MountainPlan Winter Climbing courses start on the 1st of December and run through to the 1st of April.
Winter climbing in Scotland is a fantastic and unique experience that’s well known throughout the world. It has a rich history within the mountaineering world and will give a lifetime of memories. We aim to deliver high quality courses that are run by highly motivated climbers who will hold either the MIC certificate or be a British Mountain Guide. They are aimed at either guiding or instructing the skills required to lead and climb for yourself safely on the crags and mountains. Our range of courses go from the beginner level right through those who would like to push their grades at a high level with Andy Turner. All our courses will be tailored to those attending whether it be Nevis ice or Cairngorm mixed, using ice screws or bashing in hexes. We aim to cover the needs of the clients out on the crags and on guidebook climbs. On all the courses below we shall refresh peoples winter skills and throughout the course aim to improve peoples navigation and avalanche awareness.
This is aimed at those who would like to get into or just experience winter climbing. You should already have some experience of winter mountaineering and have the basic winter skills under your belt. We will aim to introduce you to winter climbing on a variety of ground with a mixed day and also an ice day. We shall start to look at the gear and protection used as runners and also how to build good safe belays. Also covered will be technique with climbing axes and crampon use. We will aim to climb routes up to grade 3. Course cost is £170 per day adding a further £20 per head on top to maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 2 clients.
This course will be for those with winter climbing experience and have ideally been lead climbing on routes up to grade 3. We will look at lead climbing and will give you the opportunity to lead pitches where appropriate where we can coach gear placements and build good safe belays. Also covered will be route choice, stance management and retreating from a multi pitch climb. We shall aim to climb routes up to grades 4 and 5. Course cost is £170 per day adding a further £20 per head on top to maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 2 clients
This is a course that is aimed at those people looking to get their winter climbing above grade 6 and head for the 7s and 8s. The course is designed to coach and develop your technique and also look at belays and gear placements. The course will take place on grade 6 routes and above. To get the most from the experience you should be leading grade 5 already. This course is available as a two day intensive or spread out over five days. This course will be run by Andy Turner. He has a huge wealth of experience at the top end of the winter game with first winter ascents of Sioux Wall VIII,8 Ben Nevis, Stalkin Horse VI,7 Aonach Beag and repeats of routes like Cornucopia VII,9 Ben Nevis, Unicorn VIII,8 Stob Coire Nan Lochain, Neanderthal VII,7 Lost Valley Buttress and White Magic VII,7 Northern Corries. The cost is £180 per day and then a further £20 per head a day for a second person.
We offer private guiding on routes and areas of your choice. If you have always wanted to climb classic routes like Point 5, Tower ridge or Fingers ridge then this would be the style of course for you. We would aim to guide you safely and give you a great experience on the routes of your choosing or we are happy to give our suggestions on the best routes to tackle. Course cost is £170 per day adding a further £20 per head on top to maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 2 clients.
