Advanced winter climbing course in Scotland

5 day advanced winter climbing course perfect to Improve your mountain skills. Ken, a MIC certified instructor will help you upgrade your climbing skills!

Highlands

5 Days

Jan - Mar

Description

Join my advanced winter climbing course if you have previous experience in winter climbing and want to improve your technique!

In this performance 5 day course I will help you climb as many grade III to V routes as possible. Also, if you come in pairs I will coach you in leading through harder routes. All of which we'll be doing while enjoying the wonders of the Scottish highlands!

Throughout the advanced winter climbing course I will teach you to develop your climbing toolbox. I'll also instruct you on how to use your technical axes on steep mixed ground. In addition, I will show you how to be efficient and save energy on steeper ice. And you will also learn how to choose your gear appropriately, which can make a difference at this level.

After a short revision session and skill check I will guide you through the whole planning of a intermediate winter climbing day out. Also I will teach advanced ropework, building winter belays, safe retreats and avalanche awareness.

My advanced winter climbing course is also focused to climbing pairs. I can offer to mix great climbs with coaching of their own leading on harder routes. So remember that coaching leading is only open to pairs coming up together.

I have great experience climbing all around the world. And specially in the Highland area of Scotland, where I have even put up a couple of new routes. I know the area like the back of my hand. So I am waiting to guide you through some brilliant winter climbs grade II to V away from the usual honeypots.

Please contact me if you are looking to reach a higher level of mountain and ice climbing!

And remember that I also offer easier mountaineering trips such as Climbing in the Cuillin and a Mountaineering course.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Check and first climb

First, I will check your your climbing kits and do a essential skill revision. Then we’ll climb a grade III/IV mixed route.

Day 2: Ice axe technique

I’ll focus on your ice axe technique as we climb a grade IV ice or mixed route. Torquing and hooking on mixed terrain, efficient movement on steeper ice, as well as placing ice screws one-handed.

Day 3: Safe retreat and ice route

I’ll be teaching safe retreat from winter climbs. If we did a mixed route the day before, today will do an ice route or vice versa.

Day 4: Leading on grade III

You’ll be able to choose between a coached leading on grade III or seconding grade IV/V.

Day 5: Putting the new skills in practice

We’ll consolidate the leading skills from previous day or a harder seconding route such as Ben Nevis ice climb.

Details

More info

Level: Previous winter climbing experience, ideally to Grade III.

Equipment: -Socks. A medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks. -Thermal/Base Layers. A couple of thermal layers are useful, along with thermal leggings. -Fleeces. At least one fleece layer for your upper body. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is essential. -Walking trousers -Warm Hat & Waterproof Gloves -Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) -The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots/crampons. -Rucsac. A medium volume sac (35-50 litres) is best for winter climbing, with ice axe carrying loops. -Bivvy Bag -Gaiters or Stop-tous -Head Torch -First Aid kit -Compass/Map -Whistle/Watch Flask -Lunch & Spare Food -Boots. For climbing courses, stiff, crampon compatible boots are required. They should have a stiffness rating of B2 minimum and ideally B3. -Crampons. They should have 12 or 14 points and be compatible with your boots. -Ice Axe -For winter climbing, two technical climbing axes (40-50cm) are required. -Helmet. Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available. -Harness. Make sure it can be put on over boots and crampons. -Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling. We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Meeting point

About the guide

West Coast Mountain Guides

5.00

(23)

Mountain Leader

We are based in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and arguably the most iconic and sought-after winter climbing venue in Britain.

All our instructors and guides have extensive, relevant experience which is eagerly passed on to everyone taking part in instructional mountaineering courses, private guiding and worldwide expeditions. This background, together with a genuine passion for adventure, can only inspire and motivate our customers to achieve their own goals.

Languages

English

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What people are saying about this trip

Laura

5.00

Will definitely use West Coast Mountain Guides again. Organising and booking was made easy with Kens help and guidance, offering us a few dates and responding quickly to emails. We had a great four days with two very accommodating and highly competent guides, Niels and Mike who made sure we got the most out of our trip for our skill level. Highly recommend.