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Winter Skills Scotland








    Winter Skills

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    Smaller group sizes

    Putting local communities first

    Your safety is our number one focus

    Sustainable travel

    Amazing experiences at affordable prices

    Winter Skills - Scotland

    Winter in Scotland’s hills & mountains.
    When winter blankets the Highlands, familiar paths disappear beneath wind‑sculpted sastrugi and ridges gleam with hoarfrost. Corrie rims fill with hard neve and the plateaus become vast white deserts. Learning to walk here is both exhilarating and humbling, the crunch of crampons on ice, the sound of spindrift on your hood and the satisfaction of a well‑placed step cut with an axe. A winter skills course teaches you to travel safely through this landscape: choosing the right equipment and clothing, mastering crampon and ice‑axe techniques, reading avalanche forecasts and navigating when sky and snow merge into one. Whether you’re a summer hillwalker venturing onto snow for the first time or planning bigger expeditions, we tailor every course to your experience and ambitions, and pick venues in the Ben Nevis/Fort William/Glencoe areas or the Cairngorms to make the most of the conditions.

    Is This Course For You?

    This course is ideal if you’re a competent summer hillwalker who refuses to hang up your boots when the snow arrives. You should have a reasonable level of hill fitness and be comfortable spending 6–8 hours on the move, carrying a rucksack and venturing off-path over rough ground. No previous winter experience is necessary; many participants are taking their first steps on snow. The emphasis is on non‑technical, unroped travel, learning to use crampons and an ice axe, reading snow and weather conditions, and building the judgement needed to move independently and safely in winter. If you want to enjoy the mountains year‑round and gain the confidence to tackle bigger adventures in the future, this course is for you .

    The Course

    We offer our winter skills courses on a bespoke basis because everyone’s needs and schedules differ. You might want a single‑day refresher to brush up on key techniques, a two‑day weekend to cover the core skills, or a four‑ or five‑day programme to really embed what you’ve learned. Whatever the duration, the aim is the same: to give you the essential knowledge and techniques for safe, independent travel in the winter mountains .

    Over your chosen timespan, we tailor the syllabus to your experience and goals. Topics typically include:

    • Equipment and clothing: Selecting and fitting winter boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets and other kit. We discuss layering systems and what to carry in your pack .
    • Movement skills: Efficient footwork on snow and ice, using crampons on varied terrain, step cutting and kick steps. You’ll learn to use the ice axe as a walking support and practise self‑belay and self‑arrest techniques .
    • Avalanche awareness & planning: Reading weather and avalanche forecasts, understanding snowpack and terrain traps, and making safe route choices .
    • Navigation: Techniques for navigating in poor visibility using map, compass and digital tools .
    • Emergency procedures: Constructing snow shelters, basic first aid and decision‑making when conditions deteriorate.

    On shorter courses we prioritise the fundamentals so you leave with the critical skills to start venturing out independently. On longer courses we add more depth, practise on steeper terrain, include extended journeying and, conditions permitting, summit some mountains to put everything into context. Because every course is custom‑planned, you get individual attention from our instructors and a learning experience tailored to your time and aspirations.

    Best Time To Go

    Scottish winter conditions don’t adhere to a calendar, so our winter skills courses are planned around snow and weather rather than fixed dates. Major venues in the Ben Nevis/Fort William, Glencoe and Cairngorms areas are usually well covered by January and often stay snowy for several months . January, February and March are generally regarded as the core season because cold temperatures, deeper snow and longer daylight provide the most consistent learning environment . February and early March in particular tend to offer stable snowpack and “alpine” conditions, ideal for practising crampon and ice‑axe techniques .

    Outside this core window, conditions can still be good but are less predictable. A cold snap in November or December occasionally gives excellent early‑season conditions, but these spells are short; we therefore only take late‑notice bookings in December once we’re sure there is sufficient snow . Conversely, late March into April can bring beautiful spring snow and quieter hills, but warmth can strip the snowpack quickly, so timing matters . If you’re flexible, contact us about possible December or April dates; otherwise, we recommend booking between early January and late March when snow and ice are most reliable.

    We can also run winter skills courses in the Lake District when the fells have a good winter coat. The Lakes often see usable snow between December and March , but conditions there are far less reliable than in the Highlands and can change quickly . To manage this, we offer Lake District courses only on a bespoke basis: we’ll monitor the weather and snowpack, confirm dates once conditions look viable, and keep you informed if there’s a need to reschedule or relocate. If you’d prefer to train closer to home and have some flexibility, get in touch and we’ll discuss options, otherwise, Scotland remains the safest bet for consistent winter conditions.

    Why Book winter Skills With monkey Mountaineering

    Why Book Winter Skills with Monkey Mountaineering

    Monkey Mountaineering is a small, independent company that puts quality of experience ahead of volume. Our winter skills courses are led by fully qualified instructors who know Scotland’s mountains intimately and tailor every course to your experience, ambitions and available time.

    Unlike many providers, we don’t run fixed programmes or open courses where individuals are grouped together. Every winter skills course is planned specifically around you. Whether you’re looking for a one-day refresher, a weekend introduction to winter walking, or a longer programme to build confidence and independence in the winter mountains, we’ll design a course that matches your objectives.

    Because every course is bespoke, we can adapt the content, pace and objectives to suit your existing experience, the prevailing conditions and the skills you most want to develop. This allows us to focus on what matters most to you rather than following a rigid syllabus.

    We’re also committed to doing things the right way. Your safety is always our priority, but we also work hard to minimise our environmental impact, support local communities and provide exceptional value. With Monkey Mountaineering you can expect expert instruction, flexible course design and unforgettable days in Scotland’s winter mountains.

    Every winter skills course we run is bespoke. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, we build each course around your experience, objectives and the time you have available.

    Some clients book a single day to refresh existing skills, while others join us for several days to develop confidence and independence in the winter mountains. The exact content and pace of the course will depend on your goals, the prevailing conditions and the terrain available at the time.

    We typically operate in the Ben Nevis, Fort William, Glencoe and Cairngorm areas, but we always choose venues based on the weather, snow and avalanche conditions rather than a predetermined programme. This allows us to make the best use of the conditions and provide the most effective learning environment.

    If you have specific objectives, we’ll incorporate those into your course wherever possible. Whether that’s developing confidence with crampons and an ice axe, improving winter navigation, learning more about avalanche awareness, or standing on a particular summit, we’ll work with you to create a course that meets your needs.

    The emphasis throughout is on learning by doing. Rather than spending hours in a classroom, we’ll make practical journeys into the mountains, applying new skills in real winter conditions and helping you build the judgement and confidence needed to travel safely and independently.

    We run our Winter Skills courses throughout the Scottish winter season, typically from December through April, with dates arranged around your availability and prevailing mountain conditions.

    Every course is bespoke and can be tailored to your experience, objectives and the amount of time you have available. Whether you’re looking for a one-day refresher, a weekend introduction to winter walking or a longer programme to develop confidence and independence in the winter mountains, we’ll build a course around your needs.

    Courses are priced at:

    • £300 per day for up to 2 people
    • £350 per day for 3–4 people
    • £400 per day for 5–6 people

    Larger groups are welcome—please contact us to discuss your requirements.

    We can also offer Winter Skills courses in the Lake District when suitable winter conditions exist. Please get in touch to discuss availability.

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    Included in the price of this trip

    • Professional guiding with fully qualified and experienced guides
    • Maximum guiding ratio of 1:6 to ensure safety and increase chances of success
    • Technical equipment including ropes if required

    Not included

    • Travel to and from the course venue
    • Your accommodation before, during and after the course
    • Meals and drinks before, during and after the course
    • Personal travel insurance (to cover you for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects etc)
    • Personal equipment (please see our clothing and equipment section)
    • Crampons & Ice Axe (please see our clothing and equipment section)

    Essential Clothing & Equipment

    • Boots B2

      A good pair of B2 boots which provide ankle support, are insulated and crampon compatable and are well broken-in. B2 boots are the most suitable. Boots are essential - Please ask if you are unsure what boots to bring.

    • Buff

      Essential for helping to keep the sun off your neck at lower altitudes, protecting from dust and wind and as neck/face protection higher up.

    • Climbing Harness - Standard

      These are available to hire for a small fee – please enquire.

    • Climbing Helmet

      You only have one head - best to look after it. Make sure you can wear a beanie/woolly hat under your climbing helmet

    • Compass

      A silva compass for navigating with

    • Crampons - C2

      Must be compatable with your B2 boots

    • Dry Bags

      A selection of rucksack liners and dry bags as required to keep your clothing, sleeping bag and equipment dry and organised.

    • Fleece or Soft Shell Layer

      This can be a fleece jumper or fleece jacket or a soft shell jacket.

    • Footwear

      Please make sure you have suitable footwear for walking into any climbing venues. For venues close to the road, a pair of trainers, trekking or approach shoes will normally suffice. If the venue is further afield or a mountain crag then a lightweight pair of walking boots or a good approach shoe will be better – please ask in advance if you are not sure.

    • Gilet

      This is an optional item but a good choice as an extra layer to keep your core warm. Any gilet you choose should be low volume (not bulky) down, primaloft or fleece.

    • Gloves

      A lightweight windproof pair of gloves for wearing on a daily basis as required.

    • Head Torch

      With spare batteries or the means to recharge.

    • Hiking Socks

      We recommend a good pair of proper hiking/trekking socks. A minimum of three pairs but ideally you should have a pair for each day.

    • HMS Karabiners

      These should be locking Karabiners – you will need a minimum of 2.

    • Ice Axe

      This should be a walking axe between 55 and 65 cm long.

    • Insulated Jacket

      Can be down or synthetic.

    • Liner Gloves

      Thin silk/wool/polypropylene liner gloves – 2 pairs.

    • Long-Sleeved Thermal Top

      Essential base layer for colder days and nights. Pack at least 2 of these.

    • Mid-Layer

      Lightweight microfleece or something similar is ideal as a mid-layer. You should bring two mid-layer tops – tops with zips allow ventilation and are often better than round neck tops.

    • Mittens

      Expedition standard modular mittens with a warm fleece lined inner and a durable windproof/waterproof outer shell. Ideally your mittens will also have wrist straps.

    • Outer Gloves

      These should fit over your liner gloves and be fleece lined with a durable windproof/waterproof outer shell. Ideally they will have wrist straps.

    • Personal First Aid Kit

      This should include suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.

    • Sling 120cm

      1 x 120cm sling.

    • Snow Goggles

      For protecting your eyes on glaciers and/or travelling in snowy winter conditions.

    • Soft Shell Trousers

      These should be insulated/fleece lined for winter use.

    • Soft-Shell Jacket

      Make sure it is insulated and, importantly, windproof (not all soft-shell jackets are windproof).

    • Sunglasses

      For general eye protection, wearing whilst trekking or on glaciers if applicable to your trip – for wearing on glaciers sunglasses need to be Category 4 and be close fitting or have side protection.

    • Thermal Long Johns

      1 pair, for wear at high altitude an/or whilst sleeping.

    • Warm Layer

      This can be a fleece jumper, fleece jacket or lightweight duvet/insulated jacket.

    • Water Bottle

      At higher altitudes your Camelbak may freeze and so it is a good idea to have a 1 litre Nalgene type bottle. Also great for events like the Cuillin ridge Traverse.

    • Waterproof Jacket

      Hard shell jacket ideally this will be waterproof and breathable (GoreTex or equivalent) and it will have a hood.

    • Waterproof Trousers

      Ideally they should be windproof and breathable (Gore Tex or equivalent) and with full or ¾ length side zips.

    • Woolly hat

      To keep your head warm - Ideally a hat that will cover your ears too and fit under a climbing helmet.

    Optional Clothing & Equipment

    • Belay Device

      A tube type Belay device is best - Our guide will provide this if required

    • Camera

      Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge.

    • Mobile Phone

      You may want to use you phone as a camera. On our overseas trips signal is often limited or non-existent so making calls or sending texts may not be possible - see FAQs for trip specific info.

    • Small Stainless Steel Flask

      Useful for hot drinks during the day/night

    • Walking poles

      Not essential but extremely useful when carrying a load, descending and for any river crossings.

    Paperwork

    • Booking Confirmation

      This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure

    Carbon Footprint

    We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Winter Skills courses.

    What are we doing about it

    As a responsible adventure company, we’re committed to understanding and reducing the environmental impact of our treks. We favour local supply chains, low-impact accommodation, and foot-powered travel wherever possible. In addition, we encourage all our trekkers to offset their emissions through certified schemes and consider more sustainable travel options where available.

    By trekking mindfully, supporting local communities, and respecting the fragile mountain environment, we can ensure that these incredible landscapes remain unspoiled for generations to come.

    FAQs

    No, unfortunately we don’t currently provide equipment for hire but can recommend Expedition Kit Hire.

    Yes, taking photos is an absolute must! We do however advise you only to take a small camera as the extra weight of large SLR type cameras and accessories can all add up. Any extra weight will contribute to a more difficult day and possibly affect your balance on any tricky/technical sections.

    A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip/course is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date. If the booking takes place less than 8 weeks before departure, then the full amount is due at the time of booking. If you would like to discuss payment options, then please get in touch.

    A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.

    Have you ever dreamed of scaling awesome Himalayan peaks and trekking through rugged mountain landscapes?  Well, Monkey Mountaineering is your gateway to adventure, connecting fearless adventurers with unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most stunning locations.  But what exactly is Monkey Mountaineering, and what makes it unique?

    A Passion for Adventure

    At its core, Monkey Mountaineering is about creating life-changing journeys for explorers who want more than just a typical holiday.  Founded by British Army veteran Sam Marshall, Monkey Mountaineering brings a legacy of discipline, resilience, and expertise to every expedition.  Specialising in small group, mountain-based adventure travel, we offer expertly crafted itineraries combining the thrill of outdoor activities with cultural immersion and respect for the environment.  Whether it’s mountaineering or trekking, our trips are designed to challenge and inspire.

    Our Mission

    Our mission is simple:  to provide safe, sustainable, and unforgettable adventure experiences that promote a deep connection with nature and local communities.  Every expedition is designed around three key principles:

    • Safety First: The safety of our customers is our top priority.  Our guides are highly trained, and every trip is planned with comprehensive risk assessments and emergency procedures.
    • Sustainability: We are committed to leaving no trace.  We are in the process of aligning our operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint.
    • Community Connection: Adventure isn’t just about the landscapes; it’s about the people.  We use local guides and support agencies, source local produce, and strive to ensure that our trips contribute positively to the regions we visit.

    What We Offer

    Monkey Mountaineering offers a variety of trips tailored to different skill levels, interests, and destinations.  Here’s a peek at what you can expect:

    • Mountaineering Adventures: Scale iconic peaks with our expert-led climbing expeditions.
    • Trekking Journeys: Explore remote trails, from lush mountain forests to rugged alpine deserts, and witness the beauty of the great outdoors.
    • Custom and Private Trips: Looking for something unique? We’ll work with you to design a personalized adventure that meets your goals and interests.
    • UK Adventures and Skills Training: Want to learn the skills to have your own adventures?  We offer all levels of mountain-based skills training for beginners and seasoned adventurers as well as UK based guiding.

    Why Choose Monkey Mountaineering?

    We’re not just another adventure travel company.  Here’s what sets us apart:

    • Veteran Expertise: Founded by a British Army Veteran, we bring unparalleled leadership, problem-solving, and operational excellence to every expedition.
    • Commitment to Standards: We strive to achieve the highest industry standards, complying with the Package Travel Regulations and aligning to British Standard 8848, ensuring that your trip is safe, ethical, and well-organised.
    • Focus on Sustainability: From eco-friendly practices to supporting local economies, we make responsible travel a priority.
    • Personalized Service: From your first inquiry to post-trip follow-ups, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    Join Us on an Adventure

    Monkey Mountaineering isn’t just about reaching summits; it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the stories you take home.  Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a first-time adventurer, we invite you to explore the world with us.  Unleash your inner explorer and let’s make your adventure dreams a reality.

    Ready to take the leap? Contact us today to find your next great adventure!

    Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.

    Who’s Behind Monkey Mountaineering?

    Meet Sam Marshall: The Veteran Mountaineer Behind Monkey Mountaineering

    Every great adventure company has a story and a purpose — and for Monkey Mountaineering, it all starts with Sam Marshall, a seasoned mountaineer, passionate explorer, and proud British Army veteran. If you’re curious about our mission, you can also read What is Monkey Mountaineering?.

    After nearly three decades of service in the Army, including 22 years as an aircraft engineer and senior leader in high-pressure environments, Sam swapped helicopters and hangars for high peaks and remote trails. His mission? To share the life-changing power of the mountains with everyone, from first-time trekkers to seasoned climbers.

    A Life of Service and Adventure

    Sam’s love for the mountains was forged long before Monkey Mountaineering began. During his Army years, he thrived in extreme conditions, mastering leadership, teamwork, and meticulous planning in some of the world’s toughest environments.

    Sam Marshall guiding a climber through the Window on Sgurr nan Gillean, Isle of Skye

    Sam Marshall — founder of Monkey Mountaineering — guiding through the iconic Window on Sgurr nan Gillean.

    These skills laid the foundations for leading safe, inspiring mountaineering expeditions today.

    Leaving military life didn’t dampen his appetite for challenge — it fuelled a new purpose: helping others discover what’s possible when you push beyond your comfort zone. That vision is alive in every Monkey Mountaineering trip.

    The Monkey Mountaineering Difference

    Monkey Mountaineering isn’t just another adventure company. Under Sam’s watchful eye, every expedition is planned with military-level care and the robust safety standards of British Standard 8848. But adventure, for Sam, goes beyond risk management — it’s about growth, connection, and perspective. He believes time in the mountains has the power to build resilience, spark confidence, and reconnect people with the wild and with each other.

    More Than Mountains: A Legacy of Respect

    Sustainability and community matter too. Sam ensures Monkey Mountaineering operates responsibly, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, employing local guides, and championing the Leave No Trace ethos. It’s adventure done right — for you and for the places you explore.

    Unleash Your Inner Explorer

    When you choose Monkey Mountaineering, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re joining a mission led by someone who knows that the real summit is within you. Whether you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp, or tackling a UK classic, Sam’s no-nonsense approach, warmth, and experience mean you’re in safe hands every step of the way.

    Ready to find out what you’re capable of?
    Learn more about who we are or join Sam Marshall and the Monkey Mountaineering team — and unleash your inner explorer.

    Venturing into the mountains or taking part in rock, ice or mixed climbing brings with it a certain amount of risk. To minimise these risks, we often deploy ropes to keep each other safe – you will need a harness to attach yourself safely to the rope. The mountain and crag environment is littered with loose rock so we always advise on a helmet to help protect your head from any falling objects.

    Monkey Mountaineering is a family-run, veteran-owned business built on many years of professional mountaineering and guiding experience. We work with fully qualified instructors and guides and place safety, professionalism and good judgement at the centre of everything we do.

    Whether you are joining one of our UK mountaineering courses and guided climbs or taking part in one of our international trekking and expedition experiences, we operate with small group sizes and low guide-to-client ratios. This allows us to provide a safer, more personal experience and ensures that each trip can be tailored around the ability, experience and goals of the people taking part.

    On our overseas expeditions, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or our Mera Peak expedition, we focus on careful planning, sensible acclimatisation schedules and strong local partnerships. This approach improves both safety and success while supporting the communities that make these adventures possible.

    We are also committed to responsible mountain travel. Our trips follow Leave No Trace principles, and we actively encourage practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising positive benefits for local communities.

    Our aim is simple: to deliver well-managed mountain experiences that are safe, rewarding and responsibly run.

    Walking poles are not mandatory, but many people do use them to help reduce the pressure on knees or help with balance. If you regularly use walking poles then please feel free to bring them with you.

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    Bespoke experiences

    Can’t see what you are looking for? All our trips can be customised to meet your needs so, if you need bespoke dates, want to add extra days, or modify the itinerary then please just let us know – we will be happy to help.

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