Scottish Classic Winter Climbs

Put your experience and enthusiasm to good use and climb with the most experienced guides and instructors in Scotland. This superlative Winter Climbing experience aims to help you get the best from five days in Scotland.


Scotland

5 Days

Instructor Ratio2:1

Location

Scotland

Length

5 Days

Instructor Ratio

2:1

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Overview

Our high staff to student ratio gives you a tailor made week of action to help you fulfil your winter climbing potential and move up the grades. We’ll develop your skills by sharing our passion for winter climbing as we find our way up the big grade III to IV routes on ice and mixed terrain. Climbing some of the longer classics will mean the need for speedy and efficient climbing, and you’re bound to pick up plenty of top tips along the way. This course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.

The Objectives 

You’ll build on your previous experience and develop your winter climbing skills.

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What to Expect

You’ll climb routes such as

  • Twisting Gully (III), SC Gully (III), Raeburns Route (IV), Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glencoe
  • Crowberry Gully (IV), North Buttress (III/IV, Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe
  • Deep Cut Chimney (IV), Central Gully (IV), Stob Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
  • Taxus (III), West Buttress (III), Beinn an Dothaidh
  • Sunshine Gully (III), Quartvein Scoop (IV), Beinn Udlaidh
  • Left Twin (III), Morwind (III), Aonach Mor
  • Comb Gully (IV), Green Gully (IV), Number Three Gully Buttress (III), Tower Ridge (IV), Ben Nevis

We will aim to cover the following topics;

  • Use of ice axe and crampons
  • Ice axe arrest
  • Winter navigation
  • Avalanche risk assessment and avoidance
  • Emergency snowshelters/survival
  • Elementary ropework and snow belays
  • Terrain – ridges, rocky steps, cornices, steep snow (Grade 1)
  • Mountaineering decision making

These areas will be incorporated into mountain journeys, hopefully taking in some of the major peaks.

Experience Required

If you’ve attended our Scottish Introduction to Winter Climbing Course or gained similar experience of climbing routes of grade II or above then this is the next step for you. A high level of fitness will allow you to make the most of this week. You’ll need to be able to undertake five consecutive days in the Scottish Mountains with ascents of approximately 1000m whilst carrying a rucksack weighing about 10Kg.

How Should I Prepare?

You should have a high level of winter mountaineering fitness with the ability to spend 6-8 hours moving over steep, broken terrain. The days will often include 800-1000m of ascent and descent. You’ll also need to carry a rucksack with your spare clothing, lunch and equipment in – this could have an approximate weight of 8-10kgs. You’ll get this level of fitness through regular summer hillwalking and 2-3 exercise sessions per week including; running, cycling, walking or playing sport, these should be challenging and tiring sessions. Some upper body strength will be beneficial and training in this area, such as weight sessions in the gym, should be included in your preparation. Time spent rock climbing either outside or at an indoor climbing wall will also be valuable.

Download kit list here.

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Why Plas y Brenin?

Plas y Brenin is at the forefront of outdoor instruction. Whether you are starting a career in the outdoors, or just want to take an adventure holiday, PYB is the place for you.

We inspire explorers. We train trainers. We’re internationally recognised. We’ve been around since 1798, with our earliest guests including Queen Victoria. Since then, we’ve focussed on providing the best customer experience, working alongside some of the greatest, 007 included.

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Expert Tuition

You’ll receive expert supervision from fully qualified and psyched instructors, creating the perfect environment to learn and enjoy something new!

Our Instructors

Explore Eryri

Your experience will take place in the heart of the extraordinary Eryri National Park. Our National Outdoor Centre features accommodation, a bar, dining, and more. And while you’re here, why not check out some local gems?

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Develop a Passion

Everyone at Plas y Brenin, from staff to visitors, is excited about adventures and inspired to get outside. Our guests return year after year to experience all that North Wales offers.