INTRO TO WINTER CLIMBING

The progression from winter walking to mountaineering and winter climbing can be tricky without a little guidance from a professional. Allow us to provide an Intro to Winter Climbing by taking you through the steps to be a safer and more efficient mountaineer.

Synergy Guides offer a bespoke service which means working closely with you to ensure a personal itinerary is established. Content will differ for each person depending on the focus and experience yet almost certainly we will spend a good portion of your winter climbing course learning about then practising avalanche avoidance and safe winter travel. We aim to climb some of Scotland’s classic snow and ice climbs.

The amount of days we provide is totally up to you as Synergy Guides work on a Private Guiding basis so you can decide how many days to run your course over. 

• Climb graded winter routes from Scottish I – III
• Learn about winter navigation and avalanche avoidance
• One axe to two axe climbing techniques
• Lead your first winter climb
• Bespoke – Book any number of days that suit you or your team

Challenge yourself this winter accompanied by a friendly & fully qualified mountain professional – join us for an Intro to Winter Climbing course.

The best and safest way to experience an Intro to Winter Climbing is to keep the ratios low. Having no more than two people climbing with one guide means you are not bound by grades and particular routes. Your progression will be smoother and the option to move from steeper climbing on two individual climbing ropes to more difficult mountaineering on one rope, such as climbing Tower Ridge is easy and safe. If you are a larger team requiring an additional mountain guide please get in touch, we believe we are very competitive on price.

Intro to Winter Climbing – What to expect

Initially, you will speak with your guide a few days prior to the start date. At which point you can agree to a suitable time to meet in the morning, inform them of any kit requirements you have and agree on the planned content of your Intro to Winter Climbing course.

Based in Fort William we are near to the mountains of Ben Nevis and Glencoe. This allows us access to the best local conditions for snow and ice climbing.

Fit and check equipment ready for climbing in the mountains. Discuss what equipment we are going to take with us and be advised on the specialist winter equipment your guide might take. Distribute equipment amongst the team.

Discuss and explain how we use the avalanche forecast and recent weather patterns to decide on a suitable climbing venue. This includes looking at different weather forecasts and the SAIS Be Avalanche Aware resource.

The main part of your day is focused on the initial plan laid out with your booking and your morning discussion. Your guide will tailor this to meet your aspirations, manage snow conditions and your ability to operate in what can be adverse weather conditions.

Typical routes which might be climbed are NC Gully, Dorsal Arete, West Gully Douglas Boulder, Good Friday Climb, Left Twin, Twisting Gully, East Ridge North Summit Stob Ban and Castle Ridge.

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