Winter? Ready!
The mountains become quieter, wilder and infinitely more challenging. Snow, ice and rapidly changing conditions demand sound judgement, technical skills and the confidence to make the right decisions when it matters most.
From developing winter mountaineering techniques to advancing your climbing and movement skills on steep terrain, our Scottish and Welsh winter courses are designed for those looking to take the next step in their mountain journey.
With world-class instruction and access to some of the UK’s finest winter environments, there’s no better place to prepare for your next adventure.
Browse our winter courses below.
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“The teaching was personal and based on the needs of the group… Most importantly, the instructors helped me grow my confidence with my outdoor ability. They supported everyone in the group and made me feel capable and comfortable to stretch my comfort zone, resulting in an awesome week!”
Scottish Winter Courses
Scottish Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Courses
Learn from World-Class Instructors in the Heart of Glen Coe
Plas y Brenin brings decades of winter mountain expertise directly to the Scottish Highlands.
All our Scottish winter courses are fully residential, operating from our comfortable winter base at Alltshellach on the shores of Loch Leven. With world-class terrain in Glen Coe, Lochaber, and Ben Nevis right on our doorstep, you will get the best possible venue each day to build confidence, hone movement skills, and achieve your winter mountain goals.
Basecamp: Alltshellach, Glen Coe
All Plas y Brenin Scottish winter courses are based at Alltshellach, a 4-star VisitScotland guest house nestled on the shores of Loch Leven near Glen Coe.
After a demanding day in the Highlands, return to heated drying rooms, hot meals served at communal course tables, a heated indoor swimming pool, and comfortable en-suite rooms.
What’s Included in Your Stay:
- En-suite accommodation (shared or limited single occupancy options)
- Full board: hearty breakfast, packed mountain lunch, and 3-course evening meal
- Heated indoor pool and relaxing guest lounge/bar
- Drying rooms for mountain kit and boots
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi and on-site parking
- A community feel with space to unwind after long days in the mountains.
“I was worried that by day five I might be feeling the strain of multiple days in the mountains but I was so well fed and rested that I only had minor aches by the end of the week and was still super motivated to get out there.”
“The facilities were perfect after big days out, nice and clean, quiet and comfortable with plenty of delicious food.”
Welsh Winter Courses
Experience Winter Adventure in the Heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)
When winter coats the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) in snow and ice, the Welsh mountains offer some of the most accessible, exciting, and rewarding terrain in the UK. Operating directly from our flagship National Outdoor Centre in Capel Curig, Plas y Brenin’s Welsh winter courses provide expert instruction, small groups, and a flexible approach tailored to Welsh winter conditions.
Whether you are looking for a weekend Winter Skills intro, aiming to complete the formidable Welsh 3000s in Winter, or stepping up to icy ridges and winter scrambles, our courses give you the confidence, footwork, and decision-making needed for safe cold-weather adventures.
Why Choose Plas y Brenin for Welsh Winter?
All-Inclusive Residential Centre: On-site accommodation, home-cooked buffet meals, and comfortable bar/lounge facilities at our Capel Curig base. We also have non-residential options available.
Direct Mountain Access: Ideally positioned minutes from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the Glyderau, and the Carneddau.
Complete Kit Hire Included: Complimentary access to our extensive stores, including winter boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and mountaineering hardware.
Adaptive Local Knowledge: Our instructors enjoy decades of local experience to find the best snow, ice, and weather venues across North Wales each day.
World-Class Facilities: On-site climbing wall, a fantastic bar, and dedicated drying rooms ensure you can recover and unwind after each day.
“High standards. Developmental instruction. Intimate knowledge of options to match our aspirations, our abilities and the changing weather conditions”
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need for a winter course?
Winter days are longer and physically more demanding than summer walking due to heavy boots, thick layers, winter hardware, and (hopefully) deep snow. A solid level of hillwalking fitness (capable of carrying an 8–10kg pack for 6–8 hours over steep terrain) is recommended for intermediate courses. Higher-tier climbing and mountaineering courses require high stamina and experience on rough ground.
Is winter equipment provided?
Yes. Plas y Brenin provides essential technical kit—including winter mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and climbing hardware—at no extra cost. You will only need to bring personal winter clothing, waterproofs, gloves, and a suitable mountain daypack.
What happens if the weather conditions are poor?
Our instructional team monitors winter mountain conditions, avalanche forecasts, and weather daily. our instructors adapt venues each day to find the best and safest snow and ice conditions available. More often than not there is a venue that provides plenty of opportunity for learning and development.
