Chris Pretty Rock Climbing/Mountaineering Instructor

Rock Climbing/Mountaineering Instructor
and International Mountain Leader

Winter Skills Course climbing Cairngorm Mountain.
Winter Skills Course climbing Cairngorm Mountain.
Winter Skills course in the Cairngorms learning to use ice axe and crampons.
Winter Skills course in the Cairngorms learning to use ice axe and crampons.
Winter Skills course having just dug a snow cave on the Cairngorm plateau.
Winter Skills course having just dug a snow cave on the Cairngorm plateau.
Veterans Alun and Foxy get to the top of Ben Nevis.
Veterans Alun and Foxy get to the top of Ben Nevis.
Cairngorms in winter - perfect!
Cairngorms in winter - perfect!

Chris Pretty is a member of the Union of International Mountain
        Leader AssociationsChris Pretty is a member of Mountain
        TrainingWinter Skills

This is a structured course which will teach you all of the skills you require to move safely around in the winter environment. You will learn what to carry and what to wear, how to read the weather and avalanche forecasts, prepare a route safely, use your ice axe and crampons, how to self arrest a fall, winter navigation basics and more, building a shelter/snow hole/igloo, safe travel tips and much more.

The days will run from approximately 9am in the morning to 4.15pm when we will be off the mountains and heading for the tea and cake shop for a debrief and brief for the next day. The days are not physically taxing but they are a test nonetheless and you should be prepared for the winter conditions and environment on a daily basis.

A full briefing sheet will be sent on enquiry.

Cost £250 per person
Maximum 6 people
Minimum 4 people
Duration 4 days
Previous experience Summer walking in the Lakes, Wales or Scotland. We will do the course in the Cairngorms based in the Aviemore area. General hill fitness is needed only.
Dates The dates are not set so please just e-mail me and we can discuss and agree the date you particularly want. It's nice and easy really.
Gear to bring Waterproof clothing, rucksack, helmet, ice axe, crampons, warm clothes, gloves, Ski GOGGLES and much more, but this will be sent to you on a kit list.
Not included Travel to the crags, accommodation, food.
Included Insurance, Ice Axes, helmets, etc.
Venues Cairngorms, based around Aviemore. Possibilities of walking up Ben Nevis if that is your aim.