Snow sports touring: find out more

Courses

Mountaineering Scotland runs a weekend training course each winter aimed at those members who commonly take the role of leader within a group, either as part of a club meet or when out with their peers. See here for details of our next snow sports touring weekend course.

There is a strong tradition of skiing at Glenmore Lodge, which offers a range of courses in ski-touring and off piste skiing, from introductory to advanced level.

Find out more about backcountry skiing courses at Glenmore Lodge.

Other skills training providers include:


Remember to check our member discounts page for discounts from providers.

Join a club

If you are looking for like-minded people to get out with and share your adventures, there are several clubs affiliated to Mountaineering Scotland who encourage and support snow sports touring.

Books

The following books may help you with your planning:

  • Ski Mountaineering in Scotland 2nd Edition by Colwyn Jones The new edition will be available November 2025 from mountaineering shops or Buy online from Scottish Mountaineering Press (member discount available)
  • Skiing & Snowboarding in the Cairngorms National Park by Aitken, Johnstone, Henderson & Muir.  A comprehensive guide to skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms - Buy online
  • Off Piste Performance by Alison Thacker. Not specific to Scotland but a mine of incredible ski technique information by a Scottish based guide - Buy online

Online resources


Scottish Mountaineer, the magazine for Mountaineering Scotland members, carried articles about snowsports touring in the season, and we have republished several from the archives below.

Midweek skiing - Alistair Todd looks at the joys of being able to ski when the conditions are best rather than just when the weekend comes.

Uphill skiing - David Nichol from Glasgow Ski Touring Club takes a look at the technical kit needed for nordic skiing. From 2015.

All the winds of Norway - Brent MacGregor described the joys of skiing in the Tafjordfjella area of Norway.

Seize the day - carefully - Heather Morning looks at the combination of opportunism and planning needed by Scottish ski mountaineers.

Photo by Heather Morning