The Fiacaill & Jacobs Ladder (Winter)

Before Your Course

Your EverydayClimbing mountain guide will be in touch one to two days before your course commences.  This pre-course contact serves to introduce your guide, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our guides are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.

On the Day

We're not shy about it - we have a deep affection for the Cairngorms. The convenience of starting a climb at 900 meters, just one hour from the car, is truly remarkable. Couple that with the fact that the Cairngorms provide some of the most scenic and dependable mountaineering terrain in the UK. It's quick to come into condition, late to lose it, and you can experience delightfully satisfying winter mountaineering in what feels like Britain's own Arctic paradise.

This classic winter mountaineering day combines a first rate winter ridge and a classic steep gully to give a varied and satisfying day in an historic and impressive venue. Both routes provide quality winter mountaineering, with the chance of steep snow-ice, technical mixed moves, exposed steps and a potential cornice to negotiate.

Sometimes, Jacobs ladder needs to be swapped out for something on safer aspect, but the Fiacaill is graciously attemptable in any snow conditions and is always safe from avalanche. Naturally, this is a popular circuit, but the infamously harsh Cairngorms winds have a wonderful way of resetting the snow each night. This makes every ascent of the ridge feel like the first one of the season.

Besides this classic link up, there are a vast range of great mountaineering routes and link-ups we love to guide during the winter. The Black-spout  on Lochnager, Aladdins Mirror on Stop Coire an t-Sneachda, Castlegates Gully in Loch Avon... and more besides. So, come book with us to climb in the heart of Scottish wilderness and allow us to share our favourite classics.

Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organising climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.

Dates

The Cairngorms has routes is typically in condition throughout the winter season and can usually be scheduled on any day that suits your plans.

Feel free to reach out with your specific requirements or contact us using the form below, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.

Prices

Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:

• Information and support prior to the course
• An AMI accredited, insured, and fully qualified guide
• Professional-grade climbing equipment for each participant
• Mountain safety gear
• Memorable photos of your adventure

One person - £300

Two people - £350 (£175 per person)

The Cairngorms offer a wide range of climbing experiences, from easy and accessible routes to extremely demanding adventures that require a good level of fitness for the approach and return. It's an equally excellent place for complete beginners to take their first steps in using crampons or for experienced climbers to push their grade.

You don't need any prior climbing experience to enjoy climbing here. We can provide all the instruction and guidance you need to tackle your very first route. And if you already have some climbing skills, we can assist you in taking on even more challenging lines.

Our team of instructors has extensive experience with all the classic routes in the Cairngorms. We've climbed them many times under various conditions and in different seasons. We know every boot and ice axe placement, and we'll be right by your side, providing support, safety, and motivation throughout your journey.

Required

• 35-45l backpack

• B2/B3 Winter mountain boots (Can be rented locally)

• Gaiters

• Ski Goggles

• Walking poles

• Emergency shelter (Orange bag)

• Water bottle (around 1 litre) or hot drink flask

• Food and extra food (min. 1000cals.)

• Head torch and spare batteries 

• Thick socks

• Waterproof jacket and trousers 

• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket

• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket

• Thick insulated jacket

• Warm hat

• Buff

• 2-3x Pairs winter gloves

• Hiking trousers

• Synthetic/merino base layers

• Personal medication

• Waterproof stuff sacks for everything

Optional

• OS maps of planned areas

• Waterproof map case

• Compass (silva type 4 recommended)

Provided

• Harness

• Climbing helmet

• 120cm sling and karabiner

• C1/C2 crampons

• Single mountaineering axe

To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.

As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Just drop us a line to let us know what you require.