Winter Skills Courses

Master essential winter mountaineering skills in the Cairngorms. Learn ice axe, crampon use, avalanche awareness & navigation with expert guides.

1 courseFrom £249 pp★ 5.0 TripAdvisor
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Rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor Qualified, expert instructors Technical kit provided AALA licensed (R2331)

About our winter skills courses

In short

Pure Outdoor runs one winter skills course in the Cairngorms, based in Aviemore: Winter Skills Course (Weekend). Prices start from £249 per person.

As winter sets in, we head north to Scotland's breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, offering some of the best conditions for winter skills courses Scotland has to offer. This stunning location is the perfect place to immerse yourself in winter mountaineering, with its reliable early-season snow and ice conditions and easy access to higher ground via the ski area.

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Based in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms are renowned for their winter conditions, making it an ideal setting for developing essential winter skills. Our winter skills courses in Scotland are designed to teach you everything you need to safely navigate the mountains in winter. You'll learn crucial techniques such as fitting crampons, performing ice axe arrests, and understanding avalanche safety and avoidance.

We also offer bespoke courses for clubs, groups, and teams looking to enhance their winter skills together, ensuring a tailored experience to meet specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, our winter skills courses in Scotland are the perfect way to prepare for the challenges of winter hillwalking and mountaineering.

Free Ice Axe and Crampon Hire

This year, we're offering complimentary Ice Axe and Crampon hire to all participants.

Frequently asked questions

What winter skills courses does Pure Outdoor run?
We run 1 scheduled winter skills courses: Winter Skills Course (Weekend).
How much do winter skills courses cost?
Prices start from £249 per person, including VAT. Each course page shows exactly what is included.
Are your courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, we run courses for all abilities, from complete beginners to people training for qualifications, and many courses are designed specifically as an introduction. Each course page lists any pre-requisites.
What equipment is provided?
We supply all technical and safety equipment except climbing shoes. On navigation and hillwalking courses we ask you to bring your own map and compass. Check the kit list in your course information and get in touch if you can't get something you need.
What are the age limits?
From 13 years old, you can book onto our standard courses open to the public. Children aged 4-12 can take part through private bookings or tuition, with or without parents, by arrangement with our team. We're licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service to work with under 18s.
How fit do I need to be?
Arriving fit and well helps you get the most from your course, and courses involve walking over rough and sometimes steep ground. Because we take a personal approach, we're happy to talk through your experience and fitness and advise on the right course for you.
What if the weather is bad?
Our courses run in a range of weather, that's part of learning in the UK hills, so come prepared for the conditions. If the weather is genuinely dangerous we may modify or cancel a session, in which case you'll be offered a refund or an alternative date.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made in writing (email is fine). Charges are based on the original course start date: more than 4 weeks before, 25% of the total course fee; between 4 and 2 weeks before, 75%; within 2 weeks, 100%. As courses run on fixed dates, the statutory 14-day cooling-off period doesn't apply.
How do gift vouchers work?
Buy a cash-value e-voucher in £10 steps (e.g. 10 x £10 for a £100 voucher), or buy a specific course as a voucher using 'Buy as a gift' on its course page. E-vouchers arrive instantly by email, ready to print or forward, and can be redeemed against any Pure Outdoor course.
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes. Our staff hold the relevant national governing body qualification or equivalent, have excellent local knowledge and take part in an annual training programme and ongoing CPD. Staff working with schools and young people hold current DBS checks where needed.

More answers in our FAQs or call 01433 424164.

Not sure which course is right for you?

Call us on 01433 424164 (Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm) or email support@pureoutdoor.co.uk and we'll point you in the right direction.

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  • Winter Skills Courses

Winter Skills Courses

Winter Skills Courses in Scotland – Learn Essential Techniques in the Cairngorms

As winter sets in, we head north to Scotland's breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, offering some of the best conditions for winter skills courses Scotland has to offer. This stunning location is the perfect place to immerse yourself in winter mountaineering, with its reliable early-season snow and ice conditions and easy access to higher ground via the ski area.


Based in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms are renowned for their winter conditions, making it an ideal setting for developing essential winter skills. Our winter skills courses in Scotland are designed to teach you everything you need to safely navigate the mountains in winter. You'll learn crucial techniques such as fitting crampons, performing ice axe arrests, and understanding avalanche safety and avoidance.


We also offer bespoke courses for clubs, groups, and teams looking to enhance their winter skills together, ensuring a tailored experience to meet specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, our winter skills courses in Scotland are the perfect way to prepare for the challenges of winter hillwalking and mountaineering.


Free Ice Axe and Crampon Hire

This year, we're offering complimentary Ice Axe and Crampon hire to all participants.

Scheduled courses

Scheduled group courses, open to all, with regular courses running throughout the year.

2 Days · Aviemore · 1:6

Winter Skills Course (Weekend) Winter Skills Course (Weekend)

Discover the beauty of winter in the Scottish Highlands with our 2-day Winter Skills Weekend. Learn essential skills like avalanche awareness, ice axe use and winter navigation

£249.00 per person

Skills