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Scotland Winter Skills Course
What’s Included in Your Winter Skills Course?
Meals
Meals organised but not included
Accommodation
Shared accommodation for 3 nights in local bunkhouse or similar
Professional, experienced mountain guides
Certified local mountain guides - an expert in the Scottish Highlands and winter trekking.
3 full days of guided activities and instruction
An immersive 3-day adventure mastering real-world winter mountaineering skills in the Cairngorms.
All Technical Gear Included -- No Extra Hassle
All hire of crampons, ice axes and safety equipment included
What's included?
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Professional, experienced mountain guides
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All group safety equipment included
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All hire of crampons, ice axes and helmets included
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Shared accommodation for 3 nights in local bunkhouse or similar
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3 Full day activities and instruction
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Help & Advice on all aspects of your trek
What's not included?
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Breakfast, packed lunch or evening meals
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Personal winter boots (B2 Winter Boots required)
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Winter Trekking Clothes
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Transport to and from starting points
Sustainable Tourism
Because we only use local guiding teams it ensures your trip directly benefits the local mountain communities.
Scottish Winter Skills Course Highlights
Master the essential skills of winter mountaineering in the wild Scottish Highlands, from ice axe use including self arrest training, to crampon techniques and everything in between.
Learn vital avalanche awareness, route planning and weather analysis to build confidence in challenging winter conditions.
Train in the iconic Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, snowfields and breathtaking winter landscapes.
Tackle real-world winter challenges with expert instructors, from emergency procedures to navigation in whiteout conditions.
Prepare for high-altitude summits like Island Peak, Mera Peak or a winter Toubkal asscent by experiencing the demands of true winter mountaineering.
4-Day Scotland Winter Skills Course Itinerary
Thursday evening is the time to meet up with your mountain guide and your fellow EverTrekkers.
Your expert guide will conduct a comprehensive briefing and kit check to make sure you’re all ready for the first day of your winter skills course.
Day 2 starts bright and early, so take the time to explore the wonders and natural beauty of Aviemore. Get to know your peers, enjoy some food at a local restaurant, and prepare to settle down for a good night’s rest at the local hostel accommodation.
Friday will be your first trekking day in the Scottish mountains with the EverTrek winter mountaineering team.
Today is all about learning the core aspects of winter mountaineering while trekking the Scottish mountains. This will involve getting your crampons on and using an ice axe with confidence, but don’t worry. Your guide will be there to help you.
The exact trekking route will be dependent on the weather and snow conditions, but you will still get to experience a full winter mountain day. Scotland’s mountains are the best place for learning, practising, and getting used to the terrain.
After a day of learning new skills, you will be free to spend your evening back at the hostel accommodation. Focus on refuelling and hydrating, ready for another long day tomorrow.
Saturday is all about expanding on the winter mountaineering skills you learned yesterday. However, there is a new skill to be learned today… An introduction to winter navigation.
If the conditions are right (fingers crossed!), this is where you’ll be taking on some steeper and more challenging terrain.
After a day of winter navigation, you’ll spend your evening back at the accommodation. We recommend filling up with a hearty bite to eat and a well-earned pint.
Today is your final day with the EverTrek team, finishing with a half-day of winter mountaineering and hiking practice in the Scottish mountains.
On Sunday, you will learn how to manage emergency situations and key skills for avalanche awareness. You’ll also get to recap over all of the winter mountaineering skills you would have covered over the course of the weekend winter skills trip.
We normally finish on the hills in the early afternoon, before heading to the mountain ski cafe for a de-brief (with cake, of course!)
You will then be dropped back off at Aviemore by 4pm, where you can reflect on a great long weekend of winter trekking skills and learning in one of the most beautiful mountain areas of the UK, before heading back home.
Scottish Winter Skills Course Dates & Prices
Thursday 07th January 2027 –
Sunday 10th January 2027
$800pp
OR $300 / 2 months
Available
Thursday 28th January 2027 –
Sunday 31st January 2027
$800pp
OR $300 / 2 months
Available
Thursday 25th February 2027 –
Sunday 28th February 2027
$800pp
OR $200 / 3 months
Available
Food & Accommodation on Your Scotland Winter Skills Course
On your Scottish Winter Skills adventure, you’ll stay in the vibrant town of Aviemore, based in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Your accommodation will be a friendly bunkhouse or a similar style of guesthouse. Warm, welcoming, and a great base for your Scottish winter mountaineering adventures.
Although food is not included in the trip package, you’ll find it really easy to sort meals locally. Our EverTrek team can also help organise group meals or solo dining suggestions, so you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about where to eat.
Your Accommodation Overview
- Town centre bunkhouse
- Drinkable tap water
- Restaurant reservations made for evening meals
- Wi-Fi available (charges may apply)
Accommodation on Your Scotland Winter Skills Weekend
You’ll stay for three nights in a friendly bunkhouse or guesthouse in Aviemore, with simple, clean, and cosy shared rooms. Accommodation is based on same-sex dormitory-style rooms.
| Nights | Location | Type | Room Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Aviemore | Bunkhouse | Shared dormitory style rooms |
After long days on the hills, a hot shower, a good meal, and some downtime with your fellow EverTrekkers will be just what you need.
Facilities include:
- Warm rooms with comfortable beds
- Shared bathrooms
- Drying rooms for wet kit
- Communal lounges for relaxing
- Easy access to shops, restaurants, and cafés
Bedding is provided, but you'll need to bring your own towel for a hot shower after being out in the mountains!
Food on Your Scotland Winter Skills Course
Food isn't included during your course, but being based right in the heart of Aviemore town, there will be plenty of options to pick up food for breakfast and lunches. For your evening meals, EverTrek will make reservations at local restaurants and arrange pre-orders, to speed up the service when you arrive.
We also recommend bringing a thermos for hot tea, coffee, or soup to enjoy while out on the hills. A warm drink or soup can be just the thing you need while training in Scotland during the winter.
We also recommend bringing a filter or purification tablets if you'd like to fill up from streams when out on the mountain.
Filter Water Wherever You Go
For extra peace of mind on your adventure, our branded Water-to-Go bottles filter up to 99.9999% of contaminants from non-saltwater sources while helping reduce single-use plastic.Use code evertrek20 to receive 20% discount at checkout.
Purchase your EverTrek Water-to-Go bottle here.
Difficulty:
Moderate
How challenging is the trek?
The EverTrek Scotland Winter Skills Course is a challenging but massively rewarding adventure in the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Over three full days of adventure, you’ll get hands-on with the essential winter mountaineering skills needed for big trips like Island Peak, Mera Peak, or even Mount Toubkal in winter conditions.
PLUS Get a FREE training plan from The Altitude Centre
Book now and you can get a FREE consultation & training plan from The Altitude Centre!
Are You Ready for This Winter Mountaineering Course?
You’ll be learning real mountain skills in a real mountain environment where the Scottish winter weather is famously wild and changeable. Snow, ice, strong winds, and tough conditions are part of the experience and part of what makes this winter mountaineering training weekend so valuable.
It’s a physical challenge, with full mountain days carrying a loaded pack, but it’s achievable for trekkers who are fit, prepared, and ready to embrace winter conditions.
To get the most from this winter skills course, you should be able to:
- Hike for 6 to 8 hours a day with a 6 to 10kg pack across steep, rough, snowy terrain
- Be comfortable trekking in cold, windy, and snowy conditions
Is Prior Training Required For This Winter Mountaineering Skills Course?
You may wish to complete some pre-course fitness prep for this winter skills course. However, this completely depends on your current fitness and stamina levels.
We recommend training with hill walking, endurance hikes, weighted pack sessions, and ideally some practice trekking on uneven and rocky terrain.
You don’t need to be an expert climber or mountaineer, but a good base of fitness and mountain sense will help you focus more on learning skills rather than just surviving the conditions.
How Challenging is the Scotland Winter Skills Course?
The EverTrek Scotland Winter Skills Course is the perfect stepping stone if you’re preparing for high altitude and trekking expeditions in winter or cold conditions. It’s not just about ticking off a summit — it’s about learning the skills that could make a massive difference when you’re out on big mountains later on.
On this winter skills course in Scotland, you'll leave with new techniques, better mountain sense, greater confidence, and an awesome experience under your belt in one of the most beautiful (and wildest) corners of the UK.
Winter Mountaineering Skills You’ll Learn:
The Cairngorms are no joke in winter. Think deep snow, ice-covered trails, freezing temperatures, and rapidly changing weather. You'll be getting properly stuck into winter mountaineering conditions.
You'll get to cover:
- Personal movement on snow and ice (including crampon and ice axe use)
- Route planning and winter navigation
- Avalanche awareness and emergency procedures
- How to stay safe and make good decisions in a winter mountain environment
The days are full and physical, and you’ll learn by doing — not by sitting in a classroom.
Duration
The full Scotland Winter Skills Course runs over four days, with three full mountain days:
- Thursday evening: Arrival, team meet-up, dinner, and kit check
- Friday and Saturday: Full days on the mountain, learning and developing your winter skills
- Sunday: A final half-day focusing on emergency scenarios, avalanche awareness, and a proper debrief (preferably with cake)
Expect to spend 6 - 8 hours on your feet each day during the full days, with early starts and plenty of time on the snow.
Terrain
The terrain of the Cairngorms and surrounding Scottish Highlands can be quite challenging. Expect:
- Steep mountain slopes, snowy ridges, icy patches, and rocky terrain
- Use of crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and winter gear
No technical climbing is involved but expect some scrambling and steeper sections depending on conditions.
The terrain will be chosen each day based on the latest weather and avalanche forecasts, ensuring safety while maximising learning opportunities.
Weather
Expect true Scottish winter conditions, including snow, high winds, low visibility, and freezing temperatures. Sometimes all in one go!
Layering, waterproofing, and cold-weather gear are critical.
Some days can be glorious bluebird days... others will be full whiteouts.
Essential Kit for Your Winter Skills Course
Explore our essential kit picks so you're comfortable, safe, and ready for every step. Download the full checklist to nail your packing.
Waterproof jacket
a versatile gore-tex or similar material jacket is ideal for year round walking, hiking and trekking in the roughest weather.
Insulated jacket
A down or synthetic insulated jacket is a must for sub-zero conditions.
Base layer top
A warm and breathable long-sleeve base layer, combining materials like Merino wool and synthetic fibres, helps regulate body temperature in various outdoor conditions.
Trekking shorts
Lightweight and durable walking shorts are ideal for fast-paced mountain hikes.
Trekking trousers
Tough, lightweight and versatile trousers are perfect for a range of outdoor activities.
Trekking poles
Lightweight yet sturdy walking poles help with balance and reduce strain on steep or uneven terrain.
Leggings
Lightweight leggings with moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for active use.
Technical T-shirt
A moisture-wicking technical tee is essential for active days in the hills.
Hiking boots
Supportive and grippy walking boots are key for long hikes and rugged trails.
Daypack
A 30-35L daypack is a great size for longer hikes or overnight trips.
Fleece mid layer
A soft, insulating fleece is great for layering on cooler days.
Warm beanie
A warm and comfortable beanie is ideal for cold weather walks or everyday use.
Hydration reservoir
A 2-3L hydration bladder helps you stay hydrated on the move.
Water bottle
A durable, wide-mouth bottle is handy for refilling on the go.
Waterproof gloves
Warm, waterproof gloves are essential for wet and cold mountain days.
Headtorch
A compact and bright headtorch is important for early starts or late finishes.
Waterproof overtrousers
Durable and lightweight waterproof trousers are essential for protection in heavy rain and wet conditions.
Hiking socks
A good pair of merino-blend walking socks helps keep feet warm and comfortable on long walks.
B2 Mountaineering Boots
Warm, waterproof, and supportive boots are essential for cold weather ascents Scottish winters. Boots like the Scarpa Manta Tech GTX are designed for all seasons and are compatible with a C2 Crampons.
Explore our essential kit picks so you're comfortable, safe, and ready for every step. Download the full checklist to nail your packing.
FAQs
The EverTrek Scotland Winter Skills Weekend costs £575 per person. This includes three full days of winter trekking and mountaineering skills instruction in the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, based near the town of Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.
The following are included within the weekend course price:
- Three full days of professional instruction with experienced mountain guides
- All group safety equipment
- Hire of crampons, ice axes, and helmets
- Shared accommodation for three nights in a local bunkhouse or similar
- Help and advice on all aspects of your trekking journey
And the following aspects are not included:
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, or evening meals
- Personal winter boots (B2 winter boots required)
- Winter trekking clothing
- Transport to and from the starting points
Your location will be Aviemore, a town based in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. The specific mountains and routes tackled each day will depend on weather and snow conditions, ensuring the best possible Scotland winter mountaineering experience.
Expect snow-covered trails, crampon use, ice axe skills, and classic winter trekking in one of the UK’s most beautiful mountain areas.
You should have a moderate to good level of fitness and the ability to comfortably trek for 5–7 hours a day across snow, ice, and uneven winter terrain. The weekend is suitable for winter mountaineering beginners as well as those looking to sharpen their skills before taking on challenges such as Island Peak, Mera Peak, or Mt Toubkal in winter conditions.
We recommend training three to five times a week for a few months before the winter skills course begins. This should include:
- Cardiovascular training: Hiking, hill walking, running, cycling
- Leg and core strength exercises
- Back-to-back long hikes carrying a light backpack
Focusing on stamina and strength will help you get the most out of the weekend.
Meals are not included on this winter mountaineering course. The EverTrek team will make group reservations at local restaurants each evening for the group, leaving you to organise breakfast, packed lunches, and trail snacks.
Make sure to bring plenty of food, as fuel is essential in winter mountaineering and trekking conditions.
Absolutely. This course has been designed as an introduction to winter mountaineering, meaning that you don’t need any prior experience with crampons, ice axes, or winter navigation.
This winter mountaineering skills course covers techniques specific to snow and ice, including crampon and ice axe use, winter navigation, avalanche awareness, and moving safely on frozen terrain. Usually, these skills aren’t needed in summer mountaineering conditions, which is why our dedicated Scotland Winter Skills Course is so valuable for anyone planning high-altitude treks in cold or winter conditions.
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