Scottish Winter climbing

Scottish Winter Climbing

Scotland is the birthplace of modern winter climbing. Its unique combination of altitude, latitude, and wild weather creates an incredible freeze-thaw cycle that creates a unique style of climbing on frozen faces and icy gullies. The dramatic ridges and complex corries make it the perfect playground for learning in winter.

Here at Atlas Mountaineering, we specialise in planning great winter adventures. Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of winter climbing, take on an iconic winter route or expand your summer trad skills into the winter environment, we’ll make sure you have an unforgettable time with us.

Qualified & experienced instructors
Low guiding ratio of 1:2 for safety and personal coaching
Fully insured and risk-assessed
All technical equipment provided
Photos & videos of your epic day included

Winter climbing requires flexibility, local knowledge, and expert decision making - and that’s exactly what we bring to every trip.

Click to open the Winter Kit List

Private Winter Guiding

Get a bespoke climbing experience, tailored to your goals, experience level, and ambitions.

Choose from single-day climbs or multi-day adventures.
We’ll help you make the most of the weather and conditions.
Perfect for individuals or pairs who want to climb classic routes or push their grade.

This is your chance to experience Scottish winter climbing at its very best.

Introduction to Winter Climbing

New to winter climbing? This multi-day course is the perfect first step. We’ll teach you everything you need to get started. By the end, you’ll have the skills to progress towards independent winter climbing or more advanced guided days.

How to move confidently on steep snow and ice.
Placing winter protection and building safe belays.
Route choice and decision-making in challenging conditions.
Using crampons and ice axes effectively.

No prior winter climbing experience is necessary, but be prepared to put the graft in.

Classic Winter Routes

Tackle some of Scotland’s most famous winter routes with the support of an expert guide.

Think Hadrian’s Wall Direct, Point Five Gully, or other legendary climbs on Ben Nevis and beyond.

These routes combine technical challenge, stunning scenery, and a real sense of achievement - the kind of climbs you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Legendary Winter Ridges

Scotland’s ridges are spectacular in summer, but in winter they transform into world-class mountaineering days.

The classics:

Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis - the ultimate Scottish ridge, with 600m of exposed climbing is an amazing day out in winter.
Aonach Eagach, Glen Coe - a narrow knife-edge traverse with dramatic views at every step.

These days out are perfect for climbers who want exposure, adventure and a real sense of accomplishment.

Book Your Scottish Winter Adventure

Whether you’re learning the ropes, chasing a classic route, or training for bigger alpine objectives, winter climbing in Scotland will test and inspire you like nowhere else.

Winter season: Typically December to late March/early April
Prices from £355 per day

Book now to secure your dates - winter fills up fast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous climbing experience?

We cater to ALL experience levels, so you don’t need to be an experienced climber. We love teaching beginners as well as helping more experienced climbers progress their skills. A reasonable level of fitness always helps on the walk-in.

How long are the days?

Usually at least seven hours.

When is the best time of year for rock climbing in Scotland?

You can climb all year in Scotland. Winter climbing is generally from November to March and after that we’re into the summer season. If you’re interested in Rock Climbing or a Cuillin Traverse, please check out our separate pages for details about these activities.

What gear do I need to bring?

We can provide all climbing equipment. Please check our kit list for more information on what you should bring.

Atlas Mountaineering Talks

Client Testimonial

What can I say! Connor answered an SOS after we were let down by someone else. From the off, the communications were first class- prompt replies, very helpful responses and useful information prior to our holiday. We had Josh, James and Connor himself and we were able to climb, explore and abseil 6 of the Skye Cuillins. The team were very knowledgeable, skilled and professional and we felt safe 100% of the time. We will definitely be booking with Connor again and would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to explore Skye.

Kate

July 22, 2022, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️