Catering for keen winter climbers looking to experience the higher grades. You will receive expert coaching in steep ice climbing technique and the dark arts of hard mixed terrain from our team of leading activists. During the week you will be climbing at grades IV & V -or even grade VI if you are really keen to push the grade!
Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
Day 1
Mon
AM meet in Fort William: discuss plans, kit check and sort equipment - before heading on the hill for a recap of existing skills during the ascent of an ice or mixed route, including some specific coaching in less familiar areas.
Days 2-5
Tue - Fri
Ascents of high quality grade IV/V or VI ice and mixed routes. Skills and topics covered may include:
steep ice technique
single hand screw placement
hooking + torqueing
ice fifi's
clipper leashes
ethics and tactics
climbing conditions
route selection
This is very much a tailor made week and our guides are happy to let you experience extreme mixed terrain or hard vertical ice if you decide you are up to the challenge.
Fri PM - course debrief and advice for the future.
Fitness As with most mountain activities, scottish winter mountaineering can be hard work (see fitness levels 3+4) so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular cardiovascular exercise and 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 5 days straight definitely requires some background fitness!)
ExperienceYou need good fitness levels and should have climbed Scottish grade III and IV previously to get the most out of the week. (see: scottish course suitability)
EquipmentWe will supply you with a full kit list. All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. Clients are responsible for bringing all clothing, personal climbing kit and mountain boots (local hire available).
