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Although it’s possible to enjoy this adventure with basic fitness, a bit of preparation will go a long way in enhancing your comfort and overall experience. Building aerobic fitness, strengthening your legs, and developing mental resilience will help you get the most out of your time in the mountains. If this is your first time venturing into winter conditions, be ready for the physical demands and occasional discomfort as you adapt to the terrain and environment—but rest assured, the rewards are more than worth it.
Proper preparation and equipment are essential for your safety and comfort during this mountaineering course. Below is a comprehensive kit list to help you prepare:
+ Kit ListA medical specialist will be provided in the team / FREC 3 medic in the team / Scottish mountain rescue is some of the best in the wolrd / helicopter evac to local hospital
Please ensure that you have the correct insurance cover before departing for this trip. Your insurance must cover trekking and mountain climbing in winter up to an altitude of 1309 meters / 4,295 feet.
Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this five-day mountaineering course combines skill-building, physical challenge, and the wild beauty of Fort William. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Ben Nevis and the rugged Highland landscape, you’ll learn essential techniques including scrambling, rope work, navigation, and risk management under expert instruction.
Each day brings a new adventure as you tackle ridges, climb summits, and build confidence in a supportive, team-focused environment. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, the course balances learning, safety, and exploration.
By the end, you’ll leave with a solid foundation in mountaineering, a renewed sense of achievement, and a deeper connection to Scotland’s extraordinary mountains.
Scotland’s Highlands are the ultimate training ground for summer mountaineering. Dramatic ridges, rocky summits, and vast glens create the perfect environment to build confidence and develop essential skills. The region’s rich climbing heritage, unpredictable weather, and challenging terrain demand adaptability and resilience, preparing you for adventures anywhere in the world. With expert instructors and breathtaking scenery, there’s no better place to learn, grow, and connect with the mountains.
Base Layers
3-4 thermal tops (moisture-wicking, long and short sleeve)
Mid Layers
1-2 mid layer top with hood
Outer Layers
Waterproof, breathable hardshell jacket with a hood (GORE-TEX or equivalent)
Waterproof trousers
Softshell alpine trousers
Softshell Jacket Insulated
Layers
Insulated softshell or lightweight down jacket
Insulated gillet or body warmer
Trekking Clothes
1-2 pairs of trekking pants (quick-drying)
1-2 Trekking shorts or sports shorts
1-2 lightweight wicking t-shirts
Underwear
Multiple sets of sports underwear (merino preferred)
Gloves
Lightweight gloves for trekking
Insulated gloves or mitts
Leather Climbing Gloves
Headwear
Warm beanie or fleece hat
Neck gaiter or Buff
Baseball Cap or sun hat
Mosquito head net
Footwear
Mountaineering Boots. B1 or B2 mountaineering boot. Compatible with your crampon.
Gaiters. To keep snow out of your boots.
Multiple pairs of thick, moisture-wicking hiking socks (plus spares)
Approach shoe or trainer
Sandals or sturdy flip-flops
Climbing Gear
12 point crampons
Climbing Harness
Climbing Helmet
Mountaineering Ice Axe
2x open gate carabiner, 2x screw gate or three lock carabiner
(ALL CLIMBING GEAR AVAILABLE TO RENT)
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping gear will not be required
Backpacks & Bags
Backpack: 35-45L capacity with space for layers, food, and equipment. With rain cover or waterproof liner sacks.
Accessories
Mountain sunglasses with Cat 3-4
Head torch with spare batteries
2x 1L water bottles with insulation pouch and/or hydration bladder
Buff or neck gaiter
Heat pads for hands (optional)
Knife or multitool
Thermos (optional)
Spare clothes for evenings and free time
Trekking Gear
Trekking poles (optional)
Food & Hydration
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, chocolate, etc.)
Electrolyte tablets or powders
Toiletries & First Aid
Personal toiletries (biodegradable where possible)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with UV protection
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Personal first aid kit (including altitude medication, blister care, and any prescriptions)
Lightweight travel towel
Personal Items
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries
Personal camera for catching memories
Documents & Essentials
Passport (with necessary visas and permits and at least six months left until expiration)
Insurance to cover mountaineering in Scottish winter
Cash (for tips, snacks, and souvenirs)
Correct travel plug adapter
Optional Items
Camera or GoPro with spare batteries
Lightweight book or e-reader
Earplugs and face mask
Battery pack
Hand warmers (optional)
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, jerkey, chocolate, etc.) Electrolyte tablets or powders
Passport Travel insurance with correct coverage
Cash (For tips, snacks, and incidentals)
Earplugs for sleeping (optional)
Sleep mask (optional)
Travel plug adapter (if traveling from outside the UK)
Arrival & Departure Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from Inverness Airport and Aviemore Train Station
Accommodation: Stay at our private Scottish lodge
Shared rooms included
Single rooms available at an additional cost
Expert Guidance: Led by professional, experienced mountain guides
All Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus on-the-hill snacks
Local Transport: All transport to and from training areas provided
Travel to Scotland: Airfare or rail travel to and from the lodge not included
Extra Nights: Additional nights at the lodge or hotels beyond the set itinerary
Additional Food & Drink: Any meals, snacks, or drinks outside of the scheduled meal times
Alcoholic Beverages: Not included
Personal Climbing Gear: Personal gear and equipment (rental kits available at an additional cost)
Travel Insurance: Must be arranged independently and is not included
If you cancel your trip, deductions will be made from your advance payment to cover allocated costs. Charges are: 90+ days before departure:
Full refund of deposit 61-90 days:
70% refund of deposit 46-60 days:
50% refund of deposit 31-45 days:
No deposit refund + 30% of total trip cost
30 days or less: 100% of total trip cost
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or letter) within the notice period.
