Winter Skills Long Weekend
Learn winter skills in Scotland so you can move with confidence over snow and ice and prepare yourself for a life time of winter fun.
Over the course of the two days you will learn about the equipment and techniques you require to be safe in winter. You will start to examine some of the unique hazards that winter brings and develop your judgement, skills and confidence as you progress.
The course can be a great primer if you are heading abroad on an expedition that goes into the snowline. Learning how to use an ice axe and crampons whilst you are struggling with altitude is not a great plan!
Who is it for ?
This winter skills course is for summer hillwalkers who want to learn how to move safely over hills in winter conditions. No prior knowledge of walking in winter is required.
Winter Skills Long Weekend – Course Format
The exact course itinerary will be flexible to cope with weather conditions. During the course, you will cover the essential skills that are required for you to move safely on the hills in winter:
- How to choose suitable clothing and equipment for winter walking;
- Use of ice axe including how to ice axe arrest;
- Use of crampons on different terrain;
- Avalanche forecasts, and avoidance;
- Introduction to winter navigation;
- Planning a day and route choice whilst underway;
Course Details
- Location: Aviemore & Glencoe
- Cost: £325 per person
- Duration: 3 days
- Ratio: 1:6
- Level: Introduction
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are a group of you that want the challenge and exhilaration of winter, but there are no suitable dates available, or you would like to do something similar in a different area, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
For our Winter Skills weekend, we meet at 9am.
In Aviemore this is in Tiso on Day 1 and subsequently at our base in N Aviemore.
In Glencoe we meet at our base in the village of Glencoe (near the massacre memorial).
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Equipment Required
A detailed equipment list is contained in the joining instructions. Essentially, you need to be self sufficient for a day walking in the winter mountains.
We can provide an ice axe, harness & helmet and crampons. Boots can be hired locally if required.
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Fitness Level
You certainly don’t have to be super fit to enjoy this course, and average fitness is quite sufficient.
Experience of summer hillwalking is essential.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There are hundreds of accommodation options in and around Fort William and Aviemore from luxurious Castles to campsites and everything in between.If you want a hand booking something, or, want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
We have had very good experiences with:
Ravenscraig Guest House and Cairngorm Guest House in Aviemore
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking. You only need to pay the deposit if your course is more than six weeks away.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
A range of accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
