Erika
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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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.
No prior winter mountaineering experience is required. However, this day is designed for people who already have summer hillwalking experience and want to develop the skills needed for winter terrain. You should be comfortable walking 8–15 km in mountainous environments.
The day focuses on teaching ice axe use, crampon technique, winter navigation and mountain judgement in real conditions rather than assuming previous technical knowledge.
This is rated challenging due to the sustained ascent, winter ground conditions and cold temperatures. You can expect 5–8 hours on the mountain and significant elevation gain depending on the chosen route.
Participants should have a good level of cardiovascular fitness and be prepared for steep, uneven terrain. Winter conditions increase energy expenditure compared to summer walking.
The mountain is selected on the morning of the trip based on weather forecasts, wind strength, snow stability and avalanche risk. The guide’s decision prioritises safety and quality of learning.
You may visit iconic peaks such as Bidean nam Bian or Buachaille Etive Mòr, but flexibility ensures that the experience remains safe and productive regardless of forecast.
You will learn how to correctly fit and walk in crampons on different gradients, how to carry and use an ice axe for balance and self-arrest, and how to move efficiently on steep snow slopes.
In addition, the guide will cover avalanche awareness, terrain assessment, navigation in low visibility and decision-making in winter environments.
Winter weather is expected and forms part of the learning experience. Whiteout navigation, strong winds and cold temperatures are realistic elements of Scottish winter mountaineering.
If conditions are deemed unsafe, the guide will select an alternative mountain location or lower-level terrain to maintain safety while still delivering meaningful instruction.
Layering is critical. You must bring a waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof trousers, warm insulating layers, hat and gloves (plus spares), and synthetic or wool clothing that dries quickly.
Cotton clothing is not suitable. Proper winter mountaineering boots compatible with crampons are essential, unless hiring the recommended Scarpa Manta boots.
Yes. Premium crampon-compatible Scarpa Manta boots are available for £15. These are delivered directly to you at the meeting point to simplify logistics.
Hiring appropriate boots is strongly recommended if you do not already own winter-rated mountain footwear.
Groups are limited to a maximum of six participants. This ensures individual feedback, safer spacing on steeper terrain and effective instruction during technical sections.
A minimum of three participants is required for the trip to run.
Meeting times are early, typically 6:00–6:30am depending on location. The full day, including transport, lasts approximately 10–12 hours.
You can expect to return in the early evening, depending on mountain choice and daylight hours.
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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