Winter Climbing
A Visitors Guide to Scotland
GETTING STARTED
Scottish Ice Climbing Clubs
Of the 130 mountaineering and walking clubs based in Scotland and affiliated to the MCofS, only a small number are active in winter climbing. Full details of clubs in your area and the activities they do can be obtained from the MCofS office.
Winter Climbing For Young People
The strenuous nature of Scottish winter climbing, the long days of sustained effort and the low temperatures and/or bad weather, means that it is not always a suitable activity for young people who have not built up the stamina to cope with the extreme physical exertion required. A visit to one of the indoor facilities would be a good introduction. Alternatively, in stable cold weather conditions when roadside routes come into condition, this may provide a suitable option for younger people. MCofS courses can accommodate young people from the age of 16.
Scottish Women’s Climbing Meet
This informal grouping of women hold an annual winter climbing weekend for climbers with some experience. Contact the MCofS for further information. Or look out for notification of a meet in the National Outdoor climbing magazines (‘Climber’, ‘OTE’ & ‘High’).
Courses
- The MCofS offer courses in basic winter skills for winter walkers, as well as courses for slightly more advanced mountaineering skills. These latter involve some rope work and belaying techniques.
- There are many Mountain Instructors (MIC Certificate holders) and British Mountain Guides (BMG Carnate holders) resident in Scotland who will either instruct beginners & novices in winter climbing or take more experienced climbers onto harder routes.
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The National Outdoor Training Centres at Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore and Plas-y-brenin in North Wales run courses every year.