Climb Torridon delivers winter mountain experiences for every ambition in one of the UK’s most dramatic and uncrowded ranges.
Whether you want to learn, progress, or simply enjoy a memorable day out on Liathach, Beinn Eighe or An Teallach, we have the perfect option.
All courses are led by qualified and experienced instructors. Technical kit is provided where needed (boots excluded).
Browse the options below or get in touch – we’re happy to recommend the perfect course or adventure for you.
3 days · Beginner-friendly
Ideal if you’re new to winter hills or want a solid refresher. In three days you’ll gain the confidence and know-how to plan and enjoy your own winter walks safely.
What’s covered
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants to walk Scottish hills in winter. No prior experience needed – we’ll build on your current knowledge.
Duration
3 days
2 or 5 days · Intermediate
For confident winter walkers ready to tackle steeper, more exposed ground. We refine movement skills and introduce simple ropework so you can handle complex routes with ease.
What’s covered
Who it’s for
Regular winter hill-walkers who want to progress safely into exposed mountaineering terrain.
Duration
2 or 5 days
Find out more about our Intro to Winter Mountaineering course…
3 or 5 days · Advanced instruction
Turn summer rock skills into winter competence. Learn to lead or second sustained ice and mixed pitches with full independence.
What’s covered
Who it’s for
Competent summer rock climbers with winter walking experience, or those with solid winter mountaineering background looking to progress into technical winter climbing.
Duration
3 or 5 days
5 days · Guided adventure
A pure climbing holiday ticking Torridon’s finest Grade II–V routes. This course is all about having a great time climbing some of the best winter climbing routes in the UK.
What’s covered
5 full days guiding on classic lines – possibilities include; The East Buttress Beinn Eighe, The Northern Pinnacles of Liathach, A Winter Traverse of An Teallach, and more. Weather-day flexibility built in.
Who it’s for
Competent summer rock climbers who have winter mountaineering experience. These courses are less focused on instruction/learning and more focused on simply getting out and enjoying some absolutely incredible routes.
Duration
5 days
1–5 days · Fully custom
Tailored exactly to your goals – whether that’s skill-building, a personal summit, or a guided ridge traverse.
What’s covered
Anything from winter skills refresh to moderate roped routes. You set the objective.
Who it’s for
Everyone – families, solo travellers, clubs, or returning clients with a specific tick in mind.
Duration
Up to you!
1–5 days · Custom technical
Instructional or guided – your choice. Develop independence or get guided up a dream route.
What’s covered
Full-pitch winter climbing: ice, mixed, gullies. From coaching to guiding.
Who it’s for
Climbers with ropework and winter walking experience.
Duration
Up to you!
We understand the terminology can feel confusing. “Walking up a mountain” and “climbing a mountain” sound alike, yet technically they sit worlds apart. Let us clarify the distinctions so you can choose the experience that best matches your ambitions.
Many Scottish summits are reached by walking rather than climbing. In winter, an ice axe and crampons become essential tools for safety and progress. Success depends on using them efficiently, plus sound judgement in navigation, route choice, avalanche awareness and kit selection. Together, these form Winter Mountain Skills.
Our Winter Mountain Skills course is the ideal starting point – perfect if you are new to winter hills or wish to refresh and refine existing knowledge. Most participants are seasoned summer hill-walkers seeking the confidence to venture safely into snow and ice.
Winter mountaineering introduces the rope. Terrain becomes steeper and more exposed; a slip could be serious. A harness, short rope sections and basic protection allow safe passage across complex ground.
An Introduction to Winter Mountaineering course first perfects movement on crampons, then adds simple ropework – knots, belays and anchors – taught in a controlled, supportive setting. With these skills you can tackle classic Grade I–II ridges and gullies with confidence.
When professionals say “Winter Climbing” they mean technical, pitched climbing on ice, snow or mixed rock. Two axes, a full rack, ropes and belay management are required throughout. Routes are graded III to VII and are often multi-pitch.
Instructional courses suit competent summer climbers who wish to become independent winter climbers. Guided adventures (such as our Classics) are for people who simply want to enjoy Torridon’s finest lines in expert company, without formal teaching.
Within winter climbing lie three styles:
Scotland offers them all. Clients often request “ice climbing” when they actually seek the full winter climbing spectrum – equally thrilling whichever form it takes.
In everyday conversation, the phrases are interchangeable. Technically, however, each describes a distinct level of challenge and equipment:
| Activity | Tools | Rope? | Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Walking | One axe, crampons | No | Snow slopes to ~35° |
| Winter Mountaineering | One axe, crampons, rope & harness | Short sections | Exposed ridges, Grade I–II |
| Winter Climbing | Two axes, crampons, full rack | Full pitches | Ice, mixed, Grade III–VII |
Whichever path you choose—walking, mountaineering, or climbing—the Torridon mountains deliver a world-class winter experience.
Torridon in winter offers an experience quite unlike anywhere else in the UK – world-class terrain, yet wonderfully peaceful.
From first steps with ice axe and crampons to leading Grade V classics, the region’s iconic peaks – Liathach, Beinn Eighe and An Teallach – deliver outstanding winter walking, mountaineering and climbing for every level.
While Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms now see regular queues, Torridon remains blissfully quiet. We frequently enjoy full days on the crag without meeting another party – no waiting for routes, or the additional hazards of other climbing teams dislodging rocks or ice, and parking is never an issue.
This rare combination of exceptional climbing and genuine solitude makes Torridon a true winter sanctuary. Why it remains so little-known is a mystery we’ve long pondered. Perhaps it’s the remote location, or simply that few realise what lies here. Either way, we feel privileged to guide in this winter paradise – and delighted to share it with you.
Just 15–40 minutes from the crags, Gairloch is the ideal winter hub. This charming coastal village offers:
Stay here and enjoy easy access to the hills, with all evening comforts close at hand.
View all our Winter courses below to find out more about each course.
Five days of beautiful classic winter climbing in Torridon from £900 The Torridon Mountains are a world class winter climbing venue. The routes here are of exceptional quality and variety. With a mixture of ice climbing, gully climbs, mixed routes, buttresses, ridges and aretes, Torridon really does have it all. During this 5 day course […]
Winter Climbing Classics
The Best Mountaineering Routes in Scotland from £320 Explore Torridons mountains in stunning winter conditions. Our guided winter mountaineering will take you on journeys through the spectacular Torridon mountains on grade I and II winter terrain. This will normally involve alpine style ridges or classic Scottish gullies. Find out more about our pricing for your […]
Winter Mountaineering
Spectacular Winter Climbing from £320 Our Guided Winter Climbing days give you the opportunity to undertake some of the most incredible winter routes in the country. You will have a friendly qualified instructor who will discuss your goals and ability with you to help you get the most out of your trip. Find out more […]
Winter Climbing
Winter Climbing & Ice Climbing Courses in Scotland – Torridon 2026 from £540 Learn winter climbing and ice climbing in Scotland on our flagship winter climbing Scotland course in Torridon. Designed for winter walkers and mountaineers ready to step into the world of ice climbing and mixed routes, this hands-on programme builds safe, efficient movement […]
Intro Winter & Ice Climbing
Intro to Winter Mountaineering Course – Learn to Travel Through Steeper Terrain in Winter from £330 Winter mountaineering is the natural bridge between winter walking and winter climbing. It unlocks steep snow slopes, rocky ridges, and secret gullies that remain out of reach to ordinary winter walkers. Our Introduction to Winter Mountaineering course turns capable […]
Intro Winter Mountaineering
Master Essential Winter Mountain Skills for Safe & Enjoyable High-Level Travel from £330 Our popular Winter Mountain Skills course is specifically created for walkers who want to feel completely at home in Scotland's hills once the snow arrives. Many of our guests are experienced summer hillwalkers who simply refuse to put their boots away for […]
Winter Mountain Skills