Day 1

Arrive in Aviemore

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You'll arrive at your accommodation in Aviemore around 5pm, ready for your first briefing on how to become a winter climbing maestro. There'll be time to grab some food and meet your fellow adventurers and guide before hitting the hay ahead of a huge day of adventure tomorrow.

Day 2

Hike to Coire ant-Sneachda

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Today we're hiking to the beautiful Coire an t-Sneachda, a glacial amphitheatre-like valley in the middle of the Cairngorms. Don't let anyone ever tell you the UK is tame. There is some serious terrain for adventure up in Scotland, you'll soon forget all about the Alps and the Rockies and wonder why we ever go abroad!

We'll tackle a classic mixed climb today, with a chance to practise your crampon and ice axe skills, learning how to make the all-important ice axe arrest, and even assess avalanche risk and route choice. After a full day out, we'll head back to the lodge for a hearty meal and a well-deserved glass of red.

Day 3

Northern Corries

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Our second day of climbing takes us to the Northern Corries. A corrie, apart from being the abbreviation for that much-loved ITV soap drama, is a glacially formed steep-sided hollow, perfect  for climbing!

We'll switch between rock and ice climbing and finish on one of the best views in the Cairngorms. Fingers crossed for a bluebird day!

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Day 4

Fiacaill Buttress

We'll be introduced to abseiling today, specifically abseiling down The Seam. It's gnarly, it's steep and it's beautiful, now we're really in the thick of it!

Day 5

‍Creag Meagaidh

Our final day in the Scottish Alps takes us to Creag Meagaidh for a truly magical, unforgettable climb that will really end the trip on a high. Hidden away in the middle of nowhere and taking on the famous "Wand" climb, you'll be lucky if you see anyone all day outside of the group, and isn't that the beauty of adventure? Getting out where no-one else is?

After one final climb it's time to descend for a a final meal with your new climbing mates before you head home and plan your next trip to bonnie Scotland.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

• World-class mountaineering guides who really know their stuff
• Accommodation in 3* hotel (single supplement may be required if you'd like a room to yourself)
• All technical mountaineering kit
• Safety equipment

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Transfers to and from Fort William
• Food

• Thermal wicking base layer and fleece top
• Fleece or woollen trousers and tops
• Walking boots (3/4 season)
• Hat and gloves
• Spare fleece or woollen top windrproof jacket
• Waterproofs
• Flask or water bottle
• Lunch plus spare food
• Rucksack (30ltrs)
• Whistle
• Orange plastic survival bag
• Sunglasses
• Crampons and ice axe provided for the trip
• Evening clothes/ toiletries etc for the hotel

Optional‍

• Walking poles recommended but non-essential
• Camera – Definitely recommended!

You'll need to get to Aviemore by 5pm. Aviemore is well serviced by rail, and the nearest airport is Inverness.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Given it's Scotland in winter, it has to be to some extent. We will plan the days according to weather and conditions, such as blizzards and avalanche risk. Each day we will find the best conditions possible to get you climbing like a pro.

How much climbing experience do I need?

You can rock up (excuse the pun) with no experience, so long as you have a decent, basic level of fitness. Some experience climbing hills or walking through snow would be valuable but not essential.

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

Yes, all our trips are for people of 18 years of age and older.

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