Day 1 — Winter systems & snowcraft foundations

• Course briefing, weather/conditions overview and day plan
• Winter movement efficiency and safety basics
• Snow assessment fundamentals: stability, wind effects and snowpack observations
• Site selection principles for snow shelters (safety, shelter, drainage, escape options)
• Intro to shelter designs and construction workflow

Day 2 — Build & live: snowhole construction (conditions dependent)

• Snow profile checks and final site decision-making
• Digging technique, structure, ventilation and door design
• Cold management: layering, moisture control and pacing
• Stove safety and safe routines (where appropriate)
• Overnight snowhole stay if conditions allow (with contingency plan)

Day 3 — Morning pack-down & winter journey skills

• Safe exit routines and leaving the site responsibly
• Navigation practice and decision-making in winter terrain
• Emergency procedures, what-ifs and good judgement frameworks
• Course recap and progression advice

Snowholing is weather and snow-condition dependent. Your instructor will adapt plans to prioritise safety. If a snowhole overnight isn’t appropriate, you’ll still learn snowcraft and winter systems with an alternative overnight plan.

• Snow assessment basics and site selection for shelters
• Snowhole design, construction technique and safety checks
• Ventilation, temperature management and condensation control
• Cold-weather systems: layering, hydration, pacing and energy management
• Winter navigation and safe route choice in challenging conditions
• Emergency planning, communications and decision-making under pressure

This course suits people who want a unique winter mountain overnight experience and are ready for cold, effort and real conditions.

• Winter walkers looking to expand skills beyond day trips
• People with some mountain experience who want structured coaching
• Those comfortable being outdoors for long winter days

If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll advise on suitability.

• Digging is physically demanding — good fitness and resilience in cold conditions helps
• Expect long days outdoors in wind, snow and sub-zero temperatures at times
• Terrain may include snow-covered paths, open slopes and plateau environments
• We focus on safe pacing, learning and good judgement

• Warm layers + waterproof jacket and trousers
• Winter boots suitable for the conditions (we’ll advise)
• Hat + spare gloves/mitts (recommended)
• Headtorch, spare layers, personal first aid items and any medication
• Sleeping system suitable for winter (bag, mat, liner as needed)
• Food and hot drinks (exact guidance in joining instructions)

See our detailed equipment list and Winter Skills FAQs for recommended winter systems.

• Meeting point: Aviemore (full details provided after booking)
• Travel: Accessible by road (A9) and rail
• Overnight plan: Snowhole location and approach varies with conditions
• Accommodation: Any non-snowhole nights are not included (book locally if needed)

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

• Is a snowhole overnight guaranteed? No — it depends on safe snow and weather conditions. A contingency plan is always used if needed.
• Do I need winter experience? Some winter hillwalking experience is recommended. If unsure, ask us.
• What if conditions are severe? The course adapts to keep learning productive and safe.

For broader winter kit and safety questions, see our Winter Skills FAQs.