Learn Winter Skills

There’s not much that can rival the magic of a Scottish winter hill day. If you want to go on winter hill walks (or perhaps you have done some but want to refresh your skills) then this is the course for you! Cove climbing runs winter skills days out of Glenshee or Braemar, making it possible to experience the beauty of Scottish winter in the South of the Cairngorms.

About

What Does this Course Cover?

All skills courses are tailored to the participants experience but can include;

• Planning a day out in winter and avalanche avoidance
• Where to get your information for planning and interpretting forecasts
• movement skills for travelling accross snow covered terrain
• Efficent use of crampons and ice axe
• Self arrest incase you slip on a steep snow slope
• Reading the terrain and making observations during the day
• Emergency shelter construction and emergency procedures
• Courses of two days or more will aim to summit at least 1 munro during the course

Who is this Course for?

This course is suitable for those new to winter walking and those who have a bit of experience but want a skills refresher to boost their confidence in having a safe winter hill day.

What Kit Do I Need?

• Good waterproof jacket and trousers, ie Goretex
• B2-B3 style boots (available for hire at Tiso Aberdeen)
• Gaiters – Not essential but extremely useful in deep or wet snow conditions, and also save your trousers from holes whilst learning to use crampons
• Ice axe and Crampons – Provided by Cove Climbing. You may use your own.
• Helmet – Provided by Cove Climbing. You may use your own.
• Hat, Warm, windproof gloves plus spares x 2 minimum
• Warm winter walking socks recommended
• Lots of warm layers, ie 2 base layer and 2 fleeces
• ‘Belay’ type jacket. ie a warm jacket that can be worn over your waterproof.
• Goggles, double clear lens recommended. This is not for the sun, but for snow drifting in the wind.
• Head torch, plus spare batteries
• Balaclava and neck gaiter
• Lunch & warm drink
• Rucksack 30-40ltr
• Compass – for learning navigation

Why Choose Cove Climbing?

Liam has extensive experience in the Scottish Mountains in Winter and holds the Winter Mountain Leader Qualification. Liam has been climbing winter munros for over 10 years and has been teaching winter skills courses for the last four years. He is passionate about getting clients confident and skilled so they can enjoy their own winter adventures.

How do I book or find out more?

If you have any general enquires about our winter skills courses then get in touch with Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk.

If you have already decided this is the course for you then great! There are two ways to book. You can either book onto an open winter skills course (see below for open course dates). Alternatively you can make a private booking, availablilty is shown below. Winter can be fickle, in the event of limited snow cover adversely affecting the delivery and quality of the course, there will be an opportunity to reschedule.

All Open Sessions and Courses

Browse our selection of open courses available below. If you can’t find a date or a course suitable to your requirements please make a private booking. Winter skills courses are normally two days and you will be in a group of between 2-6.

Private Winter Skills Booking Form

Want a day out tailored exactly to your requirements, private one-to-one instruction or a private group booking? Get in touch using the form below. Private bookings are offered at £230 per day per group (up to 6).