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

Winter ascents of the Carn Mor Dearg Arete are exhilarating. The route offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis's imposing North-East face though-out this challenging yet rewarding journey.

The adventure begins with a classic climbers' ascent through the woods alongside the Allt a Mhuillinn. You'll then diverge to the East, following a rugged path that leads to the summits of Carn Beag Dearg, Carn Dearg Meadhonach, and, ultimately, Carn Mor Dearg, marking the beginning of your ridge adventure.

The route is fairly committing and consistently exposed, following a kilometre long ridge-crest that swoops between mountains as it joins Ben Nevis. With the support of our experienced guides you'll be able to navigate it securely and roped protection will be available whenever required. The North Face of Ben Nevis is a constant companion as you ascend. Clear views of its five historic mountaineering ridges stretching from the summit to the corrie floor accompany your journey.

Upon completing your exploration of the mountain, you'll initially join the winter hillwalkers and start your descent along the pony path. However, we'll diverge from this path at the halfway point, taking an oblique descent before rejoining the approach route.

Besides this classic route, there are a vast range of great mountaineering routes and link-ups we love to guide in Lochaber during the winter. Ledge Route and Number 2 Gully on Ben Nevis, The North Ridge and South Gully of Stob Ban in the Mamores ... and more besides. So, come book with us to climb in the home of Scottish winter 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 Carn Mor Dearg Arete 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)

Lochaber offers 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.

The Carn Mor Dearg Arete is technically straightforward in terms of winter movement skills. However, it presents a long and demanding day that can be exposed to extremely severe weather conditions. It's most suitable for physically fit individuals with some prior experience of winter walking in the challenging Scottish conditions.

You don't need any prior climbing experience to enjoy this route. We can provide all the instruction and guidance you need.

Our team of instructors has extensive experience with all the classic routes in Lochaber. 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.