Winter

Scottish Winter Climbing

Climbing in the Winter environment can be the most daunting of tasks, but easily the most rewarding. Building competency with axes and crampons on steep terrain is the road to becoming a mountaineer. In its simplist form, one axe, crampon and a snow slope to a summit or alternatively hanging from pillars of frozen ice in an Alpine valley with space below your feet.

Ice cave on The Wand ,V,5

Success on Route Major,IV,5

Easter ice on Ben Nevis

Scottish Winters offer a great starting ground and a huge wealth of climbs on different mountains engulfed in history and characters. Guiding the “Classics” is always fun, and they are the best routes!

Scotland’s weather can create a harsh playground, so each January/February I go to the Alpine valleys of Switzerland and Italy to guaranteed ice and good living! Dozens of frozen waterfall abound for all abilities.

Alpine Ice Climbing

Ben enjoying Cascade Co-op,WI4

Swiss ice near the car

Saffron climbs E Tutto Relativo, WI4

Whether your ambitions lie in Scotland or the Alps, from novice to seasoned. I have the experience to instruct and coach in all forms of mountaineering techniques from basic skills to performance enhancement.