Winter Climbing Scotland
Why Choose Dubh Mor for Winter Climbing in Scotland
Location: Based within 10minutes of Ben Nevis, Creag Meagaidh and Aonach Mor, and less than an hour from Glencoe and the Cairngorms, we are PERFECTLY placed to explore the best Scottish Winter has to offer, whatever the conditions. We have extensive, up to date knowledge of both our local area and regions further afield such as Skye, Torridon and the Cairngorms.
Experience: A native Highland instructor and Gaelic speaker with over 20 years of winter climbing experience, founder Neil has literally grown up climbing on these great cliffs and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Scottish Winter! You can be sure of a guide truly current, immersed in and knowledgeable of current conditions in the region. Take advantage of a truly passionate, experienced and local guide for your Scottish Winter Climbing adventure this year.
We specialise in Ice Climbing, so if you are seeking to tackle some of the great Scottish Winter classics, like Point Five, Hadrian’s Wall, Smith’s Route, Green Gully, Comb Gully, etc on Ben Nevis, or Pumpkin, Smith’s Gully, South Post, The Wand, Cinderella, etc on Meagaidh, or shorter classics like Royal Pardon, Stand and Deliver or White Shark on the Aonachs, then you’ve come to the right place!
Highly Qualified: We only employ the most experienced and highest qualified winter climbing instructors in Scotland; always fully insured and working entirely within remit of our national governing body awards and qualifications.
All of our Winter Hillwalking and Winter Skills courses will be staffed by a fully qualified Winter Mountain Leader. All our Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (the highest qualified and most respected professional mountaineering organisation in the UK) so you’re in the best of hands.
Low Ratios: Always and only small group sizes allow us greater personalised coaching, instruction and feedback, as well as creating a highly sociable atmosphere making you feel valued and welcome.
Client Focussed: We pride ourselves on the fact our courses focus on YOU and your development. We seek to build your competence and knowledge by delving deeper into the winter syllabus than most course providers. We have the knowledge and ability to cover way more than just the basic technical skills associated with usage of winter equipment such as ice-axes and crampons; also helping you understand the planning, preparation and knowledge required for you to operate safely and independently in the mountains in winter after your course.
Our Scottish Winter courses provide are ideal for those looking to develop their confidence and experience. Whether taking your first steps on snow in crampons, or seeking to tackle some of the finest winter climbing in the world, you will be in the safest and most encouraging company as you learn to master this most sublime of environments.
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A Grading System Of ‘Chillis’ Is Used To Indicate The ‘Spice’ Factor
*It is worth noting that, in winter, the weather conditions have a significant effect on the subjective and objective spiciness of the day. Battling across Cairngorm plateau in high winds, deep powder snow and zero visibility feels and is a lot different to crossing it under blue skies atop crisp neve! 😉
🌶️ = a logical first progression for those who wish to move beyond hillwalking. Having some summer hillwalking experience and currency is a bare minimum. These days focus on improving core winter skills, knowledge and techniques in a social and supportive environment. (1:6 max)
🌶️🌶️ = moving into the realms of increased self-reliance, these courses are perfect for participants looking to take more control of their own winter skill progression. Core and intermediate skills learnt on the course will be clearly structured and reinforced to allow further practice and progression on a personal level following the course completion. (1:6 max)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ = for participants with existing core winter skills and techniques looking to develop further. Intermediate skills will be introduced and developed, with a focus on improving technical and environmental knowledge, safety and confidence in a more challenging environment (Grade 1-2 terrain). Prior winter hill experience and good fitness required. Prior summer scrambling/climbing is desirable, as a rope is likely to be employed due to exposure or technical difficulty. (1:4 max)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Moving into the realms of technical winter climbing (Grade 2-4 upwards). Prolonged serious terrain. Ropes, specialist climbing equipment, dual axe systems and more advanced techniques will be introduced and honed. Prior winter hill experience, good core winter skills and summer scrambling/climbing experience is required, as participants will need to be conversant in techniques such as abseiling, belaying and removal of gear. (1:3 max)
#Winter Skills – 2 day 🌶/ 🌶🌶 ⛰️
#Winter Skills – 3 day 🌶/🌶🌶 ⛰️⛰️
#Winter Mountaineering – 3 day 🌶🌶🌶 ⛰️⛰️
#Winter Mountaineering – 5 day 🌶🌶🌶 ⛰️⛰️
#Winter Climbing – 3 day 🌶🌶🌶🌶 ⛰️⛰️⛰️
#Winter Climbing – 5 day 🌶🌶🌶🌶 ⛰️⛰️⛰️
Inter Course Grading/Difficulty Overview:
Our guided winter hillwalking in Scotland is ideal for those who want to experience the mountains during the winter months with an experienced instructor. Routes and objectives are selected around the conditions, weather and experience of the group, helping you develop your winter mountain skills while enjoying some of Scotland’s finest landscapes.
