Fancy swapping the usual walk for a winter adventure in the Scottish mountains? Head out for a full day exploring some seriously impressive scenery, either around Fort William beneath Ben Nevis or in the spectacular Cairngorms near Aviemore. With a qualified mountain guide at your side, you’ll get to experience the mountains in winter while picking up some useful skills along the way. There’s plenty more to this experience than putting one foot in front of the other. Your guide will show you how to handle snowy and icy ground, read the terrain and understand how changing weather affects your route. You’ll learn practical techniques as you go, putting them into practice throughout the day rather than simply listening to a list of instructions. With small groups of just 3 to 6 people, there’s plenty of time to ask questions and get advice from your guide. After an initial briefing about the weather and route, you’ll spend around seven hours out in the mountains. The exact route is decided on the day, taking into account the conditions and the group’s ability, before finishing with a debrief to go over what you’ve learnt. You don’t need previous winter mountaineering experience to join in, so it’s a great way to build confidence if you’re new to the mountains. You will, however, need a reasonable level of fitness and stamina to tackle a full day on varied terrain. Wrap up warm, get ready to explore and discover just how rewarding Scotland’s winter mountains can be.
Buying as a gift? Frequently Asked Questions
Most customers buy a flexible voucher and book later. Here are the key things to know:
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Overview
- Enjoy a full-day guided winter mountain walk
- Expert guidance from a qualified mountain guide throughout
- Learn practical winter mountain skills and techniques along the way
- This voucher is valid for One
What's Included
- Enjoy a full-day guided winter mountain walk
- Expert guidance from a qualified mountain guide throughout
- Learn practical winter mountain skills and techniques along the way
- Start with a weather and route briefing before setting off, followed by an end-of-day debrief
- Choose between the stunning mountain locations of Fort William or Aviemore
- Helmet and ice axe provided
- Join a small group of just 3–6 participants for a more personal experience
- This experience lasts approximately 7 hours
Choose Your Base
Fort William
- Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis Based from Fort William, at the foot of the UK's highest mountain. Routes explore the surrounding hills and glens rather than the summit itself, with the Nevis range setting the backdrop for the day.
Aviemore
- Aviemore, in the Cairngorms Based from Aviemore, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Broad plateaus and rolling glens give a different winter character, with routes shaped by your guide to suit conditions on the day.
Suitable For
- Minimum age 18 years
- Suitable for beginners with no previous winter mountaineering experience
- Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and stamina to manage a full day on varied mountain terrain
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Scotland's winter mountains and develop practical mountain skills
- This experience is not fully accessible. Anyone with specific accessibility requirements should contact before booking to discuss suitability
Spectators
- Not suitable for spectators
Restrictions
Minimum Age: 18 years
Anything Else
- Participants must bring suitable winter mountain clothing and equipment. A full kit list will be provided on booking
Essential equipment to bring:
- B2-rated winter walking boots compatible with crampons
- Warm base layers and mid-layers suitable for winter mountain conditions
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Rucksack
- Packed lunch and plenty of water
- Any personal medication required, such as an inhaler or EpiPen
Availability
- Available on selected Friday's between January and March
- This experience lasts approximately 7 hours
Locations:
- Aviemore, Scotland
- Fort William, Scotland
- Location can be chosen at the time of booking
- The exact meeting point and route will be confirmed ahead of the experience
- Routes and locations may be changed depending on weather conditions and the group's ability
- In the event of unsuitable weather conditions, the experience may be cancelled, postponed or moved to an alternative location. If cancelled due to weather, the activity will be rescheduled
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
