The highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis standing at 1345m, offers a stunning but challenging landscape, especially in winter. Winter training on Ben Nevis equips adventurers with essential skills for navigating snow-covered trails, ice, and unpredictable weather.
Basic Training
UK Exped - Master the Basics
Take on the highlands of Scotland and master the basics of moutainteering.
Ben Nevis
Expedition
Country
UK
Duration
4 days
grade
Easy 1A
Max Altitude
1345 m
4.411 ft
Daily activity
Approx
7 - 8 hours
Season
Winter
Dates Available
21 Feb - 24 Feb
Starting from
USD $965
Aimed at novice climbers who are looking to push themselves and learn the basics in mountaineering and start the journey into the #Bigmountains
Ben Nevis, located near Fort William in Scotland, is the highest mountain in the British Isles, standing at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet). Known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, it attracts hikers, climbers, and mountaineers from around the world. The mountain offers a variety of routes, from the relatively straightforward Mountain Track to more technical climbs on the North Face, popular among experienced climbers. In winter, Ben Nevis becomes particularly challenging, with snow, ice, and low visibility adding to the adventure. It’s a key destination for those seeking both scenic beauty and rigorous outdoor experience in the Scottish Highlands.
During winter on Ben Nevis, adventurers will experience a dramatic, snow-covered landscape, biting winds, and challenging icy paths, demanding both physical resilience and skilled navigation. Our first-ever Winter Skills Course will be split over two days on the hill, equipping you with essential skills such as using crampons and ice axes, navigating snow-covered terrain, and assessing avalanche risks, ensuring you can summit safely while enjoying the climb.
Day one is all about mastering the basics of mountaineering. You’ll learn essential skills such as rope work and belaying, building snow anchors, understanding winter weather patterns, and performing self-arrest techniques to stay safe in steep, icy conditions. These foundational techniques will give you the confidence to tackle winter conditions safely. On day two, you’ll put your new skills to the test as you make a guided ascent to the summit of Ben Nevis, experiencing the thrill and challenge of reaching the UK’s highest peak in winter conditions.
Our experienced guides will be with you every step of the way on your winter course, providing expert instruction, support, and encouragement. With a deep knowledge of mountain safety and years of experience in winter conditions, they will teach everything you need to know to move safely on Ben Nevis.
Our guides are dedicated to helping you build confidence and competence in the winter mountains. They’ll be there to answer questions, offer practical tips, and ensure that every part of your journey is safe, educational, and enjoyable. With their guidance, you’ll gain valuable skills, learning to approach winter mountaineering with the confidence to explore more challenging terrain.
From our clients
This new Winter Skills Course has been designed by our guides, who collectively bring decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this nature, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is required to make alterations, possibly at short notice. We make every effort to adhere to the published schedule, and we kindly ask for your patience should weather or other naturally occurring circumstances intervene.
Your daily schedule
- Day 01
ARRIVAL IN SCOTLAND, ACCOMODATION IN ARGYLL
- Day 02
GLENCOE WINTER TRAINING
- Day 03
BEN NEVIS SUMMIT
- Day 04
DEPARTURE
Fast - Track
Plenty of passion, not much time?
We understand the challenges of balancing a busy professional career with a love of mountaineering. Building on Nims record-breaking techniques, our unique Fast-Track expeditions allow you to climb more in less time. View fast-track expeditions
Training
Developing your skills to achieve a new possible
Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more
Above + Beyond + Adventure
Practical info
Frequently asked questions
The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What skillset and fitness level are required?
We recommend Ben Nevis as a great option for beginners interested in gaining experience with mountain climbing and testing themselves at moderate altitude. Although a good level of fitness will certainly make the hike easier, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete it. We've seen people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types successfully reach the summit – and they all had an unforgettable experience!
While it’s possible to hike Ben Nevis with a basic level of fitness, a bit of preparation beforehand will enhance your enjoyment and comfort. Focus on aerobic fitness, leg strength, and mental endurance to get the most out of your hike. If this is your first mountain climb, be prepared for some discomfort as you adapt to the altitude and physical demands.
What accommodation is included?
What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?
Food and dietary requirements:
Why choose
Elite Exped?
Unparalleled leadership
Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.
While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.
Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.
Safety through self-sufficiency
If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.
We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.
Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.
A unique perspective
With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.
We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.
An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.
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