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Winter Skills Day Courses

The winter skills day courses, based in the Lake District National Park, are taster day for anyone who wants to learn the basics of how to use an ice axe and crampons for winter walking. A Lake District Fell Top Assessor will guide you through the basic techniques required for safe winter walking in the fells. Courses run from December through to April.

Group Course:

Upto 6 participants on a group course
£100 per adult

Dates and booking for group course >

Exclusive Masterclass:

A private masterclass with the Fell Top Assessor
1:1 - £250 just you and the Fell Top Assessor
2:1 - £325 you and one guest and the Fell Top Assessor

Dates and booking for private masterclasses >

Lake District National Park winter skills gift voucher present

Winter Skills Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers for our group courses and private masterclasses are now available. Perfect presents for those looking for a true Lake District adventure!

About the course

A Lake District taster day for anyone who wants to learn the basics of how to use an ice axe and crampons for winter walking. A Lake District Fell Top Assessor will guide you through the basic techniques required for safe winter walking in the fells.

Start point: 08.30am in Glenridding Postcode: / grid ref: CA11 0PD / NY385169
Length: 10-15km
Duration: 8-9 hours
Total ascent: 900m
Highest point: 950m
Grade: Strenuous
A good level of fitness is required.
Adults only. Not open to those under 18 years of age.

Essential

We provide all the technical gear for the day, but you are expected to have your own personal clothing and equipment. You will need*:

Full waterproofs (including trousers and gaiters)
Warm layers including a spare fleece/down jacket
Woolly hat and gloves, ski goggles, head torch and spare batteries
Rucksack (at least 30L), and winter walking boots (must be rated B1 or B2 to take crampons)
Packed lunch including a hot drink and spare snacks
You will also need an ice axe and crampons (rated at least C1 – not ‘spikes’) – which you can hire when you make your booking.
We also now have boot hire available priced at just £10 per day.

You will have the option at the checkout to rent four-season mountain boots from us, priced at £10 per day. Alternatively, If you are in need of winter walking boots that crampons can attach to, we recommend giving 'Mountain Circles' a call on 07813266020. Boot rental is £10 per day. They may be able to provide goggles as well.

If you are in need of winter walking boots that crampons can attach to, we recommend giving 'Mountain Circles' a call on 07813266020. Boot rental is £10 per day. They may be able to provide goggles as well.

*The instructor reserves the right to refuse to take anyone on the day who does not have the correct personal clothing and boots. No jeans please, and avoid cotton baselayers.

Your instructor

The courses are run by our Fell Top Assessors who summit Helvellyn daily through the winter months so they know the winter conditions out on the fells as well as anyone.
Dates

The winter skills course run from December through to April.

In the event that there is a lack of snow or snow conditions are deteriorating, a course will continue with a mountaineering day. The day will provide the opportunity to experience a day in the mountains with our highly skilled and qualified Fell Top Assessor(s).
In the event of adverse weather our Fell Top Assessor(s) will make a decision on the day as to whether the event will proceed or an alternative be offered. Their decision is final.

There must be a minimum of 2 participants / maximum of 6 for the group courses to run. All courses must be booked in advance.

Disclaimer: Winter hillwalking is a potentially hazardous activity. Although all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of people participating in the events listed, individuals do so at their own risk. Your instructor reserves the right to refuse to guide anyone who does not have appropriate clothing and footwear.

Please read our full terms and conditions before booking