Winter Courses

Scottish winter climbing, ice climbing, winter mountaineering and skills courses run from December to April. Abacus Mountaineering provides all these courses on Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and all over the Western Highlands. Our select group of instructors will guide you through new skills on real, adventurous and challenging routes.

Winter Skills. An introductory winter skills course will give you all you need to walk the hills in winter. Core skills such as what to wear and how to wear it, how to use your winter boots, ice axe and crampon use, avalanche awareness, navigation and emergency response. For your first steps in winter, this is the one for you.

Winter Mountaineering. The demands of the Scottish hills in winter are very high. A winter mountaineering course will give you all the skills needed to operate in winter including movement skills, crampon and ice-axe use, avalanche awareness, navigation, basic ropework for snow gullies and winter scrambles plus emergency techniques.

Winter Climbing. Scottish winter climbing is pure adventure! From classic gullies, snowed-up rock climbs to water-ice and thin face climbs or a mixed climb with a bit of everything, it's all within reach from Fort William. Learn the skills and subtleties of the most rewarding aspect of climbing and enjoy some classic routes.

Avalanche Course. By studying the theory of how snow changes structure and forms avalanche hazards, assessing the risk of the hazards and making real decisions based on our assessments we can learn how to travel safely in the hills in winter. This weekend course is essential for all winter mountaineers.

FWMF Workshops. During the Mountain Festival from 11th to 15th February 2011 we offer a unique opportunity for you to experience the adventure and satisfaction of Scottish Winter Mountaineering with Winter Walking Skills and Avalanche Awareness Workshops.

To make a booking read the Course Information first.