The Scottish Highlands is one of the most challenging and exciting places for winter climbing. It's a beautiful yet hostile mountain environment, with unpredictable weather and wildly variable climbing conditions. It always leaves a deep impression on anyone who climbs here.

Climbing courses are arranged on request. Prices and information on how to go about making a booking can be found on the bookings page. If you haven't climbed in winter before, or you're looking to brush up your skills, here's a few examples of what's on offer;

beginners winter climbing  a short introductory course of between 2 and 5 days can be arranged for just youself or with a partner. After a morning's refresher on the basics of using crampons and how to ice axe arrest, you'll get to tackle a couple of the Cairngorms' quality winter climbs. You can cut your teeth on a relatively easy snow gully and on the following day, fight your way up a typical Cairngorm mixed route. In essence, these first few days are all about learning how to look after yourself seconding Scottish winter climbs - which can often be a wild and elemental experience! From then on we can move through the skills needed to become a self reliant winter climber, at a pace you're capable of and comfortable with.

improvers   there's no substitute for hands on experience when it comes to being a safe winter climber. That's why new skills and techniques have to be learnt in real climbing situations. Together we'll choose routes that will not only create good learning opportunities but also memorable climbing days. You'll see a variety of snow and ice anchors being used, some cunning ways to arrange protection and some innovative methods of belaying in snow. There'll be plenty of practice at quickly evaluating snow conditions and sussing out the safest approach or retreat from a climb. There's even tips on how to navigate back to the car when the weather craps out. It's advisable to book at least 2 days of instruction if you're really intent on improving your skills.

winter 2011  the valley base for next winter's climbing courses will again be the Aviemore area of the newly formed Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorm mountains, with their high arctic plateau, are literally on the doorstep and have the most reliable winter climbing conditions in Scotland. The climbing is nothing less than superb, wonderfully varied and with reasonably short approaches to many of the routes. This combination of good climbing and relative ease of access makes the Northern Cairngorms, without doubt, the best area in Scotland for learning winter climbing skills. More can be achieved with what time you have available ....and in a stunningly beautiful location.

For the reasons already outlined, the Northern Corries of the Cairngorms are a very popular climbing area (sometimes even matching the popularity of Ben Nevis). Whilst never crowded you're never too far away from other climbing teams. If you'd like to experience a wilder side of Scottish winter climbing, the final day of your course can be a trip to a less frequented mountain area with fewer climbers and more adventure. For example, the Torridonian mountains, with their infinite mountaineering possibilities, and Creag Meagaidh's impressive ice falls are both within a day's striking distance of Aviemore.

guiding  guided winter climbing can be arranged anywhere in the Highlands, whether it's to tick a 'Cold Climbs' classic or for a mission to discover the far North West. Go ahead and broaden your winter climbing experience and enjoy being guided. I'm happy to guide on routes of grade I to V on snow and ice, and up to V 5 mixed, conditions permitting. Guided winter climbing is available on a daily basis. However, if you have your eyes on a particularly long or more serious route (e.g. a Liathach ice climb or Tower Ridge), it may be necessary to check out your current level of fitness and climbing ability on a shorter/easier climb, which will require an extra day.

winter gallery  for an idea of some of the routes climbed and areas visited during the last few winter seasons, take a look here.

p.s.  it's worth noting a beginners winter climbing course can be tailored to accommodate most abilities. Some previous rock climbing and/or winter walking experience is a distinct advantage but more important is a good level of fitness. If you have no experience of being on a mountain in winter, a day's winter skills training before we go climbing will be necessary. For any winter course or guided day out, having good mountain clothing is essential. There's clothing and equipment advice on on the winter kit list (pdf) or just get in touch with any questions. All technical climbing equipment is provided, including technical axes and crampons, if you don't have your own.