Winter Skills Day: Cairngorms

6 hours

Winter Skills Day: Cairngorms

Overview

The Northern Cairngorms are where most serious Scottish hillwalkers come to learn their winter craft, and for good reason: the snow cover is consistent, the terrain is varied, and the conditions are real rather than simulated. This one-day intensive, run by AMI-qualified instructors from Aviemore, covers the essential foundations for moving safely in winter mountain conditions: ice axe handling and emergency arrest, crampon technique and footwork on snow, avalanche awareness, and the judgement to make sound decisions on winter ground. The group ratio is a maximum of 1:6 per instructor.

The day is practical throughout. Crampon movement on varied snow types, ice axe arrest drills at progressive angles, basic avalanche awareness using the SAIS forecast system, and safer movement on steeper winter slopes. The programme is condition-led, using whatever terrain the mountain offers, so the learning is always in a real rather than artificial context.

This course is for summer hillwalkers making their first move into winter. You should be comfortable on a full mountain day in challenging weather and have appropriate waterproof kit and layering. No previous winter experience is needed. Those wanting more time to consolidate and push further into winter navigation and judgement will find the two-day course a significant step up from here.

About

Your Guide

Michael Curry, Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountaineer

Michael Curry, Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountaineer

With over 40 years in the field, Michael is a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor with deep experience in technical climbing, navigation, expedition logistics, and outdoor education. His guiding has taken him across Europe's mountain regions, into the Canadian backcountry and on expeditions in the Himalayas, and he brings that international breadth to every trip he leads for GBAC. He is known for calm authority, technical precision, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people grow in the mountains.

Itinerary

Things to keep in mind