Cairngorms 2 Day Winter Skills Course
Cairngorms 2 Day Winter Skills Course
Two full days to build real winter confidence. The Cairngorms in winter demand new skills: movement on snow, effective navigation in poor visibility, and solid decision-making as conditions change. Over two days you’ll learn how to use ice axe and crampons, develop winter movement techniques, and practise navigation and route planning in real mountain terrain — with plenty of time for repetition, coaching and progression.
Quick facts
- Course: Cairngorms 2 Day Winter Skills
- Duration: 2 days
- Location: Cairngorms National Park
- Meeting point: Aviemore (details after booking)
- Best for: Hillwalkers progressing beyond a 1-day introduction
- Skills: Ice axe & crampons, winter nav, safe decision-making
- Equipment hire: Options available (see “Hire” below)
- Accommodation: Not included (book locally between days)
Trip at a glance
Not sure what kit you need or if this level is right? Contact us.
What’s included
Two days of small-group coaching with time to practise, progress and ask questions.
Included
- Qualified and experienced Mountain Leader instruction (2 full days)
- Use of group safety equipment
- Hands-on coaching in winter movement and navigation
- Route planning and decision-making practice
- Small group size for effective learning
Not included
- Accommodation (book locally between course days)
- Travel to and from Aviemore
- Personal winter clothing and footwear
- Ice axe and crampons (hire options available)
- Food and drinks for both days
- Personal insurance
Trip details
Open a section to see the two-day structure, skills covered, kit guidance and meeting details.
Two-day course outline
Day 1 — Foundations
- Kit checks and fitting: ice axe and crampons
- Winter footwork and safe movement on snow
- Basic winter hazards and terrain choice
- Navigation foundations: bearings, pacing and relocating
Day 2 — Progression
- Improving technique on more complex terrain
- Navigation in poorer visibility: strategies and practice
- Route planning and decision-making in changeable conditions
- Putting it together on a coached winter mountain journey
Content and locations vary depending on weather, snow conditions and group ability. Your instructor adapts plans to keep the course safe and productive.
Skills you’ll learn
- Ice axe and crampon use (fitting, technique and safe movement)
- Winter movement efficiency and stability on snow
- Winter navigation: bearings, pacing, aiming off, relocation
- Terrain interpretation in snow: safe lines and slope choices
- Weather awareness and decision-making frameworks
- Planning and executing a winter hill day
Who it’s for
Ideal for hillwalkers who want a solid winter foundation over two days, with time to practise and progress.
- Those new to winter conditions who want more than a 1-day intro
- People preparing for winter walking trips in Scotland
- Anyone progressing toward more advanced winter skills training
Fitness & terrain
- Good general hill fitness required (two consecutive days outdoors)
- Winter conditions are typically slower and more demanding than summer
- Terrain includes snow-covered paths and open mountain terrain
- We focus on skill development and safe pacing, not speed
What to bring
- Warm layers + waterproof jacket and trousers
- Winter hill boots suitable for crampons (we’ll advise)
- Hat + two pairs of gloves (recommended)
- Rucksack, food, hot drink and water for both days
- Headtorch, spare layers and personal essentials
Full kit guidance is in our Winter Skills FAQs. If you want help choosing hire kit, contact us.
Meeting point & logistics
- Meeting point: Aviemore (full details provided after booking)
- Accommodation: Not included — book locally between days
- Travel: Aviemore is accessible by road (A9) and rail
- Plan: Daily locations vary with conditions and learning objectives
Ice axe & crampon hire
If you don’t have winter hardware, hire can be arranged at checkout where available, or locally in Aviemore. Crampon choice depends on your boots — we can advise.
Unsure what you need? Get in touch.
What guests say
Feedback from people who’ve trained with us in winter conditions.
“Two days made a huge difference — plenty of time to practise and ask questions.”
— Course participant
“Clear coaching and great decision-making advice. I left feeling much more confident.”
— Winter skills guest
“Supportive small group, well paced, and adapted brilliantly to conditions.”
— First winter course
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5.0 on Google
Winter Skills Course Dates & Availability
Courses run on Saturdays from 10 January to 21 March (weather permitting). Availability updates regularly.
Fully booked dates
- Saturday 10 January 2026
- Saturday 24 January 2026
- Saturday 31 January 2026
- Saturday 7 February 2026
- Saturday 14 February 2026
These dates are now fully booked.
Limited & very limited availability
- Saturday 17 January 2026 – Limited spaces
- Saturday 21 February 2026 – Very limited
- Saturday 28 February 2026 – Limited
- Saturday 7 March 2026 – Limited
- Saturday 14 March 2026 – Very limited
- Saturday 21 March 2026 – Limited
Later-season courses are filling quickly.
If your preferred date is full, we recommend booking the next available option to avoid missing out.