Mountaineering Scotland offers one or two day winter skills 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.
For winter 2025-26 we have the following one and two day courses on offer - scroll down for more information:
For people who are fit enough to enjoy days out on the hills and high tops, but would prefer to train on terrain that is not too physically demanding. At times the course will be off track on the open hillside.
Maximum distance 12km and maximum ascent 600m.
Aimed at those who regularly ascend Munros (or equivalent) and are used to being off track, on steep/rough terrain.
Maximum distance 14km and maximum ascent approximately 900m. Physically demanding.
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
This one day course will compare and contrast Crampons with Micro spikes to help you decide what is appropriate and safe in different conditions, how to make decisions and what to do when in doubt.
Participants MUST have completed a winter skills training course either with Mountaineering Scotland or another provider and be familiar with the use of ice axe and crampons prior to attending this course. Under exceptional circumstances we will accept people who have not attended a formal winter skills training course but who have considerable personal experience. Please contact us if you think this applies to you.
Please note: Participants are required to bring their own crampons, but microspikes/other traction devices will be provided.
Your course will start with a session indoors, ensuring that everyone has the appropriate kit including fitting your crampons and micro spikes. We will then move on to planning the day, taking into consideration the weather and avalanche forecasts. The course will then move outside for a practical session.
The course will aim to cover the essential topics regarding crampons and micro spikes, 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 courses, or you're not sure if it's right for you, please contact info@mountaineering.scot
Booking opens end August 2025
One day winter skills:
One Day Course Meeting Points
Two Day Course Meeting Points
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 Winter skills courses and Crampons vs Microspikes: £60
One-day Glencoe courses: £79 - The Glencoe Course also includes the cost of the uplift at Glencoe mountain (£19). 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 Course Mill Cottage Courses: £150
Two Day Course Alex MacIntyre Hut Courses: £169 - The Glencoe course includes: the cost of the uplift at Glencoe mountain for one day (£19). 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.
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ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
