Summit Ben Nevis and Learn Winter Mountain Skills
Develop your winter skills and climb the UK's highest mountain (1345m) via its lesser climbed north face with an experienced mountain guide. 0.5 days off-work.
During this adventure you’ll learn the skills you need to move safely in the mountains in winter before taking on the UK’s highest peak. Your experienced guide will lead you up one of the mountains more challenging routes taking in spectacular views and exhilarating positions. A full winter experience in the magical Scottish mountains.
Your hassle-free adventure includes
- Guided Ben Nevis Ascent
- Winter Mountain Skills Course
- 2 nights Hostel Accommodation
- 2 Breakfasts
- Experienced, Certified Mountain Guide
- Technical Equipment (incl. crampons, ice axe, harness, ropes)
- Lift Pass
Perfect for
This trip requires a good level of fitness but no previous mountaineering experience is required. Both days are physically demanding but incredibly rewarding with between 6-8 hours moving over challenging terrain in cold winter conditions.
Need To Know
Nope! Your experienced local host will teach you all the skills you need during the winter mountain skills course.
You will leave with much better basic skills to take on a winter walk independently and safely.
The specific winter skills you learn include:
- Learning to effectively plan a safe winter day out; group planning, avalanche avoidance, navigation.
- Safe and efficient movement using an ice axe and crampon
- Using your boots most effectively and learning to self-arrest if you slip
- Avalanche awareness
- Important emergency procedures; what to do should something go wrong, ie. emergency shelter building as well as what to do with a casualty, be it their evacuation or care.
Sure thing. Hire of technical equipment (incl. winter boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, ropes) is included but you are welcome to bring your own too. If you are unsure about suitability of any of your kit, just ask your host after booking.
A good level of fitness is recommended. You will be out for up to 9 hours in a cold mountain environment moving over challenging terrain.
If the weather is bad your local hosts will suggest a suitable alternative, so you can be sure you’ll have an epic experience during those days.
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Non-technical equipment (i.e. gloves, warm jacket etc. See kit list.)
- Tips for your guides (optional)
- Dinner (around £10 per meal from the restaurants nearby)
This trip will run with a minimum of 3 participants and a group no bigger than 8 people. The guest to guide ratio will be maximum 4:1 so there will be the option to split the group into two based on the preference of routes and ability etc. Please note, if there are not 3 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled.
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Your host recommends to pack:
To Wear:
- Thermal wicking base layers and fleece top – not cotton
- Polyester, fleece or woollen trousers and tops – no jeans
- Heavy-duty waterproof jacket and trousers with side zips
- Hat, thick waterproof ski gloves, scarf or neck gaiter/buff plus spares
- Stiff walking boots if you have them (B1,2 or 3 graded).*
Personal Items:
- Head torch
- Walking poles
- Spare fleece or woollen top
- Flask or water bottle
- Energy snacks
- Emergency survival bag (6’ by 3’ orange poly bag), available in any outdoor store
- Rucksack (40ltrs) and liner
- Whistle
- Sunglasses and sun-cream
- Ski goggles
- Camera
- Your own mountaineering axe and crampons (optional)
- Towel
Hire of technical equipment (incl. winter boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, ropes) is included. Your host will also carry essential group equipment such as a first aid kit and group shelter.
*B1 boots are all round four season walking boots. The midsole is stiffened while uppers may be leather or fabric. They are suitable for the C1 non-technical crampons provided. These have a webbing tape tether that pulls flexible cradles around the heel and toe to create a secure binding, ideal for winter walking or glacier traverses. By contrast, B0 boots are also known as one to three season boots. They have highly flexible soles suitable for summer walking, but are not compatible even with C1 crampons as they flex too much.
Evening meals are available from nearby pubs and restaurants.
Our group adventures are adult only however if you would like to bring children along this can be arranged by requesting a private trip with the host. This trip is suitable for children from age 13 only.
From the south of England, the simplest and probably most enjoyable travel option is the sleeper train from London to Fort William. You leave London Euston approx 9pm and arrive in Fort William approx 10am the next day. On return, departures are approx 7pm from Fort William, arriving at approx 8am in London. You can book a choice of cabin option with beds, or seats are available if you want to save money. Great bargains to be had if you book up to 12 weeks in advance.
https://www.sleeper.scot
The other option is a flight to Glasgow, Inverness or Edinburgh and bus, train or taxi from there.
Citylink run regular services from Glasgow airport (approx 2hrs 50), Glasgow centre (approx 3hrs 15), Edinburgh (approx 5hrs 20) and Inverness (approx 2 hrs). Check www.citylink.co.uk or phone 08712663333 for more information.
By train, the West Highland Line runs from Glasgow Central Station to Fort William, with departures approx 4/5 times a day taking approx 3hrs50. It is considered of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
Your host can arrange a private transfer from Glasgow airport for £265 each way (up to 4 people). There are also local taxi firms that can arrange transfers from Glasgow (2hr30 drive), Inverness (2hr drive) or Edinburgh (3hr drive).
We’ve teamed up with the guys at World Nomads to offer insurance designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. To get yours sorted, click here.
For breakfast expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world.
On any winter hike in a high mountain environment, you will potentially encounter high winds, rain, snow, ice and steep slopes. Ben Nevis is no different and you should be prepared to face these conditions. The average temperature between November - March is between -6°C -1°C, but factor in wind chill and it will feel much colder. You should read the kit list carefully and pack everything listed.
Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
This adventure takes place in and around the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Fort William is the mountain sports capital of Scotland and draws walkers, climbers and bikers from around the world. The town provides great access to the spectacular Glen Nevis valley, the gateway to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
The Scottish mountains in winter are a truly magical place. The snow clad summits often shrouded in mist have captured the heart of many a mountain lover. During the trip, you’ll be tackling the commanding 1,345 metre summit of Ben Nevis – but not by the ordinary tourist route. Your experienced guides expert local knowledge and well-honed mountain skills will ensure a safe and enjoyable passage up one of the mountain’s more challenging routes.
Start point
Ellis Brigham Store in Fort William - 17:00
Your adventure begins at the Ellis Brigham store in Fort William where your guide will meet you at 17:00. If you’re arriving by train it is short walk to the store. See FAQ’s for travel advice to Fort William.
Finish point
Fort William Station - 17:30
At the end of the adventure, your local host will transfer you back to the train station for 17:30 or to your accommodation / parking lot in Fort William.
See FAQ’s for travel advice to Fort William.
What to Expect
Day 1: Arrival and Gear-Check
Your Scottish winter adventure begins at 17:00 at the Ellis Brigham store in Fort William. This is a great chance to grab any kit you need for the next few days on the hill and your experienced guide will be on hand to offer you advice on any kit you may need.
Once done there, it’s off to your accommodation. All that’s left to do is settle in, meet your fellow adventurers, grab some dinner and relax/get ready for the days to come.
Day 2: Winter Mountain Skills Training
It’s an early mountain start to make sure you are well fed and ready to go when your guide arrives at 08:30. Scotland’s only mountain gondola quickly gets you into the mountains proper, the perfect place to hone your winter skills.
Over the course of the day, your expert mountain guide will teach you how to move over challenging mountain terrain in winter conditions using an ice axe and crampons. It’s a great chance to learn new skills in a truly spectacular setting.
You’ll spend about six hours out on the mountain refining your skills with the backdrop of the spectacular Grampian mountain range. Then it’s time to head down the mountain for a hearty dinner and to prepare your kit for Ben Nevis.
- On your feet: 6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 12km, dependent on group ability
- Elevation: 700m Up / 700m Down
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Ascending Ben Nevis
It’s another early start ready to depart your accommodation by 08:00. As you approach Ben Nevis the magical dawn light offers a tantalizing glimpse of the challenge ahead. Soon it’s time to boot up and hit the trail.
The 1,345-metre ascent is a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. Your guide will lead you up the steep climb with regular breaks to catch a breath and enjoy the views. The Scottish mountains in winter are a truly special experience.
Your route takes you along the famous CMD arete, an exhilarating knife-edge ridge that often has steep drops to either side. Towards the summit, the terrain eases allowing you to enjoy the fine mountain air. After a celebratory summit photo, it’s time to head back down for a well-earned dram.
- On your feet: 8 hours
- Distance: 20km
- Elevation: 1345m Up / 1345m Down
- Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, and weather conditions and forecasts. In case the weather does not allow summiting Ben Nevis, an exciting programme will be offered.
Accommodation
You will be staying at The Alexandra Hotel, right in the centre of Fort William. A traditional nineteenth-century Hotel, The Alex, as it is known locally, has been an iconic feature of Fort William for the past 125 years and provides traditional Scottish Hospitality at its best. You will be sharing a twin room and breakfast is included in your stay.
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.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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