Online Winter Talks 2026: Be Bothered – Staying Safe in the Scottish Winter Hills

Join us for an evening of expert talks and practical advice to help you get ready for the winter season!

When you’re cold, tired and miles from the car, it’s easy to cut corners. 

Being bothered means taking that extra step the moment you think of it, because the small things you skip in the hills tend to add up.


Image: Mountaineering Scotland Winter Skills Course 

What’s on

  • Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. What a winter rescue involves, real call-outs from recent seasons, the common mistakes that lead to rescues, and how to call for help. Also covers what to do while you wait for the team to arrive.
  • Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS). How to read the weather in winter: common weather patterns, how quickly conditions can change, the main hazards to watch for, and how our winter weather is changing.
  • Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS). What SAIS does, a tour of the new website and forecast, and how to spot avalanche hazards on the hill. Includes what the different avalanche problems mean for hillwalkers.
  • Mountaineering Scotland's mountain safety advisors. Sharing winter practical tips and tricks for real conditions: 
    • Changing layers in strong wind without losing your jacket
    • Keeping water drinkable and packing snacks you’ll actually eat
    • Staying warm on belays and stops
    • Phones, power banks and staying organised in bad weather
    • Toilet stops and managing periods on the hill
  • Live Q&A. 

Who it’s for: Hillwalkers, mountaineers and climbers of all levels, whether you’re going out for your first winter season or your tenth.

Supporting Lochaber MRT
All money raised from ticket sales will go to Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. The team is made up of volunteers who are on call around the clock, all year, to help people in trouble in the mountains. Booking a place supports their work this winter.

Booking Details 

  • Date: Monday 14 December 2026
  • Time: 7.30pm - 9pm 
  • How to attend: This will be an online Zoom webinar. You will receive an email from us containing a Zoom link a couple of days ahead of the event
  • Cost: £5 for members of Mountaineering Scotland, £10 for non-members of Mountaineering Scotland
  • Can’t make it on the night? All ticket holders will receive a link to the recording

Please Note: Non-members will be required to create a free profile on our members portal JustGo to register.

Cancellation policy: Because all ticket proceeds are donated to Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, we’re unable to offer refunds or accept cancellations once a booking is made.

Book here

Not a member?

Non-members can join us from just £29 

Your membership allows us to subsidise the costs of our courses, campaigns for outdoor access rights and encourage more people to enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly -click here for more details.