Alba Mountaineering's winter is based in Fort William and GlenCoe, Britain's premier winter venue. We have been running winter courses in the west of Scotland for more than thirty years. We have expert local knowledge of the area to help you get the most out of your winter experience. In the shadow of Ben Nevis Britain's highest mountain Alba runs a full winter walking, mountaincraft and climbing program.

We offer winter days, weekends, and bespoke courses tailored to your dates and ambitions. Why not add an extra day and make it a long weekend? We can always organise a trip just for you. If you have a team let us know. We will try to arrange a course just for you, tailored to your needs and aspirations. Private Guiding is also always available if you have a particular ambition.

The last few winters have been excellent. So, if you missed out last year, it's time to start thinking winter again.

Mountain walking days provide instruction in all essential aspects of the winter skills - ice axe and crampon techniques, Navigation and Route planning, Snow and Avalanche conditions. These days are ideal for the summer walker who wants winter experience. The daily itinerary would start with a day of snowcraft training and familiarization with equipment. Then on subsequent days we would ascend some of the local Munros by the safest easiest routes. Ben Nevis, Glencoe, the Mamores and the Grey Corries are just a few of the Munros within easy reach of Fort William.

This activity involves some movement on steep ground and ridges. Therefore a good level of fitness is required and some previous summer walking experience. No ropework will be involved unless the guide deems it necessary to safeguard the party over a short section.

Winter Mountaincraft covers all aspects of winter mountaineering, including, Ice Axe and Crampon techniques, basic ropework and Belaying, Navigation and snow and Avalanche risk assessment. The technical level of these courses includes moving over Scottish grade I and II ground. Previous climbing experience is not required. Just a good level of fitness, summer walking experience and an enthusiasm to learn.

Whilst learning the skills that take you from summer into the winter environment we will take to the summits and onto the easier ridges and gullies. Navigation and snowcraft form a crucial part of the winter experience, to enable group members to lead themselves safely in the winter. All activities in winter are very weather dependent. We normally operate in the Ben Nevis, Glencoe area and the days will be of a strenuous nature. We also enjoy the Cairngorms, Skye, Torridon and other areas further afield, just ask.

A solid introduction to the skills and grades of winter climbing in all its forms. These days will suit those with either winter mountaineering experience or summer climbers wishing to develop their skills in winter. We concentrate in the corries, in gullies, on ridges and buttresses, learning winter belays, climbing styles, route choice, snow conditions, and leading routes where appropriate on our way. Also included is a thorough grounding in the basic winter skills of axe and crampons techniques, winter belaying including piton and ice screw placement. Whilst learning the skills that take you from summer into winter climbing we will take to the mountains and climb the ridges and gullies which are best suited to your needs and the prevailing conditions. Navigation and snowcraft form a crucial part of the winter experience to enable group members to lead themselves safely in the winter.

We can also organise individual trips for individuals and small groups to more remote areas such as Cairngorm, Creag Meagaidh, Ben Alder or even Knoydart and Skye in the winter. In fact just about any routes you have a desire to climb. We can help you achieve your ambition.

Alba Mountaineering has always tried to help its clients to achieve their ambitions. Please give us a call or e-mail, we are always pleased to chat about your ambitions