If you’re after the experience of climbing a classic route and are less keen on instruction then some Winter Private Guiding maybe for you.
We can create an itinerary based on your previous experience, your aims and aspirations and the prevailing snow and weather conditions to choose the best routes for you on each particular day.
Some of examples of classic climbs we may climb are:
- Green Gully (IV,3), Ben Nevis
- North Buttress (IV,4), Buachaille Etive Mor
- Raeburn’s Route, (IV,4), Stob Coire nan Lochan
- Tower Ridge (IV,3) Ben Nevis
- The Curtain (IV,5) Ben Nevis
As is always the case with Scottish Winter, adapting plans to the weather and snow conditions is key. If there’s a specific route you’d like to climb, a multi-day course will give a better chance and more opportunity to aim for a specific climb.
Even if this isn’t possible, we’ll do our upmost to give you a brilliant and memorable day out on the best climbs available to us.
Is this for me?
We can tailor a course for all experience levels. If you’re wanting to move towards becoming an independent winter climb, our winter climbing courses are better suited. Get in touch to discuss what you’d like to to achieve.
Ratios are 1:2
Larger groups please contact us for prices
Prices
| No. of People | Winter Private Guiding |
|---|---|
| 1 | £300 |
| 2 | £325 |
Kit List
- TECHNICAL KIT
- Winter boots – Need to be at least B2 rated (up to grade III) and B3 rated for Grade III+_and be able to take a C2 crampon (or C3 for Grade III+). E.g. Scarpa Manta Pro (B2), Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro (B3). Hire can be arranged via Scottish Mountain Hire, Ellis Brigham.
- Crampons- C2 crampons e.g. Grivel G12’s for Grade II-III and C3 crampons e.g Grivel G14’s, Petzl Lynx for Grade III+.*
- Ice-Axe- 2 technical tools (e.g. Petzl Quarks) (please get in touch for any advice). *
- Harness- This will have to go over several layers so please make sure if using a summer harness, it’ll fit over your winter layers.*
- Belay Device and HMS Carabiner.*
- 1x 120cm sling and 1 screwgate carabiner.*
- Helmet.*
- *– Hire can be arranged for you. Please let us know in advance of your course
- Clothing
- Thick walking socks- Make sure these feel comfortable with your winter boots.
- Wicking baselayer/thermal – keeps moisture away from your skin and reduces how cold you feel as a result. Cotton is not suitable.
- Warm trekking trousers or Thermal trousers- to be worn underneath waterproofs.
- Insulated mid layers- to be worn underneath waterproofs but on top of thermal/ baselayer. Thick fleece or synthetic layers for example a Primaloft top.
- Waterproof jacket – e.g. GoreTex, E-Vent, Paramo, Hyvent, etc- Good hood essential
- Waterproof Over-trousers- e.g. GoreTex, E-Vent, Paramo, Hyvent, etc. Warm hat plus + 1 spare
- Waterproof gloves (x 2 pairs) + 1 spare pairs of gloves of warm gloves
- Spare warm layer/Belay Jacket- A warm synthetic jacket to go on top of everything else whilst standing on winter belays e.g. Mountain Equipment Fitzroy
- Food and water – around 1-2 litres of water and plenty of snacks and high energy foods to get you through the day.
- Rucksack – 40-45 litre recommended. Loops for carrying ice tools are very handy
- Rucksack liner/Drybags- rucksacks aren’t waterproof so either a large poly-bag liner or several smaller dry-bag type bags recommended.
- Survival Blanket- Blizzard products are very good.
- Ski/ Snow goggles- very useful when walking into the wind and spindrift.
- Personal medicines
- Whistle
- Head Torch+ Spare Batteries or smaller spare torch
- Optional Kit
- Trekking poles (Optional) – can take 3 tonnes of loading off of your knees over the courseof a day and also good in deep snow. Snow baskets are very useful on these. Recommended.
- Sun screen, sun glasses – mountain sun can be fierce and it is occasionally sunny in winter!
- Gaiters- stops snow from getting into your boots.
What’s included/not included
What’s included
- Qualified and Experienced Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI)
- Hire of ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness
- Action photos of your course
What’s not included
- Boot hire
- Personal Kit
- Gondola Ticket if using Aonach Mor as a venue
- Transport/Accommodation/Meals
- Cancellation/Personal Injury Insurance
Meeting Location/Time
Meeting Times are usually 0700-0730hrs (will be confirmed beforehand). If travelling to the area by public transport let us know and we may be able to arrange a pick up.
The location will be determined by our route choice. This will be selected by looking at the weather/avalanche hazard, group ability and aspirations and will be discussed beforehand.
FAQ’s
What if the weather is bad?
Managing the weather and avalanche hazard in Winter is all part of the challenge! We’ll do our best to pick the best route for that day given the prevailing conditions. Learning to deal with challenging conditions is part of the fun and all part of the Scottish Winter Mountain experience!
