Looking for a winter climbing adventure outside the Alps? Discover what it takes to climb Ben Nevis, Mount Olympus, Triglav and Gerlachovský štít in winter, and find out which mountain might suit your experience.
The Alps are an obvious choice for winter mountaineering, but they're far from the only option in Europe.
Head north to Scotland and you'll find a mountain where navigation can be more challenging than the climbing itself. Travel south to Greece and you can climb through snow and ice with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Further east, Slovenia and Slovakia offer demanding winter ascents in mountain ranges that many international climbers have yet to explore.
These destinations have something important in common: winter transforms them.
A mountain that attracts hundreds of hikers in summer can become a serious mountaineering objective once snow and ice arrive. Familiar paths disappear, exposed sections become more difficult, and changing weather can make even a relatively low summit challenging.
So, where should you go for your next winter mountain adventure?
We asked four professional mountain guides from the Explore-Share community to share their experience. Here's what you should know before choosing between four of Europe's most interesting winter summits.
Ben Nevis, Scotland: a winter summit for fit beginners
Altitude: 1,345 mMountain range: Grampian MountainsTypical duration: 1 dayBest suited to: Fit hikers looking for an introduction to winter mountaineering
If you've never climbed a mountain in winter, Ben Nevis could be an interesting place to start.
At 1,345 metres, Scotland's highest mountain is the lowest summit on our list. The normal route, known as the Mountain Track, doesn't involve technical rock climbing.
But that doesn't make a winter ascent easy.
Snow and ice can cover much of the trail, strong winds are common, and visibility can deteriorate quickly. Even experienced summer hikers can find Scottish winter conditions surprisingly demanding.
Scott, a local mountain guide from the Explore-Share community, regularly accompanies climbers on winter ascents of Ben Nevis.
He explains that one of the biggest challenges is navigation near the summit.
The upper part of the mountain consists of a broad plateau where the route can become difficult to follow in cloud or heavy snowfall. Nearby gullies and steep slopes make careful navigation essential.
This is one of the reasons why a guided ascent can be particularly valuable for someone unfamiliar with Scottish winter conditions.
Do you need winter mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
For an ascent via the Mountain Track, previous experience using crampons or an ice axe isn't required if you're accompanied by a guide who can teach you the basics.
You should, however, be physically fit and comfortable with a long day in the mountains.
Scott's guided winter ascent covers approximately 16 kilometres, with around 1,300 metres of elevation gain. The day typically takes between seven and ten hours, depending on the group and conditions.
You'll need winter mountaineering boots, compatible crampons, a walking ice axe, warm waterproof clothing and additional emergency layers.
Scott recommends arranging equipment rental in Fort William if you don't have your own.
Why choose Ben Nevis?
Ben Nevis is a good option if you want to experience winter mountaineering without committing to a multi-day technical climb.
It's also a chance to discover how different a familiar hiking route can become under winter conditions.
Explore Scott's guided winter ascent of Ben Nevis
Mount Olympus, Greece: a challenging winter climb with Mediterranean views
Altitude: 2,917 mMountain range: Olympus massifBest suited to: Experienced hikers and mountaineers ready for a demanding winter ascent
When most travellers picture Greece, snow-covered mountain ridges probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind.
Yet Mount Olympus offers one of Europe's most unusual winter mountaineering settings.
The mountain rises to almost 3,000 metres, close to the Aegean Sea. On a clear day, climbers can look out towards the Mediterranean while surrounded by a landscape of snow, rock and ice.
For Akis, a local mountain guide who leads winter ascents of Olympus, this contrast is one of the mountain's greatest attractions.
But the scenery shouldn't distract from the difficulty of the climb.
What makes Olympus difficult in winter?
The approach can be long and physically demanding, particularly when deep snow slows progress.
Higher up, climbers encounter steep and exposed terrain. Reaching Mytikas, the highest summit, can require technical movement on snow and ice.
Winter also brings a more isolated mountain environment. Most refuges are closed or offer limited services during the colder months, so climbers should not assume that accommodation or supplies will be available along their route.
Akis emphasises that previous summer mountaineering experience, even on high Alpine summits, doesn't automatically prepare someone for Olympus in winter.
Being comfortable with winter equipment and exposed terrain is important.
What equipment should you bring?
Alongside suitable winter boots and warm clothing, Akis recommends carrying two pairs of gloves and ski goggles for protection in deteriorating weather.
Technical equipment for the ascent may include crampons, an ice axe, helmet, harness and rope, along with avalanche safety equipment when required. Check with your guide which items are provided and which you'll need to bring.
And don't forget a thermos with something warm to drink.
Why choose Mount Olympus?
Olympus is particularly appealing if you're looking for a more technical winter challenge in an unexpected destination.
The combination of serious mountain terrain, solitude and Mediterranean scenery makes it quite different from a typical Alpine ascent.
Discover Akis' guided winter climb of Mount Olympus
Triglav, Slovenia: a familiar summer summit becomes a serious winter objective
Altitude: 2,864 mMountain range: Julian AlpsTypical duration: 2 daysBest suited to: Climbers with good fitness and some winter mountaineering experience
Triglav is Slovenia's highest mountain and one of the country's most popular climbing objectives.
In summer, thousands of people make their way towards its summit, often using the fixed cables of the final via ferrata sections.
Winter presents an entirely different challenge.
Snow can bury the cables, cover the rocky terrain and turn the exposed summit ridge into a much more technical ascent.
Mitja, an IFMGA mountain guide who has climbed Triglav more than 400 times, knows how dramatically the route can change between seasons.
What should you expect on a winter ascent?
A typical winter climb takes two days and involves close to 2,000 metres of elevation gain.
The first day usually includes a substantial approach through the Julian Alps, followed by an overnight stay in a mountain hut.
Winter hut accommodation is more basic than in summer. Depending on the facilities available, sleeping areas may be unheated.
The following day, climbers continue towards the summit, where snow conditions and weather determine how the ascent progresses.
One major difference from summer is the number of people on the mountain.
Winter brings far fewer climbers, and it's possible to spend long periods without meeting anyone else.
For Mitja, this quieter atmosphere is part of the attraction.
What is the most common equipment mistake?
According to Mitja, unsuitable boots are a recurring problem.
Some climbers arrive with footwear that is too flexible for the crampons they intend to use.
He recommends stiff, waterproof mountaineering boots, ideally B2-rated, with compatible crampons.
Protection against the cold is equally important. Temperatures can fall to -20°C, and strong winds can make exposed terrain particularly uncomfortable.
Why choose Triglav?
Triglav is a rewarding objective for climbers who want a multi-day winter mountaineering experience in the Julian Alps.
It's especially interesting if you've already climbed mountains in summer and want to develop your skills in more demanding conditions.
Explore Mitja's guided winter ascents of Triglav
Gerlachovský štít, Slovakia: winter climbing in the High Tatras
Altitude: 2,655 mMountain range: High TatrasBest suited to: Fit climbers seeking a challenging guided ascent in a less familiar mountain range
Slovakia's High Tatras deserve more attention from international mountaineers.
This compact mountain range offers steep granite peaks, dramatic valleys and challenging winter conditions.
Its highest summit, Gerlachovský štít, reaches 2,655 metres and is also the highest point in the entire Carpathian range.
Unlike many popular hiking summits, Gerlachovský štít involves serious mountain terrain, and winter conditions can make the ascent especially demanding.
Eduard, an IFMGA mountain guide with around 25 years of experience in the High Tatras, regularly accompanies climbers to the summit.
How does the route change in winter?
During summer, climbers commonly follow a circuit that ascends through the Velická valley and descends towards the Batizovská valley.
In winter, Eduard generally uses a different itinerary, ascending and descending via the Batizovská valley and couloir.
Following the same route in both directions allows the group to descend through terrain already assessed during the ascent.
Snow conditions can vary enormously.
On some days, firm snow allows relatively efficient progress. On others, deep snow makes the climb exhausting, and strong winds or poor weather can prevent a summit attempt altogether.
Groups are deliberately small, with a maximum of two clients per guide.
What should you know before booking?
Good fitness is essential, but equipment preparation is equally important.
Eduard regularly encounters climbers whose hiking boots aren't sufficiently warm or rigid for winter conditions.
He recommends proper winter mountaineering footwear, gaiters, warm layers and a backpack of approximately 30 litres.
Technical climbing equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, helmet and harness, is provided on his guided ascents. Avalanche safety equipment is mandatory and can be rented separately.
For accommodation, the Sliezsky dom mountain hotel offers a comfortable base near Velické pleso.
Why choose Gerlachovský štít?
Gerlachovský štít is a compelling choice if you're interested in discovering the High Tatras with a local guide.
It combines demanding winter terrain with the opportunity to explore a mountain range that receives less international attention than the Alps.
Discover Eduard's guided ascents of Gerlachovský štít
Which winter summit should you choose?
Each of these mountains offers a different experience, so the right choice depends on your fitness, technical background and what you hope to achieve.
These are general comparisons, not fixed difficulty ratings. The conditions on any of these mountains can change significantly from one day to the next.
A local guide can help you assess whether a particular ascent is appropriate for your experience and the conditions expected during your trip.
Five things to check before booking a winter mountaineering trip
1. Be realistic about your fitness
Winter mountaineering often involves moving more slowly than you would in summer.
Deep snow, cold temperatures and heavy equipment can make even familiar distances much more demanding.
Check the duration and elevation gain of the route, not just the summit altitude.
2. Make sure your boots and crampons are compatible
This is one of the most consistent recommendations from the guides we interviewed.
Not every hiking boot is suitable for winter mountaineering, and not every crampon fits every boot.
If you're unsure, ask your guide or a specialist outdoor retailer before purchasing or renting equipment.
3. Understand what technical skills are required
Some winter routes are suitable for beginners accompanied by a professional guide.
Others involve steep snow, exposed ridges or technical climbing where previous experience is important.
A guided ascent doesn't automatically mean a route is suitable for everyone.
4. Prepare for changing weather
Conditions at the start of a climb may be very different from those encountered near the summit.
Bring appropriate waterproof clothing, insulation, gloves and spare layers.
Your guide can advise you on the equipment needed for the specific mountain and season.
5. Keep your summit plans flexible
Reaching the top is never guaranteed.
Strong winds, unstable snow, poor visibility or other mountain hazards may require a change of route or an alternative objective.
The ability to adapt is an important part of winter mountaineering.
Discover winter mountaineering with a local guide
Winter opens up a completely different side of Europe's mountains.
From Scotland's unpredictable weather to the exposed ridges of Slovenia, the snowy slopes of Mount Olympus and the granite peaks of the High Tatras, each destination offers its own challenges.
The key is choosing an adventure that matches your experience, preparing properly and understanding the conditions you're likely to encounter.
At Explore-Share, we connect travellers with professional mountain guides who know these destinations and can help them plan an appropriate ascent.
