Mountaineering Scotland offers members the opportunity of either a weekend course or a series of one day courses to help improve your skills and confidence for winter walking and mountaineering in Scotland, with our team of qualified and experienced instructors.
Our winter skills courses are aimed at people who already enjoy walking in the Scottish hills in summer and winter, and wish to improve their competency and learn the necessary skills to enjoy winter in the hills safety.
Fitness grade depends on course chosen: single day or weekend.
One day Course - Grade 2: For
people who regularly climb hills/mountains and are fit enough for a 7 hour day in the Scottish winter mountains. These courses are delivered on the
mountain, sometimes ‘off-track’ on rough terrain. Max distance 12km, min ascent
600m.
Weekend Course - Grade 3: For people who regularly climb hills/mountains who wish to take it to the next level. The courses are delivered on the mountains sometimes ‘off-track’ and on rough scrambling terrain. Max distance 12km, max ascent 1000m per day.
2023-2024 Winter Skills Course Dates
One-Day Winter Skills Courses
**Please note: Accommodation is NOT included in the one day course fee**
You may wish to combine your one-day winter skills course with one of our winter navigation courses which run on consecutive days.
Winter Skills Two-Day Weekend Courses
Our winter skills courses cover the essential skills of hill walking in winter including:
We will aim to cover as much of the above as possible, depending on the snow and weather conditions. The staffing ratio is 1:6. All our courses are staffed with highly experienced mountaineering instructors who hold either their Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor award or Winter Mountain Leader award.
If you have any questions regarding the content of our winter skills courses, or you're not sure if it's right for you, please contact info@mountaineering.scot
It is VITAL that you come prepared for a full day in the winter mountains to ensure that you get the most out of the course - download the kit list below.
Not sure if you have the right boots? Read more about winter boots here
If you have any questions regarding the suitability of your kit or indeed any other questions about the course please contact us in advance.
Our courses are for members of Mountaineering Scotland. Your membership fees help us subsidise the costs of our courses and means we offer them at these very affordable rates for all our members. By becoming a member you also support all the other work we are involved in on behalf of hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers in Scotland.
One-day Cairngorm Courses: £55
One-day Glencoe Courses: £70 - The Glencoe Course includes: the cost of the uplift at Glencoe mountain (£15). If for any reason this is not used (eg the conditions are better elsewhere) this portion of the cost will be refunded.
To book our mountain safety courses you must be over 18 and have a valid membership of Mountaineering Scotland. Not a member? Click here to join
Two Day Weekend Mill Cottage Courses: £140
Two Day Weekend Alex MacIntyre Hut Courses: £170 - The Alex MacIntyre Course includes: the cost of the uplift at Glencoe mountain (£15). If for any reason this is not used (eg the conditions are better elsewhere) this portion of the cost will be refunded.
Pre-booking is essential. Please take a look at our course information and booking and cancellation conditions - by making a booking you are agreeing to these terms.
Our cancellation policy:
If you have any questions please get in touch.