment methods
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Equipment Required for UK Alpine Skills Trips
This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our UK based Alpine Training Weekends. It is ideal if you can have 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing. If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.
- Base Layer Top and Bottoms
- 1-2 thermal tops and 1 pair longjohns
- 2 midweight fleece tops or 1 fleece and 1 lightweight duvet jacket
- Lightweight trekking trousers
- Walking shorts or pair of trousers with zip-off legs
- Weather Layer Top
- Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket
- Lightweight over-trousers with long side zips
- Sun hat and warm hat
- Light, thin gloves plus a pair of insulated gloves in case of cold weather
- Gaiters - Good fitting pair of ankle gaiters to keep socks and boots dry
- 2-3 pairs of good quality socks
For these trips you need a B2 rated boot.
B2 boots are the best option for most alpine mountaineering trips. These are semi-rigid boots available in either leather or plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof. They are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons.
Key features of a good alpine mountaineering boot include vibram soles, a reversed leather upper (which protect the best side of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.
Boots can be hired but to avoid discomfort it is strongly recommended that you have your own pair which need to be worn-in.
These items are essential for all alpine mountaineering courses. All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sports shops in the Alps. These items cost about £35-£45 each for 6-8 days hire payable in local currency in resort.
- Ice Axe (Not Required in North Wales)
- general mountaineering axe – 55-70cms long depending on your height (Not Required in North Wales)
- Boot crampons with anti-balling plates - (Not Required in North Wales)
- Climbing Harness with adjustable leg loops. Must be large enough to be worn over your outerwear
- 2 Prussik loops, slings and karabiners
- Rucksack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 30-35 litres
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre) or Thermos
- Headlamp with batteries - this may not be required for UK weekends
- Penknife
- Personal medications and first aid kit for blisters, sunburn and headaches (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
- Adjustable trekking pole(s) - Optional
- Sun Glasses
- Sunscreen and Lip Protection
- Snack food - fruit or crunchy bars are better than chocolate as a rule. Biscuits to take with afternoon tea are good too
- Passport
- Money
The Cairngorms, Scotland
The Cairngorms are a high mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland, they form part of the Grampian Mountain Range. The mountain of the same name, Cairn Gorm is 1309m above sea level and is also one of the great National Parks in the British Isles.
The mountains in the this area provide an excellent training ground for alpine climbing adventures, with a great remote fell, plenty of scrambling and climbing available at many different grades; its ideal for alpine preparation and an adventurous weekend away.
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SCOTLAND - GUIDES
All our Scottish ski tours, climbing and hiking courses are led by IFMGA guides or UK qualified winter mountain leaders.
Lead Guide
Sandy Allan
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