2019 Winter Climbing Course dates now available.
We will be basing ourselves in Scotland during most of January, February & March 2019 and can offer you winter climbing courses in any or the region's mountain areas - Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh and The Cairngorms. We are specifically offering you the opportunity to learn winter climbing techniques or be guided on winter climbs at any route up to grade IV in standard in any of the areas mentioned above. For Lake District based winter climbing courses - please contact us to enquire.
The winter climbing season has already begun with a number of ascents of winter climbing routes now taking place in Scotland.
At the present time, climbing conditions are a little "thin" and the weather is still somewhat unpredicatable, but climbing conditions will definitely improve as we head towards the New Year.
At Lakes Outdoor Experience, we have a number of options available to those of you wishing to take up winter climbing this season. Ideally, you will already have had experience of scrambling or climbing outdoors on dry summer rock if you wish to learn the skills of winter climbing; and you should also have attended a winter skills course to prepare you for walking in the winter mountain environment.
Our 2019 winter climbing course offerings consist of either guided winter climbing or learning to lead winter climbing courses.
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On a guided winter climbing course.
You will be looked after by one of our Mountaineering Instructors on a winter climb from grade II to grade IV.
Our first photo sees a client reaching the top of Invernookie (III'4) in The Cairngorms. The second photo sees a pair being Guided on Green Gully (IV'3) on Ben Nevis. These are just two examples of many great classic winter climbing routes on which to be guided in Scotland this season.
Other examples include the following: Glen Coe - Dorsal Arete (II), Twisting Gully (III'4), SC Gully (III'3) Crowberry Gully or North Buttress (IV'4).
Ben Nevis - North Buttress (IV'4) Tower Scoop (III), Tower Ridge (IV'3), Glover's Chimney (III'4), Comb Gully (IV'4), Number 3 Gully buttress (III'3) or Castle Ridge (III).
Aonach Mor - Golden Oldy (II), Daim Buttress (III), Morwind (III'4), Jet Stream (IV'4).
Creag Meagaidh - Centre Post (III), Staghorn Gully (III), South Pipe Direct (IV'4), Glass Slipper (III).
Cairngorms Northern Corries - Runnel Route (II), Spiral Gully (II), Wavelength (III'4), Fingers Ridge (IV'4), Red Gully (III-III), Invernookie (III'4), The Seam, (IV'5), Astroturfer (III), Ewen Buttress (III), Y Gully left branch (III), Sidewinder (III'4).
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On a Winter Climbing Skills Training Course.
On our Winter Climbing Skills Training Courses, you are likely to be on ground up to, but no more than grade III in standard whilst being coached by a Mountaineering Instructor who will be moving alongside you.
The three in this photo climbed Dorsal Arete (II) in Glen Coe and were coached in all aspects of anchor placements in rock as well as snow & ice belays and movement on a mixed winter climb.
You can expect to cover.
- Dealing with the safe approach to the start of a winter climbing route.
- Anchor placements on rock, snow & ice including using a Deadman and using ice screws.
- Equalising anchors at a stance and belaying methods.
- Climbing steep snow & ice. Arranging running belays.
It is highly likely that you will revisit techniques from your Winter Skills Course including ice axe belays and snow/ice bollards. It is a pre-requisite that you have attended a winter skills course and ideally one such as ours which covers basic winter belays such as those outlined above.
Travel to the venues. Winter climbs in Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor can be access from Fort William, just four hours drive north of the English Border, Climbs in the Cairngorms and Creag Meagaidh area can be accessed from Aviemore - just five hours drive north of the Engish border. Both towns have a wide variety of accommodation options, restaurants, supermarkets, and outdoor shops from where to hire crampons and axes.
Prior to starting your winter climbing course. You will have a briefing with your instructor. Once you have arrived and settled into your accommodation, your instructor will arrange to meet you, ususally on the evening before your course, to discuss the conditions, your aspirations; and to check that you have everything required in readiness and are fully prepared for your guided winter climbing day.
What is included. Helmets, winter climbing harnesses and the use of climbing ropes and rack are included in the price per day. Our winter climbing courses do not include the provision of climbing axes, winter boots or crampons, but these can be hired and we can arrange this for you.
Please also note! Winter Climbing Skills Training Courses and Guided Winter Climbing Days are long, demanding days. So, expect to get up early and experience walk-ins that may be of several hours duration - just to get to the base of your winter climb. It is essential that you possess a good level of "hill fitness" if you want to get the most from these courses!
So if you are getting excited about the prospect of Winter Climbing this season. Then contact us to arrange your guided winter climbing course or winter climbing skills training Course in Scotland or The Lake District. Either course costs £180.00 per day or £90.00 each between two persons, for a maximum of three people per Mountaineering Instructor, the cost 75.00 per person.
We look forward to working with you.
Wednesday 5th of December 2018
