winter skills

winter skills

Aviemore & Cairngorms—learn crampons, ice axe and winter navigation with highly qualified instructors.

10 Certified Departures
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
Current Field Itineraries

winter skills Expeditions

Showing all certified departures led directly by qualified instructors.

Field Footage

winter skills In Motion

Footage from recent days on this discipline.

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Highland Regions

Where We Guide

From the jagged volcanic gabbro of Skye to the ancient pine forests of the River Spey.

A winter mountaineering group in helmets and crampons pauses on a snow slope, ice axes in hand.
Private winter skills
SRW Certified Field Spec
Private winter skills

Your first winter days, privately

Axe, crampons, and movement on snow, taught to your group. A useful way to start winter without joining an open course.

  • Teaching pitched at your group
  • Boots and axes can be hired
  • Dates chosen for the snow
The Highland Standard

Why learn winter skills with us

Qualified winter instructors, a small group, and the day spent on snow rather than in a classroom.

A climber in an orange helmet cuts steps in a steep snow slope with an ice axe.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Winter skills courses, in their words

How other people got on with an axe and crampons, and what they took away from the course.

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"2 Day Winter Climbing intro"

My dad and I underwent a two day intro to winter climbing. This course was everything I hoped for and Stephen was a friendly, reassuring and attentive instructor. He listened to what we wanted to do and tailored each day to fit our wants and abilities. I felt safe and trusted at all times and would not hesitate to recommend this course or any other by Scottish Rock and Water. We met on the first morning to discuss weather and avalanche forecasts which we learned more about through planning our day. On the hill we discussed these aspects further as well as covering rope work, anchor building, navigation, use of technical gear and placing protection. Stephen was happy to answer any questions and chat, climbing or non climbing related. Thank you for a great weekend.

Callum SumsionVerified

"Amazing 👏"

Fantastic experience from start to finish, Our guide Terry was a top lad and a fantastic cook couldnt do enough for everyone ,was great fun and was very experienced on the water ,we had a great group ,had plenty of laughs and would would highly recommend this trip.over and out seal team 4.

Lee CharltonVerified

"Canoe Across Scotland"

Fabulous time with small group canoeing and wild camping. Guide and canoe instructor Antony was great, very friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm. Food was amazing and we never went hungry. Storm Floris spoilt some of our adventure but everyone just cracked on with it. Top marks to Antony who did proper risk assessment before our last day and requested additional support from Steven to accompany us on a extremely windy Loch Ness. Great company would recommend and use again for another adventure!

Kazz DVerified

"River Spey canoe trip"

An excellent 4 days paddling the River Spey with Rory. The whole event was well organised and Rory was a very knowledgeable and capable guide, knowing the river very well. His cooking skills and meal choices were also very good, definitely did not go hungry. The scenery was exceptional and wildlife seem very good, 2 Ospreys included. The canoes and kit provided were also very good.

John HVerified

"Guided Descent of the River Spey"

Many thanks to Stephan for a great 4-day trip down the Spey! We really enjoyed the scenery and the water - especially the washing machine! Good accomodations and good food down the way helped as well to make this an unforgettable trip. We'll definitely be back for more fun some day!

Paul AkkermansVerified

"Scrambling in Glen Coe"

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified
Field Notes

Winter skills notes

Boots, axes, and how to prepare for a first winter course.

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Gift vouchers

Give a day in the Highlands

A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.

A winter mountaineering group in helmets and crampons pauses on a snow slope, ice axes in hand.
Basecamp Concierge

Ready for your first winter day?

Unsure about boots, crampons, or whether a skills course is the right start? Talk to the instructors who teach these days.

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