Skills Courses

Why winter, why the Cairngorms?

The unrivalled rewards & unique challenges of Scotland’s winter mountains make this season, for many, the best of all. For some of us the first snow falls of winter send a shiver of excitement down the backbone. The Cairngorms, protected from Gulf Stream warmth, are universally recognized as providing our most consistent snow and ice conditions. They’re Britain’s highest mountain range, Scotland’s high arctic and home to our most permanent snow beds. For some of their time they may be under brilliant blue skies, at other times immersed in freezing hill fog. Any protrusion above the snow becomes caked in beautiful rime ice crystals, all marking the air flow, striking in a windward direction. In the right conditions Brocken Spectres develop – your own suspended shadow surrounded by a circular rainbow following your every move. The soft winter light interacting with wind scoured, scallop shapes expose the snows infinite layers. The winter mountains aren’t for the faint hearted but to experience them in their full winter garb is to see them at their finest. So come and join us to enjoy this winter.

Introduction to Winter Skills

Grade 3

14th March 2010 - 18th March 2010

£539.00 per person

You値l gain a clear understanding of the principles and quickly attain the skills. You値l be able to choose the most appropriate technique for the terrain and conditions. With adequate time given over to practise, you値l finish the course proficient in both the technical winter skills and those essential winter navigation techniques.

Introduction to Ski Mountaineering

Grade 3

14th March 2010 - 18th March 2010

£681.00 per person

Escape the crowds to enjoy virgin slopes. This course combines mountaineering and skiiing skills to give you the chance to explore those tantalising wilderness areas which look so inviting.

Winter Skills Weekend

Grade 3

20th March 2010 - 21st March 2010

£226.00 per person

This condensed course provides the skills for safe movement across snow and ice covered mountain terrain. It covers: suitable equipment, avalanche assessment, cramponing, self belay/arrest, etc. There is also the opportunity to update your winter navigation skills.

Advanced Winter Skills

Grade 3

20th March 2010 - 22nd March 2010

£432.00 per person

This 3 day course is for those who are looking to progress their winter skills to incorporate easy grade winter climbs into their winter mountain day without the burden of all the equipment required for more technical climbs.

Snow Hole Expedition

Grade 3, Grade 4

28th March 2010 - 30th March 2010

£390.00 per person

Challenging! Rewarding! Memorable! This will be one of the most remarkable experiences of your life. Help construct a comfortable communal snowhole lit by the reflected light of candles! Wake up to the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn.

Mountain Skills and Navigation

11th April 2010 - 15th April 2010

£539.00 per person

You plan to go out in the mountains today. What will the weather be like? How long will the route take? What do I need to take? Learn how to use a map and compass, know about timing and pacing, ...

Mountain Navigation Weekend

Grade 3

17th April 2010 - 18th April 2010

£225.00 per person

Of all the skills for the hills, navigation is the most important - no surprise when you consider that up to 80% of mountain rescue call-outs stem from navigational errors. This course provides a firm grounding in the essential skills as well as developing the right tactical approach to good mountain navigation.

Mountain Navigation Weekend

Grade 3

22nd May 2010 - 23rd May 2010

£225.00 per person

Of all the skills for the hills, navigation is the most important - no surprise when you consider that up to 80% of mountain rescue call-outs stem from navigational errors. This course provides a firm grounding in the essential skills as well as developing the right tactical approach to good mountain navigation.

Mountain Skills and Navigation

12th July 2010 - 16th July 2010

£539.00 per person

You plan to go out in the mountains today. What will the weather be like? How long will the route take? What do I need to take? Learn how to use a map and compass, know about timing and pacing, ...

Mountain Skills and Navigation

29th August 2010 - 2nd September 2010

£539.00 per person

You plan to go out in the mountains today. What will the weather be like? How long will the route take? What do I need to take? Learn how to use a map and compass, know about timing and pacing, ...

Winter conditions; blizzards, crystal clear days & nights, freeze - thaws, drifting, rime ice, neve, water ice. Snow & ice in Scotland is as varied and as changeable as the weather. You need to recognize its varying types, know how to evaluate avalanche hazard and cross snow and ice covered slopes safely and efficiently. White-outs - be sure your navigation skills can deal with the worst of winter conditions.

 

Guaranteed Departure

Holidays & Courses

Looking for an unusual Christmas or birthday present? Why not buy one of our holidays or courses? We'll design an individualised voucher for you to present to your loved one.

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Green Travel Discount

Exclusive offer - In direct response to growing Climate Change, those who travel up to us by train or bus to Aviemore a 」15 discount on the price of their holiday or course.

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