Join us for two days of winter mountain fun and learning on Ben Nevis. Designed and delivered by our qualified Winter Mountain Leaders, this two day Ben Nevis Beginners event is perfect for anyone looking to increase their hiking confidence in snow and wintry conditions, and who wants to get to know this magnificent mountain better.

On day one, we’ll teach you all the essential skills and techniques to navigate and move safely through snow and ice, opening up a whole new world of year-round walking in beautiful winter landscapes. From correct use of ice axes and crampons to navigating successfully over snowy ground - this day is all about increasing your confidence and skills in winter mountain conditions.

Day two is when we put your new skills to the test, with an exhilarating Summit Day taking you to the top of snowy Ben Nevis.

Had a blast doing my intro to winter mountain skills, thanks to my guide Dan, great time climbing snowy peaks in Scotland. Couldn’t have been better.

Ollie - January 2026

What you'll learn

Led by qualified guides in small, friendly groups of 6, you’ll learn:

  • Correct use of ice axes and crampons for safe and efficient movement through snow and ice
  • Effective route-planning for confident walking in winter conditions
  • How to successfully navigate over snowy ground
  • How to interpret weather and avalanche forecasts, and apply them correctly to your route planning
  • Essential winter kit and how to dress appropriately for winter conditions

Get our FREE Winter Mountain Skills Guide

Get your FREE “11 Winter Mountain Skills Hints & Tips” guide - straight from our professional Winter Mountain Leaders

Because in winter, small mistakes can turn big fast... and knowledge is your best piece of kit.

Who's it for?

The Ben Nevis Two Day Winter Skills event is designed for anyone with a good level of fitness looking to extend their hiking experience to wintry mountain landscapes. It’s a beginners course, so you don’t need any previous experience in snowy or icy conditions, but you will need to be able to withstand sustained activity over several hours, including steep ascents and descents.

We will cover high-level terrain which is rocky, snowy, icy and uneven underfoot, so your muscles and heart need to be used to getting out of breath! If you’re unsure whether it’s is right for you, please contact our friendly team - we’ll be happy to help.

About your leaders

All leaders on our Ben Nevis Two Day Winter Skills event hold nationally and internationally recognised outdoor awards and qualifications from Mountain Training.

We keep our groups small (1 leader to every 6 participants) to ensure a safe and personalised experience, and you’ll get support, kit lists and guides before the event to help you get the most out of your time in the mountains.

Book your place

Ben Nevis Two Day Winter Skills is £180 per person for the two day course, with an instructor ratio of 1:6. Accommodation is not included, but there are lots of options in the Fort William area to suit all budgets.


FAQs

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

When you book, you’ll receive a full kit list with details of clothing and equipment needed for this course. There’s more info in our Winter Kit Guide, including advice on where to hire technical kit like Winter boots, crampons and ice axes.

We will begin our course promptly on the first morning, so please ensure you have collected any hire kit the night before your course starts.

I've never hiked in winter mountains before - can I still come?

Ben Nevis Two Day Winter Skills is a beginners course, so you don’t need any previous experience in snowy or icy conditions, just a good level of fitness and the ability to withstand sustained activity over several hours, including steep ascents and descents. If you’re unsure whether Ben Nevis 2 Day Winter Skills is right for you, please contact our friendly team - we’ll be happy to help.

Is the course accredited?

Ben Nevis Two Day Winter Skills is not accredited, but we offer plenty of accredited options. For details, check out the Qualifications page.


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