RAW’s beginner and advanced winter mountain courses are a fun, challenging way to learn the basics of winter mountain hiking, or build on previous experience to become an independent, confident mountaineer.
Held in the stunning snowy Cairngorms, all courses are designed and delivered by RAW’s qualified Winter Mountain Leaders and held in small, friendly groups of just 4-6 people.
We offer three courses to accommodate different experience levels.
Intro to Winter Mountain Skills
If you’re brand new to winter mountain walking, our Introduction to Winter Skills course is for you. Over two days, you’ll learn 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.
Winter Munro Mountain Skills
If you already have experience hiking in winter mountain conditions, Winter Munro Mountain Skills will help you take it to the next level. Over three days, you’ll develop the skills and techniques to be a fully-fledged, independent mountaineer, including advanced use of ice axes and crampons and route planning for solo walking.
Intro to Winter Climbing
Designed for scramblers, climbers and experienced mountain walkers looking to take their adventures to new and snowy heights. Introduction to Winter Climbing will give you all the skills needed to climb winter routes, including ice-axe, crampon and rope use, as well as basic snow anchors and belays.
Winter Mountain Skills with RAW Adventures
RAW Adventures is a renowned activity and learning provider with unparalleled expertise in the UK mountains. All our leaders hold nationally and internationally recognised outdoor awards and qualifications from Mountain Training.
We keep our groups small, with no more than 6 participants per leader, to ensure a safe and personalised experience. In the lead-up to your winter adventure you’ll receive full support, kit lists and guides to help you get the most out of your time in the mountains. And, if you’re inspired to take your learning further (and we know you will be!), we also offer a wide range of accredited Mountain Training courses to continue your journey.
When you join a RAW adventure, you’ll benefit from over 30 years of mountain leading experience and enthusiasm to match.
Cannot recommend RAW Adventures enough. Kate looked after us from the outset every step of the way right up to the summit even in the poor weather conditions we had. Extraordinarily knowledgeable of every facet of the mountain and absolute pros through and through.
Stewart John
View dates & book your place
| Course Details | Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills |
| Course Cost | £215.00 per person (1:6 ratio) |
| Terrain Area | Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland |
| Course Details | Winter Munro Mountain Skills |
| Course Cost | £320.00 per person (1:6 ratio) |
| Terrain Area | Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland |
| Course Details | Introduction to Winter Climbing |
| Course Cost | £565.00 per person (1:4 ratio) |
| Terrain Area | Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland |
FAQs
Where are the Winter Mountain Skills courses held?
All Winter Mountain Skills courses take place in the Cairngorms mountain range in Scotland. We’ll start each day in Aviemore (find Aviemore on Google Maps).
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included on the winter mountain skills courses, but we’ll provide recommendations of places to stay in Aviemore.
Do I need to bring my own special equipment?
When you book a winter mountain skills course you’ll receive a full kit list with details of clothing and equipment needed. If there’s anything on the list you don’t have, we can provide them for a small hire fee. More information on hiring options will be provided when you book.
Are the Rock Skills courses suitable for beginners?
Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is our beginner's course and doesn't require any previous experience in snowy or icy conditions. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, please contact our friendly team - we’ll be happy to help
Are the courses accredited?
The Winter Mountain Skills courses are not accredited. For details of accredited courses, check out our Qualifications page.
Can I pay by deposit?
Yes. For any courses costing over £200, you’ll be offered the option to pay in instalments at checkout, unless your event is less than 2 months away, in which case we’ll require full payment.
Still have questions? Get in touch with our friendly team.
I extend my thanks for a truly magical day yesterday on Tryfan. Our group have a varied level of experience and that was managed so well. Everyone had the most exhilarating and incredible day and yet at all times felt perfectly safe – RAW Adventures made our weekend and we thank you for it.
Paul Williams
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