Winter Equipment Explained for Winter Skills Courses

What each item does, why it matters, and what you actually need.

Winter equipment can look intimidating if you’re new to snow and ice. Axes, crampons, helmets and (sometimes) avalanche kit all have a purpose, but not everything is required on every course. This guide explains the key winter equipment used on our winter skills courses, focusing on function rather than brands.

Ice axes

A winter walking axe is primarily a safety tool. It’s used for balance, cutting steps in soft snow, self-arrest practice, and general movement on snow-covered terrain.

• Most winter skills courses use a single general mountaineering axe.
• Length and fit matter more than brand.
• You’ll learn how and when to use it safely during the course.

Crampons

Crampons provide grip on snow and ice and must match both the terrain and your boots. Correct fit is more important than model choice.

• C1, C2 or C3 must match your boot rating.
• Poorly fitting crampons are unsafe and uncomfortable.
• If you’re unsure, start with our guide: choosing boots for mountain & winter skills.

Helmets

Helmets are essential safety equipment in winter terrain, protecting against falling ice, debris and slips during skills practice.

• Helmets are provided on our winter skills courses.
• You only need to bring your own if you prefer.
• Correct fit and adjustment are covered during the course.

Avalanche safety equipment

Avalanche equipment is used to understand risk and practise safe travel. It’s not required on all courses and depends on the training objectives, terrain and conditions.

• Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.
• Introduced where appropriate on longer winter training.
• If you’re joining the 1–3 day winter skills courses, we’ll tell you clearly what you need beforehand.

Bivi bags and emergency equipment

On longer winter days you’ll carry additional emergency equipment as part of good winter mountain practice.

• Bivi bag for emergency shelter.
• Spare gloves, insulation and essential safety items.
• Snow shovel where relevant to snow shelter skills.

What you don’t need to bring

One of the most common mistakes is bringing too much. You don’t need every piece of winter equipment you’ve seen online.

• Technical climbing axes (for graded climbing).
• Excessively heavy or specialist kit “just in case”.
• Multiple duplicate items that add weight without adding safety.

Hire vs buy

For many people, hiring winter equipment makes more sense than buying immediately. It lets you learn what works for you before committing to expensive kit.

• Hiring is a great option for crampons and axes if you’re new to winter.
• Buying after gaining experience often leads to better choices.
• Use our equipment and kit lists to plan what’s essential.

Winter Layering & Clothing for Winter Skills Courses

How to stay warm, dry enough, and comfortable in real Scottish winter conditions.

Winter clothing doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re joining a winter skills course in the Cairngorms or heading into snowy hills for the first time, the key is understanding how to manage warmth and moisture — not buying the most technical gear available.

In Scottish winter conditions, you’re often moving uphill, stopping to learn, exposed to wind on ridges, and sometimes dealing with wet snow. Your clothing system needs to handle all of that.

The Winter Layering System

A good winter system uses four functional layers:

• Base layer – sits next to your skin.
• Mid layer – traps warm air.
• Shell layer – blocks wind and precipitation.
• Insulation layer – added when you stop.

Base Layers

The base layer manages comfort, not maximum insulation.

• Avoid cotton.
• Choose something breathable and comfortable.
• Consider a spare on longer or multi-day courses.

Mid Layers

Mid layers provide adjustable warmth. Two lighter layers are often better than one thick one.

• Choose layers you can vent or remove easily.
• Keep one warm layer dry if possible.

Shell Layers

Wind protection is often more important than pure waterproof rating in winter. Ventilation matters.

• Ensure your shell fits over other layers.
• Use zips early to avoid overheating.
• Waterproof trousers are important in proper winter conditions.

Insulation Layer

This is the layer you add when stationary — during coaching, navigation stops, or snow skills practice.

• It should fit over everything else.
• Keep it accessible in your pack.

Hands, Head & Spares

• Bring multiple pairs of gloves.
• Carry a warm hat and a windproof option.
• Keep spare socks dry.

Common Mistakes

• Overdressing at the start of the day.
• Only bringing one pair of gloves.
• Shell layers too tight for proper layering.
• No spare dry layer on longer days.

Before Your Course

Use our equipment and kit lists to prepare properly, and check our boot guidance if you’re unsure about compatibility with crampons.

Choosing Boots for Mountain and Winter Skills Courses

A simple guide to fit, stiffness and what actually matters on the hill.

Boots are the single piece of kit that can make or break your day. When they fit well, you barely think about them. When they don’t, everything becomes harder: sore feet, cold toes, slow pace, and a lot less enjoyment.

This guide is aimed at people joining our mountain skills and winter skills courses. It’s not a gear review and it won’t tell you to buy a specific brand. Instead, it explains the practical differences that matter and how to choose boots that suit your course and the conditions.

Fit comes first (before features, before price)

The best boot is the one that fits your foot shape. That sounds obvious, but it’s where most problems start. People often choose boots based on reviews, brand reputation, or how “technical” they look — and then spend the course managing hotspots and blisters.

A well-fitting boot should feel secure at the heel, supportive through the midfoot, and roomy enough at the toes to allow natural movement and swelling through the day. Fit is personal, so try boots on with the socks you’ll actually wear on the hill.

Simple fit checks that work

• Heel hold: your heel shouldn’t lift noticeably when walking uphill.
• Toe room: you should be able to wiggle toes; toes shouldn’t hit the front when walking downhill.
• Width: avoid pressure points on the little toe and bunion area.
• Support: the boot should feel stable on uneven ground without needing to over-tighten laces.

Stiffness and support: what you need for mountain skills

For mountain skills courses (non-winter), you don’t need a fully rigid boot. What you do want is a boot that supports the foot on rough ground, handles wet paths and boggy sections, and stays comfortable during repeated days.

Course type	What to aim for	Why it works
Mountain Skills (1–2 day)	Comfortable, supportive walking boots with good grip	More comfort and confidence on rough ground; less fatigue
Mountain Skills (4 day / wild camp)	Supportive boots suitable for longer days and carrying a pack	Better stability with weight; reduced foot strain over multiple days
Winter Skills (1–2 day)	Winter boots appropriate for crampons and cold conditions	Warmth and stiffness help on snow and ice; safer footwork
Winter Skills (4 day / snowholing)	Winter boots you can wear all day, multiple days	Consistency matters: warmth, fit and compatibility reduce problems

Winter boots and crampons: compatibility matters

In winter, boot choice isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about compatibility. Crampons must match the boot’s stiffness and shape. A poor match can lead to crampons coming loose, poor foot placement, and a frustrating day.

As a general guide, winter skills courses often use crampons in the C2 or C3 category, matched correctly to suitable winter boots. If you’re unsure, ask before you buy anything: it’s far cheaper to check than to replace the wrong kit later.

What to check for winter

• The boot is stiff enough to support crampons properly.
• The boot shape matches the crampon frame (some boots are narrower/wider).
• Your crampon system is appropriate for the boot (strap-on / hybrid / step-in).
• Warmth: cold feet ruin learning and reduce enjoyment quickly.

Breaking boots in: do it early, do it properly

New boots can be fine on a short walk and then become a problem after a full day in the hills. If you’re joining a course, aim to have boots worn-in and tested beforehand.

Breaking-in tips that actually help

• Start with shorter walks, then build up to longer days.
• Wear the socks you’ll use on the course.
• Test on hills and descents, not just flat ground.
• Adjust lacing for comfort and heel hold.
• Deal with hotspots early: tape and fit tweaks beat “pushing through”.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Buying boots too small: toes need room, especially on descents.
• Choosing very soft boots for long, rough days with a pack.
• Trying winter crampons on the day without checking compatibility in advance.
• Over-tightening laces to fix poor fit, leading to numb feet or pressure points.
• Assuming “waterproof” means your feet stay dry forever in wet ground.

How this links to our equipment and kit lists

If you want a clear checklist for your course or trip, the full equipment and kit lists are available here: /equipment-and-kit-lists/

If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for your course dates, send us a message before booking — we’ll point you in the right direction.