Winter Climbing on Ben Nevis and Glencoe

In winter, Ben Nevis can present opportunities for mountaineering and climbing of the highest quality. Ben Nevis ice is renowned throughout the world for its ability to provide superb placements for ice axes and crampons.

The reason for this high quality ice is the frequent 'freeze - thaw' activity which can take place throughout the winter. The temperature often hovers around zero degrees and the ice is continuously changing from gentle melting to hard freezing. This produces a 'toffee-like' consistency which makes climbing ice an invigorating and satisfying experience.

There are routes of all lengths and difficulties. The classic ridges, which in summer can be relatively straightforward, provide winter excursions requiring all the skills of mountaineering - route finding, axe and crampon work, belaying in a variety of situations, moving together and finally navigating safely off the mountain.

The first ice climbs were done during the end of the last century and activity has continued until the present day with new routes being climbed every year. Many of the hard routes of the late 1950's and early 1960's have now become classics with frequent ascents each winter.

The three most popular classic ice climbs are Point Five Gully, Zero Gully and the Orion Face Direct. Modern equipment and technology have brought the ascent of these routes within the grasp of many modern climbers and on a good clear day with a hard frost and a plentiful supply of ice, the north face of 'The Ben' is covered with enthusiastic climbers completing routes and creating memories which will last for the rest of their lives.

Ben Nevis in winter is no place for the unprepared - make sure you have the necessary experience or go with an experienced mountaineer or mountain guide.

Abacus Mountaineering
Mountaineering provides skills training and mountain guiding in Scotland and the Alps. Our select group of instructors will guide you through new skills on real, adventurous and challenging routes. Mountaineering, Rock Climbing and Scottish... click for more details...
47 Lundavra Road, Fort William, PH33 6JJ Tel: 01397 701624

Adventure Nevis - Ben Nevis Mountain Guide
If you are looking for a Ben Nevis Mountain Guide, Adventure Nevis is a Scottish-based guiding service offering classic mountain days on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing at 1,344 metres. The Ben Nevis mountain footpath ascent... click for more details...
3 Bracara, Morar, PH40 4PE Tel: 01687 460163 or 0771 4844686

Snowgoose Mountain Centre & The Smiddy Bunkhouse
Snowgoose Mountain Centre offers mountain & water based skills training and guiding on the West Coast of Scotland. Our family run business provides from family days out on the water or crag to winter skills training and wilderness expeditions... click for more details...
Station Road, Corpach, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7JH Tel: 01397 772467

West Coast Mountain Guides
West Coast Mountain Guides Ltd is owned by principal mountaineer Alan Kimber, a well respected climber and instructor within Scottish mountaineering circles. Alan runs his business from his home in Fort William and offers a full range of... click for more details...
Calluna, Heathercroft, Fort William, PH33 6RE Tel: 01397 700451

Wildwood Bushcraft - survival skills, natural history and adventure in the Highlands!
Bushcraft survival courses and woodland nature days in Lochaber - perfect for a family or small group outdoor activity. We offer unique experiences involving bushcraft survival skills, woodland crafts, wildlife tracking and navigation, in the... click for more details...
Wildwood, Roshven, Lochailort, PH38 4NB Tel: 01687 470415