Is This Course For You?
If you are a competent summer hill walker looking to learn the extra skills needed to get out into the winter mountains then this course is for you.
If you are a competent summer hill walker looking to learn the extra skills needed to get out into the winter mountains then this course is for you.
Our winter skills courses aim to give you the essential skills and techniques for safe travel in the winter mountains.
During the course we will cover:
Whilst covering all the above we will also make journeys into the winter mountains to practise our new skills and hopefully stand on some summits!
All our courses are tailor made to your needs, so we don’t have a set itinerary.
The main areas we use for our winter skills courses are the Ben Nevis/Fort William/Glencoe areas and the Aviemore/Cairngorms area. That said, we will select venues based on the weather and mountain conditions so we may visit other areas whilst delivering our courses. If you want to stand on specific summits then we can also factor those in for your course and travel further afield to work with you to help you achieve your aims.
Contact us to find out more.
All our courses are tailor made to your needs, so it doesn’t matter if you are completely new to winter skills or already have some knowledge, you’ll learn plenty and grow in confidence and ability.
Choose from a single day up to a full week depending on how much time you have available.
Prices start from £250 per day for 2 people (£300 for up to 4 people and £320 for up to 6).
We can run this course at any time of year on dates to suit you.
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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.
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.
Booking Confirmation
This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure
We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Winter Skills courses.
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.
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:
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:
Why Choose Monkey Mountaineering?
We’re not just another adventure travel company. Here’s what sets us apart:
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 — 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-owned business with a wealth of mountaineering experience. We only use fully qualified professional mountaineers to provide guiding and instruction and only work at small ratios (1 to 1 or 1 to 2). We will never pair you up with someone you don’t know, and our focus is on giving you the best experience possible. If you have booked onto one of our courses, then you can rest assured that the training will be tailored around your specific needs and previous experience.
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.
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.