Winter Skills Weekend

NEW! Scotland Winter Skills Weekend

Difficulty: Moderate - This trip is made for complete beginners to winter walking but you must have some previous hill walking experience and fitness. Talk to us if you are unsure.

We've teamed up with Cairngorm Adventure Guides to introduce and practise winter techniques such as: personal movement (cramponing, step kicking and cutting); using an ice axe; self-arrests; winter navigation; planning and preparation; snow pack analysis; avalanche avoidance; emergency procedures; and understanding the winter environment.

These skills are coached on day in the context of a mountain journey. We aim to help you to gain familiarity with these skills, allowing you to get out into the mountains to practice and consolidate.

This course is mainly practical and based out on the hill in the Cairngorms (Scotland). The Cairngorms, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a mountain range and national park renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife. It features some of the UK's highest peaks, ancient forests and expansive moorlands.

This one-day course will leave you with the confidence and knowledge to go hill walking safely in winter.

What's included in the price:

• Transport from Manchester/Lancaster.

• 2 nights accommodation and fresh bedding (Shared rooms with 4 bunk beds). Link: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/aviemore/

• Winter Equipment: Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmets and Winter Boots.

What's not included:

• Food
• Warm winter clothes

Day 1 - We will start from Manchester, drive up to the Cairngorms, check into the accommodation and explore the local area.

Day 2 - Refreshed from your night's sleep we'll head to the meeting point to meet the winter guides and learn how to fit our equipment.

Day 3 - BEE Adventures will be ready to take us back home safely with a bus full of winter hiking pros.

What do I need to bring?
Try to pack these items into a maximum of two bags.

For the Weekend:

• Change of clothes

• Toiletries

• Money for food/drinks (when in town)

• Food for the 3 days

For the hike:

• Backpack (20-40 litre max)

• Waterproof Jacket and pants

• Walking Boots/Shoes (trainers as last option)

• Walking trousers/shorts (No Jeans)

• Fleece

• Warm insulated Jacket

• Warm Gloves

• Warm Hat

• Food (sandwiches are ideal)

• Snacks

• Flask with a hot drink

• Water (minimum 1 litre)

• Personal First Aid/medication

We have spare kit that we can lend and rent you if you may need, just let us know before the event so we can arrange it.