Overview
The Cairngorms Winter Skills Course involves 2 days packed with learning and journeying in the spectacular northern Cairngorms. During our time together, you will learn and consolidate basic winter mountaineering skills, appropriate for the UK and abroad.
To make the best use of time and conditions, our first day usually takes place on Cairn Gorm. This day is spent learning the basics of ice axe and crampon use and essential movement and safety skills. In addition, this 2 day course provides you with an extra day to delve deeper into both the theory and practice of winter mountain skills.
A longer walking journey in the Cairngorms helps us build your skills and experience. Often, this will be a journey on or near Cairn Gorm, but there are many other possible routes within the national park. The good news is that the high plateaus and corries of the Cairngorms hold snow very well. As a result, we are all-but-guaranteed enough snow for an interesting mountain journey.
The content of this 2 day Cairngorms winter skills course is:
- Avalanche forecasts and route planning
- Ice axe self arrest
- Developing core movement skills (inc crampons)
- Winter navigation
- Journeying skills (eg: routefinding, emergencies)
It is important to learn new skills in a relatively safe environment. Therefore, we will seek out easier and more sheltered terrain as needed. So, the Cairngorms Snow and Ice Journey is absolutely a great way to begin your winter hillwalking adventures!
Kirsty Mackenzie (verified owner) –
Had an amazing few days doing the Winter Skills Course with Malcolm – he is very knowledgeable, patient and a great teacher! I learnt lots of new skills and now feel confident to enjoy winter hiking. Would definitely recommend! Thank you again 🙂
Preet Chandi –
Malcolm was a fantastic guide. Extensive knowledge of the mountains and conditions. As soon as I booked, Malcolm contacted me and helped me with planning and my packing list. The day was tailored so that I could train for my upcoming polar expedition. He also helped me plan the rest of my trip in the Cairngorms. Had a great day and learnt valuable skills. Would definitely book with him again. He also took loads of great photos/videos!
Paul Hughes –
Thank you for last week I had a really great time. Everything you explained and coached was top class.
Elaine Watson –
The infomation on the habitat and wildlife added to the enjoyment of the whole experience. Also the fact that we were allowed ( for example when crossing heather moor) to just be ‘alone’ was great. They are the ideal places to just switch off. There was never a need to fill a gap in conversation – which is the joy of the hills. ( I have been in larger group where there seemed to be a need to chatter all the way !!) . The 2nd day , although long and challenging was all the more special for the very reasons that it was long and challenging. Thank you again for the patience on the 30 feet of Vertigo wobbly ( on what was , I know – a wide bit hill).