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Adventures / Adventure School

Summit Ben Nevis and Learn Winter Mountain Skills

Swot up on essential mountain skills before climbing the UK's highest mountain (1,345m)

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Trip Ref #9885

Adventures / Adventure School

Summit Ben Nevis and Learn Winter Mountain Skills

Swot up on essential mountain skills before climbing the UK's highest mountain (1,345m)

DURATION
2 nights
LOCATION
United Kingdom
ANNUAL LEAVE
0.5 days off work
SEASON
Dec-Apr
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Ellis Brigham, Fort William
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
DIFFICULTY
Challenging

Be prepared. This is a real challenge with some full-on sections, but the view from the top is worth it.

Learn how to survive in some of the harshest conditions the United Kingdom can throw at you

Stand on top of the UK's highest mountain. The view. The feeling of success. Did we mention the view?

Stay in central Fort William, the ultimate adventure capital of Scotland

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 including crampon-friendly boots

Not Included

Some equipment

Some meals as described

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Travel to and from the start point

The Area

Logistics

Starts

Ellis Brigham Store, Fort William

17:00 on Day 1

Ends

Fort William

17:30 on Day 3

Transfers

Your host will pick you up on arrival and drop you off at the station, your accomodation or car park in Fort William at the end.

Travel options

Regular trains run to Fort William from across the UK. The nearest airports are Inverness (INV) or Glasgow (GLA).

What about all the carbon?

We mitigate 4x the carbon generated by all our customer flights annually through our partnership with Cool Earth.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

For breakfast expect a typical Scottish buffet. For lunches there are three supermarkets and two delis locally: there is plenty of time to do this on the first evening. The hotel also offers a packed lunch on request but we recommend buying some extra snacks. For dinner you'll be in the town where the group can find a good cosy pub. Most dietary requirements can be accomodated, including vegetarian and vegan diets.

What is the accommodation like?

Fort William

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.

Upgrades

For solo travellers wanting their own space, it is possible to request a private room upgrade. Prices start from £45 per person per night, but can be as high as £200 for last minute requests. We can confirm the exact price on request.

Day 1

Plan, prepare and get ready

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

Hiking

6hrs · 12km · 700m up · 700m down

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

Hiking

8hrs · 20km · 1345m up · 1345m down

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, before making your way home.

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.

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 desired)

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
  • "B" rated crampon compatible walking boots (optional - they can also be provided by your host)
  • 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)

If you're not sure your boots will be compatible with crampons - check out our useful guide to find out more.

A good level of fitness is recommended - you'll be out for up to 10 hours in a cold mountain environment moving over challenging terrain.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

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 and -1°C, but factor in wind chill and it can feel much colder. You should read the kit list carefully and pack everything listed.

We have chosen the dates for this trip based on when there is a high chance of there being enough snow to ensure the skills covered are winter and snow focussed. Your host has runs these trips for many winter months with a reliable snow forecast. The weather in the area is however becoming increasingly hard to predict - on the rare occassion there may not be enough snow to learn all the winter skills as planned your guide will still ensure you have a full day of learning mountain skills.

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.

We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book the trip, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

All of our group adventures are especially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded.

"I cannot recommend this highly enough! The people on the trip were amazing. Easily the best trip I've ever been on!" Charlotte, 2019, Trustpilot.

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Transferrable Deposits

Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.

Free Date Changes

Free date changes up to 31 days before departure.

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