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

On the Day

Bookable as a 1:1 course or up to a maximum ratio of 1:4, our winter specific navigation course explores the techniques of mountain navigation by introducing and practicing them during journeys into the Scottish mountains, ensuring that the skills are taught in a realistic setting.

Besides finding your objective and making it back to your vehicle, excellent navigation in winter is crucial in avoiding avalanche prone slopes, which is why we include a lot of avalanche knowledge and snow science in our course

On this winter course, we offer an opportunity to navigate at night with your instructor, allowing us to develop and test your skills even further by navigating and locating features in darkness. This simulates poor visibility, and prepares you for the shorter hours of daylight of winter, ensuring you leave the course truly confident in your abilities.

We understand that each client is unique, with varying experiences and aspirations. That's why we tailor each course to meet your specific needs. When you meet your instructor on the first morning, it's your chance to discuss your experiences and goals, enabling the instructor to create a program that supports your development. Our low instructor-to-client ratios ensure you have ample contact time and the opportunity to explore complex terrain.

Here's a sample of some of the topics we cover:

1. Winter route planning
2. Map scales for winter
3. Understanding key identification systems
4. Route choice in winter
5. Contour and landform interpretation under snow
6. Compass use, including taking and using bearings
7. Distance systems, including pacing
8. Timing systems
9. Relocation methods
10. Advanced techniques, such as slope aspect, boxing and re-sections
11. Group navigation
12. Night navigation
13. Avalanche recognition and avoidance

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

This course is available throughout the winter and can be scheduled on any day that suits your plans. Reach out to discuss your specific requirements or contact us using the form below.

Prices

Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:

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

One person - £250 per day

Two people - £300 (£150 per person) per day

Three people - £345 (£115 per person) per day

Four people - £400 (£100 per person) per day

No prior navigation experience is necessary to book this course. Our courses are custom designed to elevate your current skill set and help you achieve your navigation goals. Whether you aspire to tackle simple mountain routes with a degree of safety or aim to enhance your abilities to conquer more challenging, longer, and remote routes, we've got you covered.

This course requires some experience of exploring the mountains in winter, including axe and crampon use. If you would like to discuss whether your experience is suitable, or would like to book some winter skills training. Please get in touch.

Required

• 35-45l backpack

• B1/B2 Winter mountain boots (Can be rented locally)

• Ski Goggles

• Water bottle (around 1 litre) or 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

Optional

• OS maps of planned areas

• Waterproof map case

• Compass

• Walking poles

• Gaiters

Provided

• Climbing helmet

• 120cm sling and karabiner

• C1/C2 crampons

• Single mountaineering axe

• Emergency shelter

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.