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

A winter ascent of Ben Nevis make for an accessible and rewarding Scottish mountaineering challenge. This courses offers the opportunity to summit the UK's highest peak in full winter condition under instruction from an experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader.

The adventure begins with the traditional hillwalkers ascent from Glen Nevis besides Meall an t-Suidhe. This area has important geology and conservation links, which your leader will point out as you ascend. After an easing in the steepness, you'll cross the Red Burn. A traditional place to take a drink and the views of the snow capped Mamore Mountains opposite.

Its typical to require the use of crampons beyond this point and your leader will give you the instruction you need to securely attach them to your boots and move in them safely. Depending on snow condition, an axe might also be necessary and you'll be shown how to use it to make safe progression and stop a slide if you slip. At the very least, it completes your image of serious mountaineer!

The route ahead follows switchbacks, usually buried deep under snow and continues directly up some steep sections of snow, here's a place to put your crampon and axe skills to the test and a place to enjoy sliding down on the return journey.

Eventually, the angle eases as you crest the plateau of Ben Nevis. On the rare still and sunny days, it can be a beautiful and relaxing place to be. But on the much more frequent poor weather days, this can be a dangerous and challenging place to navigate. Vertical cliffs surround the plateau in almost every direction and visibility can make these edges impossible to spot.

Your Leader will guide you safely to the summit for photos and congratulations, before guiding you on the same, safe route back to the base of the mountain. Hopefully with a few fun bum slides on the way. 

If you enjoy this classic route, there are many 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 specialize in organizing 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

This route is typically in condition throughout the 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 - £275

Two people - £330 (£155 per person)

Three people - £380 (£125 per person)

Four people - £420 (£105 per person)

Five people - £460 (£92 per person)

Six people - £500 (£83 per person)

No winter experience is required to book this journey as all necessary instruction well be given and navigation and conditions judgements will be taken care of by your guide. While it's an excellent choice for beginners to start using crampons, it's still a demanding day, taking 6-8 hours, often facing harsh weather, making it ideal for those who are physically fit and well-equipped.

Required

• 35-45l backpack

• B1/B2 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 I 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

• 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.