We meet at 8:30 at Tiso in Aviemore to sort out boot hire and discuss the objectives for the day, focusing on what participants hope to achieve from the course. We'll begin with a short workshop on planning winter days using the Be Avalanche Aware model, exploring where to find and how to interpret weather and avalanche forecasts for a safe and successful mountain journey. Your instructor will check your kit and explain their decision-making process to maximize learning. Once on the hill, we’ll concentrate on footwork, efficient movement, and the basic use of an ice axe—practicing balance, cutting steps, and essential techniques for managing a slide.
On day two, we will put into action everything we learned on day one during a guided journey in the mountains. This day focuses on applying key skills in a real-world setting, including route planning, navigation, and decision-making in adverse weather conditions. You’ll gain hands-on experience interpreting snow conditions as we travel, learning how to recognize and avoid avalanche-prone terrain. Along the way, your instructor will provide insights into assessing hazards and making safe choices on the move. We’ll also cover essential emergency procedures, including how to respond to incidents in winter conditions, ensuring you feel confident in handling unexpected situations. By the end of the day, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to approach winter mountain journeys with safety, efficiency, and confidence.
Includes complete kit list, daily mileage charts, and meeting point coordinates for offline access.
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Great for those with some outdoor experience who want to expand their skill set and tackle more varied terrain in winter. These sessions balance practical learning with an element of adventure and fun, preparing you for typical challenges in winter conditions.
Most people will have summer hillwalking experience. You’ll build on foundational skills with techniques like self-arrest with an ice axe, boot and crampon use, basic winter navigation, and interpreting avalanche in the terrainn and from the forecasts. Routes may include slighty steeper slopes or mixed terrain, requiring a steady level of fitness and adaptability.
All of our staff hold the relevant qualifications and substantial experience for any courses that you book with us here at Scottish Rock & Water. We can provide any relevant certifications upon request.
Yes, you can use your own boots for the course! We simply ask that they are at least B1 rated, as this ensures they can accommodate crampons. Our C1 rated crampons are designed to fit these boots perfectly. If you're unsure about your boots or need any advice, feel free to reach out—we're happy to help!
Yes, you can secure your course/trip with a deposit. We only require a 25% deposit to reserve your position, with the full payment due 30 days prior to the start date.
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
Yes! You can use our fast checkout option to secure your spot without adding participant details. All we need is your name and email to send the confirmation.
While it's not legally required, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel/activity insurance before your trip to Scotland. Our courses involve outdoor adventures where weather conditions or unforeseen events could cause cancellations or prevent attendance. Having insurance ensures that you're financially protected if these situations arise. For example, many adventurers opt for specialized coverage such as Sports Cover Direct's offerings for canoe holidays or winter climbing, and the British Mountaineering Council also provides tailored policies for mountaineering activities. We encourage you to review these options and choose a policy that best suits your needs for peace of mind during your adventure.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on 2 day winter skills course? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
Qualified winter instructors, a small group, and the day spent on snow rather than in a classroom.
All of our courses take place in the Cairngorms, a breathtaking location known for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. This stunning environment offers the perfect backdrop for your winter adventures, allowing you to challenge yourself while surrounded by some of Scotland's most iconic and awe-inspiring scenery.
We live and work in the Cairngorms—and have for over 16 years! Our deep connection to this stunning area means we know it inside and out. From hidden gems to the best winter routes, you’ll benefit from our local knowledge and passion for the place we call home. Whether you’re new to the area or a returning adventurer, we’re here to share the very best of the Cairngorms with you.
All of our courses come fully equipped with leading providers of winter hardware inc our new range of Grivel axes and crampons, world-renowned for their excellence. These industry-leading tools are included as part of your course fee, ensuring that you're using the best equipment available to safely tackle the challenging Scottish winter conditions.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
How other people got on with an axe and crampons, and what they took away from the course.
Boots, axes, and how to prepare for a first winter course.
Winter SkillsStephen McCall
A blog to help people plan their winter days with a framework to have safer and more enjoyable days in the winter months....
WinterLou Reynolds
You may be relatively new to winter walking or an expert winter climber, but avalanche awareness applies to us all and unfortunately, I don't think we can ever sit back and say we have it all sorted. It needs constant aw...
WinterLou Reynolds
Keeping our hands warm in winter is a common topic of conversation and an area of confusion for some. The idea of needing the most expensive gloves on the market, or buying the thickest pair possible, is not necessarily...
Unsure about boots, crampons, or whether a skills course is the right start? Talk to the instructors who teach these days.
Gift vouchers
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.
