• Introduction to ice axe and crampon use
• Safe movement on snow-covered ground
• Basic winter navigation using map and compass
• How winter conditions affect route choice and pacing
• Recognising common hazards in winter terrain
• Improving confidence in poor visibility and changeable weather

This course is aimed at people with summer hillwalking experience who are new to winter conditions.

• Hillwalkers looking to start winter walking safely
• Those with limited or no experience using ice axe and crampons
• People wanting to improve confidence in poor visibility
• Anyone planning to progress to longer winter skills courses

Morning — Equipment & movement skills

Meet in Aviemore then travel into the mountains. Begin with fitting and using ice axes and crampons, followed by practising safe movement techniques on snow and gentle slopes.

Midday — Winter navigation

Develop core winter navigation skills using map and compass, including pacing, bearings and relocating in poor visibility.

Afternoon — Terrain awareness & decision-making

Apply skills on varied terrain while discussing route choice, hazard awareness and how winter conditions influence safe travel.

Note: exact content and location vary depending on weather, snow conditions and group ability.

• Fitness level: good general hill fitness required
• Terrain: snow-covered paths and open mountain terrain
• Winter conditions can be slower and more demanding than summer walking
• We focus on skill development and safe pacing, not speed

• Warm layers + waterproof jacket and trousers
• Winter hillwalking boots suitable for crampons (we’ll advise)
• Hat + two pairs of gloves (recommended)
• Rucksack, food, hot drink and water
• Headtorch, spare layers and personal essentials

See our Winter Skills FAQs for detailed kit guidance, boot/crampon compatibility and common questions.

• Meeting point: Aviemore (full details provided after booking)
• By car: Aviemore is accessed via the A9, with public parking available
• By train: regular services from Inverness, Perth and the Central Belt

Full joining instructions are sent after booking. If you need help planning travel, contact us.

• Mountain Leaders with extensive winter experience
• Small groups for better learning and safety
• Real mountain environments (not artificial settings)
• Clear progression to 2-day and 3-day winter skills courses
• Friendly, supportive instruction focused on confidence building

If you don’t have your own winter hardware, hire can be added at checkout where available, or sourced locally from outdoor retailers in Aviemore.

• Crampons: correct type depends on your boots
• Ice axe: sized to suit you

Unsure what you need? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.