Scottish Winter Snowcraft Courses

Learn Winter Skills in Scotland

Geoffrey Winthrop Young once wrote about the Scottish winter - "There is a region of heart’s desire, free for the hand that wills...."

Smiler Cuthbertson will help you to a standard of experience and safety to prepare you for your own winter season. Come with us and climb snow-filled gullies, icefalls, and frosted ridges to ‘timeless summits’. Learn all the techniques and skills necessary to handle our arctic winter!

During the snowcraft course, you will be introduced to as many of the varied techniques needed for safety and enjoyment as conditions allow.

These skills include:

• Basic navigation
• Carrying the ice axe
• Kicking steps
• Cutting steps
• Avalanche assessment
• The snow pit
• Ice axe arresting
• Snow belays
• Ice screws
• Wearing & correct use of crampons
• Front pointing
• Emergency shelters
• Moving together
• Route cards
• Weather forecasts

You will leave this course with the confidence to tackle winter walking in the UK with ease and have the knowledge to try some of the easier winter climbing routes in Britain. All taught by a highly qualified, experienced, mountaineer and instructor.

Accommodation

All courses are based in The Northern Cairngorms or on the West Coast (Ben Nevis, Glencoe, etc.) We will go where the conditions are best.

Cairngorms

In the Cairngorms we normally stay at the comfortable Aviemore YH. Close to all of Aviemore's ammentities. If you haven't stayed in a hostel for many years then you will be pleasantly surprised on how much they have changed.

West Coast

In Fort William or Glencoe we use a variety of Hostels and Bunkhouses, depending on vacancies available. Being a very popular area bed spaces get filled quickly in the better hostels so it is wise to book as early as possible to secure a comfortable bed.

Prices per night start from about £10.00 per person per night (self catering - recommended) Alternative accommodation can be arranged - from Hotels to Self Catering Cottages and Chalets. Remember that being flexible ensures the best conditions, tying oneself to a single place may not be the best solution.

Please try to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment as our courses are very popular and dates fill quickly.