Day 1: Arrival & Gear Up

• Arrive in Fort William.
• 5pm - Meet at Ellis Brigham to get your rental gear (included)
• Meet the group, enjoy dinner, and perhaps a whiskey or two at the bar.

Day 2: Winter Skills Training

• Start with a hearty Scottish breakfast.
• Head out to learn essential winter climbing skills: using ice axes, winter boots, and crampons.
• Assess mountain weather, avalanche conditions, and practice the ice axe arrest for safety.
• Spend about 6 hours on the mountain, enjoying breathtaking views.
• Return to town for dinner, prepping for the next day's climb.

Day 3: Summit Ben Nevis

• Gear up for the main event: climbing Ben Nevis, the UK's highest point at 1,345m.
• Work as a team to choose the best route, considering options like the CMD Arete track or the pony track, based on conditions.
• Take breaks, capture memories, and enjoy the challenge.
• Descend with a sense of accomplishment, ready to celebrate at the hotel.

Climbing Ben Nevis in Winter is a real adventure. You might think the UK doesn't have 'proper mountaineering' on its doorstep but trust us, this one's a real belter.

DAY 1: Rock up and get prepped

Day 1 (usually Friday) is all about arriving in Fort William and getting you kitted out for the exciting weekend of winter walking and mountaineering to come. We'll provide you with everything you need to conquer the winter summit of Ben Nevis.

Once prepped you'll meet the rest of the gang and have a bite to eat, before hitting the hay so you're ready for a big day tomorrow, perhaps after a quick whiskey at the bar... or three.

DAY 2: Learn the winter skills needed to climb Ben Nevis in winter

Day 2 is when you'll learn the skills needed to take on the mountains and Ben Nevis in winter time! We'll kick the day off with a traditional Scottish breakfast before donning our gear and heading out.

It's all about the ice axe, winter boots and crampons today. Once we've gone beyond the snow line and found the powder, we'll be assessing the mountain weather and avalanche conditions and moving efficiently and safely through challenging environments. We'll learn how to perform the ice axe arrest, the most important safety move when climbing in winter. This means we'll be prepped with good winter skills ready for a safe ascent tomorrow. Proper adventure stuff!

The setting is sublime. Perched high on the mountain, you'll be moving across the snow with an epic view over the valley below.

After roughly 6 hours out and about, it's back to town for some grub before attempting to climb Ben Nevis tomorrow. Who knew you could learn so much in one day?

DAY 3: Summit day baby!

Our last day together and it's time to bust out the big guns! Don those winter boots and crampons and your trusty walking ice axe again, this is what winter walking is all about baby! You'll see Glen Nevis in all its glory today. Scotland is truly like no other place on earth. Are you ready to tackle the mighty Ben?

You'll be working together as a team to tackle this beast and pick the best route. At 1,345m above sea level, Ben Nevis is the highest point in the UK. To climb Ben Nevis in winter via this route is challenging enough to make it a real accomplishment when you get to the top, but very doable with lots of breaks to catch your breath, eat a Mars Bar or 5, and snap a few killer selfies.

The notorious CMD Arete mountain track could be in the cards but can get a little spicy in the winter season, so can only be attempted in the right conditions. The pony track is another option, it zig-zags up the hill passing streams, lakes and the infamous Red Burn. We'll pick the best route depending on the conditions and either way, once we're above the snow line, we'll be tackling some real gnarly stuff.

After a cracking winter ascent of Ben Nevis in epic snow conditions, it's back to the hotel to celebrate. As we descend, ice axes and crampons on our backs, we'll be beaming with pride and full of adrenaline after an epic adventure. Now you've learnt all these winter skills, where will you go next?

• 3-star hotel - 2 nights included
• We typically use the hotel below but may need to use other accommodation subject to availability

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guides - Fully qualified and experienced local guides
• Accommodation - Min 3* x2 nights
• Meals - hearty breakfast
• Equipment - all technical gear (crampons, ice axe, etc.)
• Payment Plan - spread the cost of the trip at no extra cost (select at checkout)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Transport - to and from adventure
• Meals - not listed above
• Personal Gear and Kit - we'll send a full kit list after you've booked

• You'll need to make your own way to Fort William but there's both a coach and a train station.
• 5 pm - Meet the rest of the group outside Ellis Brigham in Fort William

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME?

Is this a good trip if I'm travelling solo?

• Absolutely! Many solo adventurers, couples, and groups join us. It's a fab way to meet awesome folks.
• More than half of our guests book on solo, so you’ll be in good company.

What's the typical age range?

• We see a mix, from 20s to 50s.
• Don’t focus too much on this though…

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

• 18 years old

Do I need winter walking and mountaineering experience?

• No! Some hiking experience is beneficial, but if Ben Nevis is your first mountain climb, no worries. Our expert guides will teach you everything for a safe ascent. Just ensure you're fit for 6-8 hours of hiking with 1000m of ascent.

What's Ben Nevis like in the winter season?

• It's stunning and quieter! Winter on Ben Nevis means snow, strong winds, fewer daylight hours, and fewer crowds. It can be challenging, resembling Alpine conditions, but that's part of the learning experience.

Which route will we be taking up Ben Nevis?

• We have two main options: the Mountain Track (or Pony Track) and the more challenging CMD Arete. Our guide will choose the best route based on snow conditions and the group's ability.

What size will the group be?

• Up to 12 guests per group (usually).

How many mountain leaders will be walking with us?

• One guide per group of 12.

Do I need travel insurance?

• Yes, check that it covers the trip you’re interested in
• We also recommend you get some personal insurance to cover you for injury or any personal loss or damage.

Is the guide insured?

• Yes, our guiding partners are insured for all the activities they offer, but you’ll still need to take out your own travel insurance.

ACCOMMODATION

Can I book an extra hotel night?

• Sure, subject to availability. Just send a message to the guide once you’ve booked.

Can I have a private room?

• Yes, if available. There's an extra charge which will be confirmed after enquiry. Just send a message to the guide once you’ve booked.

KIT

What should I pack?

• We’ll send you a full kit list once you’ve booked

Where do I store my belongings during the trip?

• Leave unneeded items at the hotel.

• Free cancellation or date change up to 65 days before departure
• Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by us, then you'll get a full refund