Winter Skills & Summits Course

West Coast Mountain Guides, a climbing club based in Fort William, is excited to announce their upcoming Winter Skills & Summits Course. This course is specifically designed for hillwalkers who have limited experience in winter walking. The aim of the course is to equip participants with the necessary skills to tackle the challenges of winter hillwalking.

Winter conditions bring about a whole new set of challenges, with conditions and weather changing rapidly. During this one to five day course, participants will have the opportunity to learn and develop their winter ice axe and crampon skills. Emphasis will also be placed on navigation and safe route choice. You will have the chance to plan and assess weather and snow conditions, as well as gain valuable insights into avalanche awareness and the importance of choosing appropriate routes in both ascent and descent.

This course is particularly suitable for individuals who have limited experience in snow and ice covered mountains, but would like to extend their activities to the high mountains in winter. Most days, participants will spend approximately 6–8 hours on mountains ranging from 600m to 1345m. As part of the course, you will also have the opportunity to climb a number of winter 'Munros'. It is important to note that a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this course, and please be aware that roped climbing is not included.

Our Winter Skills & Summits Course is run on a privately guided basis, meaning that there is no minimum number required for the course to run. The costs and prices include guiding and instruction, as well as the use of a helmet, ice axe, and crampons. However, please bear in mind that expenses such as accommodation, food, uplift, personal equipment, and insurance are not included in the course fee.

If the course dates offered do not suit your schedule or if you would like to arrange private mountain guiding for yourself or your group, please do not hesitate to contact West Coast Mountain Guides.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your winter hillwalking skills. Join West Coast Mountain Guides for their Winter Skills & Summits Course and take your love for the mountains to new heights.