intro to winter climbing
2 day course
Progress your skills onto our winter climbing course and learn two axe climbing techniques such as swinging, hooking and torquing. We are looking to climb a variety of routes on snow, ice and mixed ground from grade I-III.
Our courses are based predominately in The Cairngorms for more reliable for snow and ice conditions. We may make use of Ben Nevis and Glen Coe on your course should conditions allow and routes be suitable for your ability.
2 DAY COURSE
PRICES: £295pp
50% deposit secures your booking
OVERVIEW
This winter climbing course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to climb snow, ice and mixed routes in the winter mountains. This means equipping you with the knowledge to be safe on graded ground in snowy environments. It emphasises practical application with a focus on safety, looking at the technical skills of climbing such as ropework, knots and belaying as well the physical movement needed for two axe climbing; hooking, torquing and swinging efficiently.
There is an emphasis on 'winterising' our summer climbing knowledge and getting to grips with more winter specific equipment and techniques, such as ice screws, snow anchors, winter belays, crampon movement, ice axe placement and managing your stances, changeovers and ropework with gloves and goggles.
The course will take a holistic approach to winter climbing and we will look to educate all aspects of winter mountaineering and climbing when the opportunity arises. This includes avalanche information and education, route condition and grades, coaching winter movement and developing your winter navigation
COURSE OUTLINE
Gear and Equipment
Essential winter clothing, climbing boots, crampons and axes for graded climbs.
Proper fitting of C2/C3 crampons and other winter-specific gear
Route Planning and Avalanche Awareness
Identifying potential avalanche terrain and safe route selection.
Introduction to basic avalanche awareness and safety protocols.
Snow and Ice Climbing Techniques
Safe movement on snow-covered slopes, including ascending and descending.
Use of crampons for front pointing, axes for swinging; hooking and torquing.
'Winterising' Climbing Knowledge
How our rack can differ and what gear is useful
Ice screw placement and belays
Ropework and winter belays
Kicking ledges
Getting to grips with gloves and goggles and the harsh winter environment
Navigation Essentials
Map reading and compass skills for effectively navigation in poor weather
Understanding snow-covered terrain and its effect on navigation
EXAMPLE ROUTES
Grade I
Jacobs Ladder
Central Gully
Number 4 Gully
Grade II
Jacobs Edge
Fiaciall Couloir
Ledge Route
Number 2 Gully
Spiral Gully
Grade III
Hidden Chimney
Tower Ridge
Left Twin
Wavelength
And lots, lots more
BY THE END OF THE COURSE, YOU CAN EXPECT TO
Be able to look after yourself on a climb in poor weather,
Select an appropriate climb due to weather and avalanche conditions
Understand your kit and rack and its limitations in the winter environment,
Be more confident in ice axe and crampon climbing techniques,
Be in a strong position to second winter climbs and developed your trad knowledge and winter skills.
YOU WILL NEED
You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering/climbing, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter mountaineering boots (B3 boots ideally)
B2 boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.
Technical ice axes (x2)
We can provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment for a small hire fee.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Practical Application:
We believe in hands-on learning. Our course includes extensive practical exercises, allowing participants to immediately apply what they've learned in real-world situations.
Small Group Sizes:
We maintain small group sizes to ensure focussed attention and ample opportunity for questions, discussions, and where possible one-on-one guidance. 1-2 ratio maximum in this environment.
Positive Learning Environment:
We foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and building confidence in their navigation abilities.
Quality Equipment for Hire:
We can provide B2 boots for a small fee, as well as ice axes, crampons and helmets. All of these are high quality and selected from premium outdoor brands, making sure you have a safe course with the best kit.
Qualified Instructors:
Our instructors hold the WMCI qualification, the highest award for climbing and mountaineering in the UK.
Course Ratios
1:2 Ratio - 2 people per 1 instructor
Our instructors can teach up to 2 people on this course.
This course is open to the public and has 2 spaces per course.
Minimum 2 people to run in full. If you are the only booking, that will secure an instructor for one day. Additional charges apply if the course runs at 1-1 ratios
Pre-Requisites
18+
Experience of hill walking in winter conditions.
Some winter mountaineering experiences is desirable.
Some trad climbing and summer rock climbing knowledge is required.
Please contact us to discuss regarding any queries.
Equipment
All technical equipment can be provided & hired from LDM.
Technical crampons & axes can be hired from Tiso/Ellis Brigham if we can't supply them.
You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing and have appropriate mountain footwear
(B2/B3 boots - these are rigid to take crampons)
We have a selection of boots to hire subject to sizes and availability
Boot hire is £10 per pair, per day
Venue
On the day, we will meet you at Tiso, in the Explorer cafe for meet and greet. We will then look to organise your equipment.
The course is based in the Cairngorms but may head to Ben Nevis/Glen Coe to make use of routes/conditions
We will mostly climb in the Northern Corries so Aviemore is a useful base if looking for accommodation.
Not quite what you're looking for?
Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.
Suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.
Day rates:
1:1 £270
1:2 £150pp
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a voicemail or text message where possible.
Thank you