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Winter Mountaineering Scotland

Technical Winter Mountaineering Scotland


Sorry we have no Scottish winter mountaineering courses in 2014, next course are in 2015

Irish Adventures will run technical winter mountaineering courses in Scotland during February 2015. If you have already completed a winter skills course or have experience in winter skills and would like to progress this to winter mountaineering, this is the course for you.

This course will give you both skills and experience for technical winter mountaineering, beginning with climbs on some classic Grade 1 routes and progressing to Grade 2 and Grade 3 winter routes over the weekend. You will learn how to climb with two ice axes, place gear, make belays and climb together. During the course you will have the opportunity to climb some of the classic routes in Scotland, such as:

    * • Ledge Route, Ben Nevis
    * • Curved Ridge, Stob Dearg, Buachaille Etive Mor
    * • Aonach Eagach Ridge/ Traverse, Glencoe


MIC instructors will teach on a ratio of  1:4 first 2 days of training and 1:2 on climbing days
The course dates and accommodation coincide with the more basic Winter Skills Training programme, so if a friend or partner would prefer a winter skills course and you want technical climbing, then we can satisfy both. Similarly, if a group with different goals and skills levels wants to participate, we can cater for you.
The four-day weekend courses consist of four days of classic winter mountaineering on Ben Nevis and other peaks around Fort William and Glencoe.

The package comprises five nights' accommodation at a luxury lakeside chalet close to the bustling town of Fort William. Irish Adventures offers complimentary transfers from Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick airports - we can also arrange collection from a train station if pre-arranged.
Collection on arrival will be at 7pm with departure from the airport circa 11am. We would advise early booking to take advantage of cheap flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon. There will be regular shuttle runs to Fort William in the evenings for those who prefer eating out or for those who would like to go for a few drinks (especially to celebrate on the last night, of course!).
The Package Includes:

    * • Transfer to and from Glasgow
    * • All transport during the course
    * • Luxury self-catering accommodation at lakefront chalets
    * • Technician equipment, helmet, harness, ice-axe and crampons
    * • Experienced and qualified MIC instructors (ratio 2:1) clients to instructor
    * • Four days of instruction and classic winter mountaineering routes

Previous winter skills experience and good level of fitness required.
Course Dates 2013
February 1-6         4 day course, 5 nights accommodation Cost: €675
February 8-13      4 day course, 5 nights accommodation Cost: €675
February 13-17    3 day course, 4 nights accommodation Cost €550

Arrival date of collection is first date, departure date second eg On the March 1-8 course, walking dates are 2,3,4 & 5
Total Cost: €675  Early booking discount of 10% if booked before 31st Dec 2014 €605


The price is per person sharing a twin room; a single room supplement is available. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment and to take full advantage of budget flights.

Winter Skills Training Scotland
Irish Adventures will run its hugely popular Winter Skills training course again in Scotland during February and March, 2010. The course is a great introduction to the skills required to walk safely in winter conditions, whether in Ireland, Scotland or further afield. The four-day weekend courses feature walks on such classic mountain routes as Ben Nevis and other peaks around Fort William and Glencoe in the highlands of Scotland. The package comprises five nights' accommodation at a luxury lakeside chalet close to the bustling town of Fort William. Irish Adventures offers complimentary transfers from Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick airports - we can also arrange collection from a train station if pre-arranged. Collection on arrival will be at 7pm with departure from the airport circa 11am. We would advise early booking to take advantage of cheap flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon. There will be regular shuttle runs to Fort William in the evenings for those who prefer eating out or for those who would like to go for a few drinks (especially to celebrate on the last night, of course!). No previous winter skills experience required but a reasonable to good level of fitness is recommended.
The Package Includes:

    * • Transfer to and from Glasgow airports
    * • All transport during the course
    * • Luxury self-catering accommodation at lakefront chalets
    * • Technician equipment, helmet, harness, ice-axe and crampons
    * • Highly experienced, qualified instructors
    * • Four days of intensive instruction and classic winter walking, including Ben Nevis

Course Dates 2011
February 8-13
February 17-22
February 22-27

Arrival date of collection is first date, departure date second eg On the February 12-17 course, walking dates are 13,14,15 & 16. The first day will concentrate on ice-axe and crampon work. Ben Nevis will be covered over the 4 days.
Total Cost: €575
The price is per person sharing a twin room; a single room supplement is available. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment and to take full advantage of budget flights.
Technical Winter Mountaineering Scotland (click here)
You can get more detailed information on the contents of the course by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Noel on 087-4190318
What they said about Winter Skills 2008/2009/2010
'Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the Winter Skills Course. It was a very challenging but fantastic experience for me. Thanks to your excellent guidance and support, I achieved what I did not think was possible. I appreciate the way you knew when to be directive and when to allow us to work out a strategy ourselves. You help me to develop winter mountain skills but you also helped me to learn a bit more about myself and what I can achieve.' Brian, Dublin.
‘Trip was very well organised, even with changes in weather, alternatives were always available. Accommodation was perfect for the trip, well situated, comfortable and well equipped. Overall, had a great time, would do it again next year, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends and family’. Keith, Armagh.
'The Irish Adventures Winter Skills training programme was an excellent experience. For those new to winter mountain skills, I found the training was delivered with patience, attention to safety and the optimum balance of practical experience and information.' Carol-Anne, Limerick
'The whole course was brilliant, from your organising of it, the course contents, your people skills, your guides, the accommodation, everything. I had no complaints on the course whatsoever, or any other aspect of the trip, so all I can say is the best of luck with your future adventures, and thanks again for everything, it was a massive trip.' Liam, Kerry.
'I had a great weekend. Brilliant weather, brilliant people, brilliant guide and brilliant views. My calves are knotted, my knees are swollen and my back hurts but it was all well worth it. I am definitely addicted to the outdoors now. Thanks again.' Michelle, Clare.
'The course was excellent and well run, learned many valuable things in relation to being on mountains in winter which well be in valuable in relation to safety. Quality of instructors and instruction was excellent, accommodation was excellent and very comfortable.' Ray, Kildare.
'Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Scotland. Darach was an excellent guide and great company and ensured we had a magic time!' Eileen, Cork .
'Very well planned from start to finish, training was excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable experience in the Scottish Highlands. Will be back for more!' Ann, Cork .