Winter Courses

Introduction

Ice crystals dancing in the afternoon sun. Mountains wrapped in their peaceful winter blanket. The dormant landscape waiting for the warm breath of spring...Oh listen to us getting all Shakespeare!

Many believe winter is the most special time to be in the mountains, but some people also feel it is beyond their reach because of the special techniques and skills they must acquire to access it safely. Infact all that is really needed is some quality instruction from people who have been there and done it themselves winter after winter after winter (and have the qualifications to prove it)...errrm, that's us by the way!

Peak Mountaineering's range of winter courses offer something for everyone from seasoned hillwalkers looking to develop their winter skills right through to beginners just wanting to experience the winter environment for the first time. The courses will always be tailored to suit the participants experience and we provide all the technical equipment so all you need to bring is suitable clothing and boots (we'll also happily advise you about what 'suitable' really is!).

For all our winter courses we base ourselves in Fort William. The 'Outdoor Capital of the UK' offers fantastic mountain terrain, reliable conditions and lots of restaurant and pub options to celebrate your achievements. There's also a mainline station and we can come and collect you if you'd prefer to take the train.

Our winter courses don't include accommodation because many participants prefer to choose an option suited to their budget or wish to extend their stay beyond the length of the course. However, we can happily advise you on tried and tested options or we'll book something for you if you'd rather leave everything to us.

Winter Hill Skills (5 day)

The daddy of winter courses and our most popular. Suitable for both beginners and summer hillwalkers looking to head for the white stuff. Over 5 full days we cover all the skills needed to become a confident winter hillwalker: equipment choice, using an ice axe and crampons effectively, moving efficiently on snow, mountain navigation, planned and emergency snow shelters, coping with the cold (nutrition, cold injuries and energy conservation), avalanche awareness, snow analysis and dealing with emergencies.

Five full winter days require a good fitness level and you will get the most from this course if you take some time to physically prepare beforehand. Having said that, basing ourselves in Fort William allows us to occasionally make use of the ski lifts at Aonach Mor and Glencoe to aid those tired legs and this also gets us more time above the snowline (please note that the cost of lifts is not included in the course price).

• 5 days
• Ratio 1:6
• Cost £350 per person
• Non-residential

Please check our Course Calendar for upcoming courses

Winter Hill Skills (2 day)

As you have probably guessed, this is a condensed version of our 5 day Winter Hill Skills course. Again it's suitable for everyone from beginner to seasoned summer hillwalker, and again we will cover all the key skills needed to feel confident venturing into the winter environment including equipment choice, using an ice axe and crampons effectively, moving efficiently on snow, mountain navigation, planned and emergency snow shelters, coping with the cold (nutrition, cold injuries and energy conservation), avalanche awareness, snow analysis and dealing with emergencies.

The key difference between the 2 day and 5 day course is there's obviously not as much time available to consolidate the skills and most participants find it useful to follow up this course by spending some time practicing the key skills under their own steam as soon as they can after the course is finished.

Two consecutive winter days still requires a reasonable fitness level but this course is obviously not as physically demanding as our 5 day course. This makes it better suited to participants who haven't had as much chance to build up their fitness levels prior to the course or anyone who doesn't have as much of a background in hillwalking.

• 2 days
• Ratio 1:6
• Cost £150
• Non-residential

Please check our Course Calendar for upcoming courses

Winter Hill Skills (3 day)

A great option. For the first couple of days we cover all the skills of our 2 day course. Then we head off on day three for a mountain journey. This allows us to consolidate all the things we've covered and also allows us the time to focus on any skills that need more input - as well as giving us a great excuse to get out and enjoy the winter hills together one more time!

This is a very popular option because it's possible to fit it into a long weekend and you'll still go home feeling confident and inspired to come back and head into the mountains yourself as soon as possible. Even better, the last day can be tailored to suit your aspirations and we can use this day to 'tick off' a classic summit or to head for that particular area you saw in that coffee table photo book Aunt Beryl bought you 10 years ago!

• 3 days
• Ratio 1:6
• Cost £220
• Non-residential

Please check our Course Calendar for upcoming courses

Snow Shelter Adventure

You've watched Ray Mears build one, heard about Scott of the Antarctic living in one for months, or just fancy being an Eskimo for a night. No problem...our snow shelter adventure will be sure to bring out the Shackleton in you!

On day one we pack our bags, head to a suitable location and then take time building our shelter. This day also gives us a chance to discuss other types of shelter and make sure we are fully aware of all the relevant safety issues. Then we cook an evening feast and bed down for a real night with a difference. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we'll use the day to take in a fine wintery walk back to civilisation - and the inevitable celebratory beers!

The weekend is suitable for everyone - all you need is a reasonable fitness level and a sense of adventure! As always we will provide all the technical equipment (including snow shovels and other safety equipment). All you need to bring (in addition to clothing and boots) is a suitable sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bivvy bag and a rucksack large enough to carry everything in (we can happily advise you on options).

• 2 days
• Ratio 1:4
• Cost £150
• Accommodation before and after the course is not covered but obviously the snow shelter night is!

Please check our Course Calendar for upcoming courses

The core of mans spirit comes from new experiences.

Chris McCandless