WinterSkills.Scot

What happens on the course?

Day 1: Theory & Skills

Morning: Begin with classroom theory, covering essential knowledge and safety protocols.

Afternoon: Hands-on practice on the slopes, focusing on technical movement skills. This day will involve walking rather than running.

Day 2: Skills & Journey

Early Start: Location-dependent. Continue practicing skills and embark on a journey to apply what you’ve learned on a run.

Where?

Location : Dingwall, Highlands, Scotland.

The course is based out of Dingwall, a Highland town close to Inverness.

Dingwall is a fantastic location as it allows for easy access to a wide range of mountain destinations. As we’re not tied down to one mountain range we can seek out the best conditions. Potential destinations include the Cairngorms, Torridon, the Fannichs, Beinn Dearg and beyond.

Dingwall offers a variety of accommodation options and convenient amenities including; shops, cafes, supermarkets, restaurants, a train station, and a petrol station. 

When enquiring about the course I’ll send you my personal recommendations to help make the planning easier.

Travel to the course via public transport and receive a 10% discount. Be sure to mention it in your enquiry.

What’s Included?

• A comprehensive 2-day introduction to winter mountain skills for runners.
• Course run by a qualified and insured Winter Mountain Leader.
• Maximum of 1:4 ratio leader to participants; optimise learning and safety.
• Course materials and recommended reading list.
• Skill assessment and feedback at the end of the course.
• Personal future development recommendations.
• Optional 3rd day upgrade available for a guided adventurous winter run.
• Free opportunity to join a community of others who share your passion and have successfully completed the course.
• Continued access to my knowledge and help after the course.

Please Note: The course does not include food, accommodation, transport or kit hire (find the kit list here).

Is this for me?

This course is ideal for runners who:

• Want to learn how to be safer in winter mountain environment.
• Have some experience summer trail running, hill running or fell running.
• Can comfortably run at an easy pace for a couple of hours.
• Have some mountain experience (but no prior winter experience necessary). 
• Have a basic understanding of map and compass use*.
• Enjoy a challenge.

*If you don’t, contact me and we can discuss options.

Please note:

• This course is not a fitness test or a race. I will adapt the course to the abilities of the group.
• The aim of the course is skill development, not seeking out adventure. If you also crave a winter adventure upgrade to the additional adventurous winter run the day after the course.
• You need all items on the kit list to take part.
• The course relies on snow but doesn’t need epic conditions to go ahead.
• Due to the specialised nature of the winter mountain running there is a limit of 4 participants on each course. This ensures everyone gets a chance for individualised feedback and keeps the group manageable in a challenging environment.

Not quite right for you?

If you feel the Winter Skills Course for Runners is not meeting your criteria consider a Private Guided Winter Day tailored to your needs. If you’re unsure get in touch and we can workout what’s best for you.