"This is a specialist weekend for dedicated winter climbers looking to experience the higher grades - with expert coaching in steep ice and technical mixed climbing techniques. 1:1 guiding gives complete flexibility to select appropriately challenging routes, with an emphasis on climbing high quality lines for maximum enjoyment."
You can expect to be climbing a variety of ice or mixed routes at grade V and above. Each weekend is tailored to your personal requirements - so we can concentrate on the particular skill areas or styles of climbing that you are most interested in.
We offer this course as a scheduled itinerary - with dates by arrangement during February and March. The price includes guiding fees and expenses climbing at a 1:1 ratio.
Location
Our base is the Highland centre of Fort William, under the shadow of Ben Nevis. This central location allows full access to shops and services in the evenings and good choice of local climbing venues including Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor. We may also visit the Cairngorms or Northern Highlands if weather and conditions dictate. However, if your preference is Cairngorm granite or exploring the NW for the whole weekend we’re happy to oblige, so please contact us to discuss travel and accommodation arrangements.
Sample Itinerary
This is entirely subject to weather and conditions, but examples of venues and routes include:
Day 0 - Fri
Friday evening - meet in Fort William for course briefing and weather check.
Day 1 - Sat
Ascent of a classic hard ice/mixed route, depending on ability and conditions - this could be anything up to grade VI on ice or VII, 7 or VII, 8 on mixed terrain. You’re free to choose something inspiring – a long term objective or dream route, or we’re happy to suggest something suitable. Eg:
Slab Route VI, 7 – Ben Nevis
White Magic VI, 7 – Northern Corries
Tilt VI, 7 – Glencoe
Central Grooves VII, 7 – Glencoe
Fallout Corner VI, 7 – Northern Corries
Minus One Gully – Ben Nevis
Example skills/topics covered:
Logistics – planning the day and what to carry
Equipment selection – rack, tools, boots, crampons, clothing systems
Venue choice, weather influences, ethics and conditions
Movement skills – footwork, axe placement, using knees… & other body parts
Finding protection
Resting and general strategy
Day 2 -Sun
As Saturday, but with tired arms!
Sunday evening – depart.
NB these weekends can often be extended if 3 or 4 days climbing are required – please contact us for details.
Food and Accommodation
We run all of our courses on a guiding & instruction only basis. Food and accommodation must be paid for seperately. A good range of recommended accommodation options around Fort William are provided with your joining instructions.
Ability and Experience
You should have climbed Scottish grade III/IV previously to get the most out of the weekend. As with most mountain activities, scottish winter mountaineering can be hard work (see fitness level 3-4) so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular cardiovascular exercise and some climbing related training down the wall or gym - as each day on the hill will involve several hours climbing on steep, technical terrain (keeping this up for both days of a weekend definitely requires some background fitness!)
Equipment
All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and equipment. For the more specialist items (harness, helmet, ice axe, crampons and boots) hire is available locally if needed.
