Summit Ben Nevis and Learn Winter Mountain Skills
Face off against a knife-edge ridge as you conquer the UK's highest mountain (1,345m) via the lesser-climbed Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête
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.
Why it's Much Better
Learn how to survive in some of the harshest conditions the United Kingdom can throw at you
Test yourself against the CMD Arete, one of the least travelled routes to the top - for a good reason
Stand on top of the UK's highest mountain. The view. The feeling of success. Did we mention the view?
Master using ice axes and crampons, traverse high-altitude terrain and see dawn break over Ben Nevis just as you begin your climb
Celebrate with a warming dram when you make it safely back down again
What's Included
Guides
Local, certified and friendly mountain guides
Accommodation
2 nights at Fort William’s Alexandra Hotel
Meals
Proper breakfasts to fuel you up the mountain
Equipment
All the technical equipment to make a succesful ascent
Happiness Guaranteed
We're so confident that your holiday will be your best yet, we actually guarantee it
Feel Good Vibes
We mitigate 4x the carbon emitted by all our travellers and support important conservation projects
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 survival training
On the Snow
Approx. 6 hours of winter training
Distance
12km
Elevation
700m up / 700m down
Accommodation Type
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Ride Scotland’s only gondola into the spectacular Grampian Mountains - the perfect place to hone your winter skills.
Over the course of the day your expert mountain guide will teach you how to survive in cold, 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 at dawn and get a tantalizing first glimpse of the challenge ahead.
Boot up and begin the 1,345-metre ascent via one of the least travelled routes to the summit – for a good reason. It’s a tough climb but you’ll take regular breaks to catch your breath and enjoy the view.
Tackle the CMD arête, a knife-edge ridge with steep drops on either side and then push on to the peak of the UK’s highest mountain.
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
What's included?
All your technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, ropes.) 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 and thick waterproof ski gloves
- Scarf or neck gaiter/buff plus spares
- Stiff walking boots (B1, 2 or 3 grade)
- Ski goggles
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Flask or water bottle
- Energy snacks
- Whistle
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Towel
- Camera
- 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 and key member of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Service. As well as running trips up Ben Nevis for disabled children, including those in wheelchairs, 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.
From
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Why Us?
Here’s why we’re rated the UK’s ‘Best for Experiences’
PROPER
ADVENTURES
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EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES
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HASSLE
FREE
Route planning? Transport? Accommodation? Equipment? It’s all taken care of
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