Winter Mountain Courses - Climb Ben Nevis

Winter Mountain Courses

Master Your Winter Mountain Skills

Through our sister company, RAW Adventures, we run a series of exciting winter courses to help you become confident and capable in snowy, icy, and cold-weather mountain conditions. Whether it’s your first time walking in winter or you’re keen to progress into more advanced mountaineering, our carefully designed small-group sessions give you hands-on experience in some of the most striking landscapes in the UK.

Led by qualified Winter Mountain Leaders, every programme combines practical training with supportive instruction. With group sizes usually limited to 4–6 participants, our approach ensures individual guidance and plenty of time to develop your skills at your own pace.

Winter Mountain Courses - Climb Ben Nevis

Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills

Perfect for beginners, this two-day course introduces the essential techniques for moving safely and efficiently on winter terrain. You’ll practise using an ice axe and crampons, interpreting snow conditions, and planning routes across icy slopes - all while discovering the rewards of hillwalking in a transformed winter landscape. It’s a great way to build knowledge and confidence while enjoying the crisp, snowy beauty of the mountains.

Winter Mountain Courses - Climb Ben Nevis

Winter Munro Mountain Skills

If you’re already at ease in winter weather and want to develop greater independence on the mountains, this three-day advanced course is the logical next step. You’ll deepen your understanding of route selection, navigation, emergency procedures, and the use of technical winter tools. With your instructor’s support, you’ll gain the confidence to climb Scottish Munros safely on your own.

Winter Mountain Courses - Climb Ben Nevis

Introduction to Winter Climbing

Ready to take your mountaineering further? This course is tailored for walkers, scramblers, and aspiring climbers keen to experience the thrill of winter ascents. Across several days, you’ll train in rope handling, belaying, use of crampons and ice axes, and building simple anchors in snow. It’s an invigorating route into the world of technical climbing and securely managing yourself on steeper ground.

Free Guide: 11 Winter Mountain Skills Tips

Sign up to receive our free download, “11 Winter Mountain Skills Hints & Tips,” written by our experienced Winter Mountain Leaders. It includes practical advice on preparation, navigation, and decision-making to help you stay safe and make the most of your time in the hills. Because when it comes to winter conditions, knowledge is the most valuable tool you can pack.

Learn from Seasoned Mountain Experts

With over three decades of experience, RAW Adventures has built a trusted reputation for high-quality outdoor learning. Every instructor holds nationally and internationally recognised certifications through Mountain Training, ensuring professionalism, safety, and enthusiasm across every course.

Before you arrive, we’ll share information packs, equipment checklists, and practical guidance to help you prepare. Need to borrow specialist kit? We can arrange hire options and provide accommodation suggestions in Aviemore, the hub for our winter programmes.

For those looking to formalise their outdoor journey, we also deliver Mountain Training qualification courses, which provide progression beyond our winter skills programme.

Cannot recommend RAW Adventures enough. Kate looked after us from the outset every step of the way right up to the summit even in the poor weather conditions we had. Extraordinarily knowledgeable of every facet of the mountain and absolute pros through and through.

Stewart John

Winter Course Information

Course Details Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills
Course Duration 2 days
Course Cost £225.00 per person (1:6 ratio)
Terrain Area West Coast/Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland
Course Details Winter Munro Mountain Skills
Course Duration 3 days
Course Cost £330.00 per person (1:6 ratio)
Terrain Area West Coast/Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland
Course Details Introduction to Winter Climbing
Course Duration 3 days
Course Cost £565.00 per person (1:4 ratio)
Terrain Area West Coast/Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland

FAQs

Where are the courses held?

All courses are delivered in the Cairngorms, beginning each day in Aviemore, a thriving centre for mountain activity in Scotland.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation isn’t part of the course package, but we’ll send recommended places to stay locally once you’ve booked.

Do I need special equipment?

Yes, but don’t worry - after registration you’ll receive a complete kit list. If you’re missing any items, we can arrange hire for a small additional charge.

Are beginners welcome?

Absolutely. The Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills course is specially designed for newcomers - no prior snow or ice experience required.

Can I spread the cost?

Yes. For bookings over £200, instalment payments are available unless your start date is within two months.


Still unsure which course fits your needs? Get in touch with our welcoming team.

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