Erika
Susi and the team were excellent. The facilities and location for our very first time on SUPs were great. We had a blast!
Step into the Scottish Highlands in full winter conditions and learn how to move safely and confidently through snow-covered mountain terrain. This intensive winter hillwalking experience focuses on practical skills, mountain judgement and real summit days in Glen Coe and the Western Highlands.
Winter in the Scottish Highlands demands respect. Short daylight hours, snow loading, wind direction and rapidly shifting forecasts all influence route choice. Your day begins early with transport from Edinburgh to Glen Coe, Black Mount or another suitable Western Highland location depending on conditions. The chosen mountain is always dictated by safety, snow cover and avalanche forecasts rather than a fixed objective.
Once on the hill, your guide will build skills progressively throughout the day. You’ll learn how to fit and walk efficiently in crampons, use an ice axe correctly for balance and self-arrest, and understand safe spacing on steeper terrain. Instruction is practical and embedded into the route rather than delivered as isolated drills. Expect to cover between 8–15 km with 5–8 hours on the mountain, often reaching summits between 900m and 1345m.
Iconic winter objectives may include peaks such as Bidean nam Bian, Stob Coire nan Lochan, Buachaille Etive Mòr, Buachaille Etive Beag, or the Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers region. In whiteout or unstable conditions, alternative mountains are selected to maintain safety while still delivering a full winter experience. The emphasis is always on developing independent competence, not just reaching a summit.
Primary operating areas include Glen Coe, Black Mount and the Bridge of Orchy region in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Glen Coe is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Britain, with complex ridges, corries and steep snow slopes that provide ideal terrain for winter skills development.
Exact mountain choice is confirmed on the day based on forecasted wind speed, temperature, avalanche risk and snow stability. This flexibility ensures that the experience remains both safe and meaningful, exposing participants to real winter decision-making rather than a predetermined route.
All technical equipment is provided, including ice axe, crampons, helmet and a 25L rucksack if required. Transport to and from the mountains is included from the designated meeting points, allowing you to arrive at the hill rested and focused.
Premium crampon-compatible winter boots (Scarpa Manta) are available for hire at £15 and are delivered directly to you at the meeting point. Participants must bring appropriate winter clothing and mountain food supplies.
This experience is rated challenging and is suited to individuals with previous hillwalking experience who want to transition into winter mountaineering. A good level of cardiovascular fitness is required to manage sustained ascent in cold conditions over several hours.
Participants must be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors in sub-zero temperatures and potentially poor visibility. While no prior crampon experience is required, prior summer hillwalking experience is strongly recommended.
Operating in the Scottish Highlands year-round, this guiding team brings deep local knowledge of snow conditions, avalanche patterns and mountain weather systems. Group sizes are capped at six to ensure meaningful instruction and individual feedback throughout the day.
Rather than focusing purely on summits, the priority is building judgement, skill and confidence. The aim is to help you develop the tools required to operate safely in winter mountains long after the day finishes — combining technical competence with sound decision-making in real terrain.
Susi and the team were excellent. The facilities and location for our very first time on SUPs were great. We had a blast!
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