Weather Skills Workshops

Mountaineering Scotland Weather Skills Courses are delivered in association with MWIS, exclusively for our members. The workshops are perfect for members interested in expanding their knowledge of mountain weather and how this relates to making the most of your adventures in the mountains. 

They are classroom based and include teaching tutorials, group discussion, the chance to pose your difficult weather questions to our experts, plus you can have a go at making a mountain forecast from synoptic charts!

This year's courses:

The courses are run on successive days, therefore it's possible to do both over a weekend.

Weather Skills (all levels)

The Weather Skills course is delivered by expert meteorologists Garry and Mehmet from The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), and aimed at all levels of knowledge, from complete beginner to those with some prior knowledge.

What you'll learn

  • Where the UK weather comes from
  • Air mass theory
  • Weather fronts and what they mean to us
  • Synoptic charts and how to interpret them
  • Relevant weather forecasts
  • How topography influences the weather
  • How elevation influences wind, temperature and precipitation
  • Planning and route choice based on synoptic charts and weather forecasts

Date and venue

Date: Saturday 1 November 2025

Venue: The Granary, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP

Please note: This course is classroom-based with a maximum of 12 places. Please bring a notebook and pen.

Tea & coffee is included in the cost of your course. 

Lunch is not included, please bring a packed lunch.

Cost

£65 for Mountaineering Scotland members. 

Not a member yet? Non-members can join us for just £28 and take advantage of all the member benefits - click here for more details.

Book now

Winter weather skills (post-beginner)

The Winter Weather Skills course focuses on winter weather in the Scottish mountains. Some prior knowledge is helpful, for example having attended the MWIS weather course aimed at all levels (see above). There will be some overlap with what is taught on the other course, but lots of unique content too, and you will get a lot out of attending both.

What you'll learn

  • Understanding different airflow patterns and their winter characteristics
  • Reading the synoptic weather chartsStudying different types of snow
  • Freezing levels and freeze-thaw cycles
  • The winter microclimates in the mountains
  • Why does lightning happen in winter?
  • Different types of 'whiteout' conditions
  • Stormy patterns and weather windows
  • 'Alpine conditions' and the road to spring

Date and venue

Date: Sunday 2 November 2025

Venue: The Granary, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP

There will be space for 12 attendees. 

Please note: this course is classroom-based. Please bring a notebook and pen.

Tea & coffee is included in the cost of your course. 

Lunch is not included, please bring a packed lunch.

Cost

£65 for Mountaineering Scotland members. 

Not a member yet? Non-members can join us for just £28 and take advantage of all the member benefits - click here for more details.

Book now

Further information

If you require further information email info@mountaineering.scot

Cancellation policy:

  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks before the course date will incur a £10 admin fee per booking to cover admin costs.
  • Cancellations less than 4 weeks before a course date - we will only offer a refund or transfer if we find a replacement to take your place (£10 admin fee applies)
  • Cancellations less than 7 days before the course date are non-refundable.

By booking a place on one of our courses, you are agreeing to our booking and cancellation conditions - please read them before you proceed with your booking.