Summit Ben Nevis and Learn Winter Mountain Skills
Swot up on essential mountain skills before climbing the UK's highest mountain (1,345m)
Annual Leave
0.5 days off work
Location
United Kingdom
Difficulty
Challenging
Be prepared. This is a real challenge with some full-on sections, but the view from the top is worth it.
Itinerary
Day 1
Plan, prepare and get ready
Activity
Easy day
Accommodation Type
Hotel
Your Scottish winter adventure begins. Meet your guide in Fort William and grab any kit you need for the next few days on the hill.
Once you’re done, it’s off to your accommodation. All that’s left to do now is settle in, meet your fellow adventurers, grab some dinner and get ready for the challenging days ahead.
Day 2
Winter skills training
On the Snow
Approx. 6 hours of winter training
Distance
12km
Elevation
700m up / 700m down
Accommodation Type
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Over the course of the day your expert mountain guide will teach you how to survive in winter conditions and move safely over some of the UK’s most challenging terrain using an ice axe and crampons. It’s a great chance to learn new skills in a truly awesome setting.
You’ll spend about six hours refining your abilities, and then it’s back down the mountain for a hearty dinner and the chance to prepare your kit for the big one - Ben Nevis.
Day 3
Ascend Ben Nevis
On your Feet
Approx. 8 hours of trekking
Distance
20km
Elevation
1345m up / 1345m down
Accommodation Type
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Approach Ben Nevis early doors and get a tantalizing first glimpse of the challenge ahead.
Boot up and begin the 1,345-metre ascent. It’s a tough climb but you’ll take regular breaks to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The route taken will depend on weather conditions and the group ability. There are various options up, including the knife-edge CMD arête, the final decision regarding which route will be taken by your guide.
After a celebratory summit photo, it’s time to head back down for a well-earned dram.
Please Note
All our adventures take place in wild places. Things can go wrong in wild places. Your perfectly planned itinerary may change a bit (or a lot) if the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or a volcano erupts. Usually though, changes make it all the better.
Accommodation
Fort William
Accommodation
Hotel
Rooms
Twin share
Meals
Breakfast
You'll be staying at The Alexandra Hotel in the centre of Fort William, an iconic feature of the town for the past 125 years.
Private room upgrade
Prices start from £45 per person per night, but can be as high as £200 for last minute requests. Please request this when booking.
Meeting Point
Start
Where
Ellis Brigham Store in Fort William
When
17:00
Your adventure begins at the Ellis Brigham in Fort William where your guide will meet you. If you’re arriving by train it's just a short walk to the store from the station.
End
Where
Fort William
When
17:30
After your adventure, your local host will transfer you back to the train station or to your accommodation/car park in Fort William.
Kitlist
15% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Runner's Need, and Cycle Surgery.
What's included?
All your technical equipment (crampons and ice axe).
You will be provided with stiff walking boots also (B1, 2, or 3 grade) to fit crampons (welcome to bring own if desired0
Your host will also carry essential group equipment such as a first aid kit and group shelter.
What do I need to bring?
- Rucksack (we recommend 40 litres) with liner
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece top – not cotton
- Polyester, fleece or woollen trouser and tops (no jeans)
- Heavy-duty waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat
- Thick waterproof ski gloves and warm liners/2 pairs of good gloves
- Scarf or neck gaiter/buff plus spares
- Ski goggles
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Flask or water bottle
- Energy snacks
- Whistle
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Towel
- Emergency survival bag (6’ by 3’ orange poly bag available from any outdoor store)
Meet Your Host
Connor and team
Your host, Connor is a local climbing expert. As well as running adventure and trekking trips up Ben Nevis he also guides for disabled children, including those in wheelchairs making the mountain accessible for all. He was also part of a team of climbers, botanists and geologists who undertook a radical new survey that 3D mapped the mountain for the first time.
Dates & Prices
Bespoke trips only
There are currently no planned group departures. Please contact this host to request a quote for a custom trip.
Request a QuoteFrom
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