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 there.

The valley base for winter climbing courses and guided days out is the Aviemore area of the newly formed Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorm mountains, with their high arctic plateau, are literaly on the doorstep and have the most reliable winter climbing conditions in Scotland. The climbing itself is nothing less than superb, wonderfully varied and with relatively short approaches to many of the routes (although these approaches are no pushover if there's a Cairngorm blizzard). Aviemore is also ideally placed for reaching other major climbing and mountain areas - 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.

If you've not climbed in winter before, or you're looking to brush up your skills, here's a few examples of what's on offer.

winter intro  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 axes and crampons, 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. From day three onwards, conditions permitting, an early start gives the opportunity of trying a bigger route in Torridon or the far North West. In essence, these introductory days are all about learning how to look after yourself in the pretty exciting conditions often encountered with Scottish winter climbing.

improvers   there's no substitute for 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 willl 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. Based in the Cairngorms for the first day with the option of climbing at Creag Meagaidh or in the North West from day 2 onwards.

guiding  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 quite 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.

Prices, booking info and further details can be found on the bookings page. To see some of the things we got up to in the past few winters, take a look at the gallery page or read the winter 07 or winter 06 reviews.

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. 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.