Winter Skills Weekend: Cairngorms (Scotland) | 19 – 23 February 2026
Dates: Thursday 19 Feb - Monday 23 Feb 2026
Location: Aviemore, Scotland (Cairngorms)
Duration: 3 days, 4 nights (you can leave on the Sunday after the last day’s training if you need to)
Group Size: Max 6 people per instructor
Level: Beginner friendly - no winter experience needed
A long weekend that’ll push you into a new environment, sharpen your mountain awareness, and give you the confidence to tackle the hills when snow and ice take hold.
This February, we’re heading north to the Cairngorms for a focused weekend of Winter Skills Training delivered by expert instructors. Expect ice axes, crampons, avalanche awareness, winter navigation - the essential tools to move safely in Britain’s mountains in winter.
As with all Jove trips, it’s not just about the skills, it’s about the experience. You’ll learn alongside fellow members, share the effort, and return home not just with tired legs but with new confidence in the mountains.
Scottish mountains in peak winter condition offer some of the most fun and beautiful days out
Why Join This Trip?
Because winter changes everything.
Snow and ice turn familiar hills into a different world - one that requires respect, knowledge, and the right techniques. This weekend is about giving you those tools in a safe, supportive environment.
You’ll learn how to use an ice axe and crampons, how to make good decisions on winter routes, and how to stay safe when conditions are at their harshest. These aren’t just classroom lessons - you’ll practise them on the hill, under the guidance of highly experienced winter instructors.
And you’ll do it with the Jove ethos: no egos, no pressure, just the quiet satisfaction that comes from building real, practical skills in wild places.
If you’re dreaming of bigger mountain goals - in the Alps, Norway, or further afield - this is the place to start.
What’s Included
✅ Three full days of professional winter instruction with Beyond the Edge
✅ Use of technical kit: ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness - the only technical kit you’ll need to buy or hire is stiff mountaineering boots. We recommend hiring them in Aviemore incase you need to change size etc.
✅ Indoor base in Aviemore with tea, coffee & biscuits for some elements of instruction
✅ Safety equipment & group kit provided
✅ Four nights of accommodation at Aviemore Hostel
✅ Breakfast and a packed lunch each day
Where to Meet
Aviemore Youth Hostel - our trip attendees come from all over but most from London. There is a direct train to Aviemore although it’s ~7 hours. There’s also a short flight to Inverness then a 40min bus/train/taxi/hire car journey to Aviemore.
We’ll create a WhatsApp group for people to discuss travel and see if there’s anything that can be shared (taxis etc.).
The weather may not always play ball… but if it does, you’ll experience true winter wonderlands and feel like you’re scaling epic mountains
Trip Itinerary (Overview)
Thursday - Arrive & Settle In
Arrive in Aviemore from late afternoon / evening. Sort your kit, settle into accommodation and get ready for three big days on the hill. If you’ve hired mountain boots, then it’s a good time to get them and check they fit etc. Don’t worry if you can’t collect them - there will be plenty of time before the course starts the following morning.
Friday / Saturday / Sunday – Core Winter Skills
After a morning briefing each day, we’ll head into the Cairngorms to cover the fundamentals: moving on snow, kicking steps, using an ice axe, practising self-arrest, and safe use of crampons on varied ground. Expect 5–6 hours on the hill each day.
As we build our skills, we’ll progress to mountain navigation in winter, safe route choice, and avalanche awareness. You’ll be making decisions as you go, putting theory into practice. Expect full mountain days.
Each day there will be a debrief at the end with a look forward to the next day’s activity.
Each evening, we’ll go out for group dinners/drinks to discuss the days.
Monday - Travel Home
If people need to travel home on Sunday, that’s no problem but given you’ll be tired after three hard days out, we’d certainly recommend staying an extra night and heading back Monday if you can.
Pricing
£675 – Non-members
£615 – £575 Jove Club members also get access to an exclusive early bird offer which ends October 1st
Not a member yet? It’s currently £9.99 per month - sign up here before you book your trip!
Learn skills to keep you safe in epic environments
Who’s It For?
Anyone who wants to build the confidence to move safely across snow and ice.
No previous winter experience is required - just a good base of hillwalking fitness and willingness to learn. This trip is perfect if you:
You’ve spent some time hiking in the mountains but want to learn to be safe in winter conditions
Want to prepare for bigger mountain goals
Or simply want to experience Scotland’s mountains at their most beautiful and dramatic
Travel
Where to Meet: Aviemore Youth Hostel
How to Get There:
From London, the easiest option is the train direct to Aviemore.
There’s also a short flight to Inverness then a 40min bus/train/taxi/hire car journey to Aviemore.
Driving is also possible, with opportunities to car share with fellow Jove members.
Either way, we’ll have a WhatsApp group setup for people to discuss logistics and share lifts/taxis etc. where possible.
Final Words
This is what Jove Club is about - learning, adventure, and shared effort in wild places.
The Cairngorms in winter are as real as it gets in the UK, and as close to alpine conditions as you’ll get in the UK.
By the end of this trip you’ll be better equipped, more confident, and more at home in the snow.
‘Scotland in the winter is one of the most magical places in the world and not enough people would dare to get out there and experience it. Perhaps you want to learn new skills to be safe, progress to winter/alpine climbing or maybe you just want to enjoy the epic Scottish landscape in winter. It’s my favourite place/time of year to hike, climb and trail run, where epic days are guaranteed.’ Freddie, founder of Jove Club.
How to Book
Simply click the button below. If you’re a member, you’ll automatically get the member price.
Any questions? Speak to Freddie at your next Jove session or email us at hello@thejoveclub.com.
Kit List
Mountain Gear for the Day Trips out:
Ice axe, harness, helmet and crampons can be provided but if you do have your own, feel free to bring
Mountain boots which are crampon compatible (if it’s your first time on snow/ice, we’d suggest hiring a pair in Aviemore)
Three pairs of walking socks (minimum)
Tough shell trousers (we’d a recommend wearing a waterproof hardshell with thermal leggings underneath) - you can also use mountaineering pants and pack waterproof trousers
Thermal tops / base layers
Warm layers (would recommend a fleece + lightweight down jacket)
Waterproof jacket (very important to get a decent one)
Snacks and water for each day on the mountain (minimum of 1L) - packed lunches will be provided
Personal first aid kit
Survival bag (small foil blanket)
Baseball cap or sun hat
Sunglasses
Sun cream - yes sun cream - like skiing, if the sun’s out, it can intensify the sun’s rays
Two pairs of gloves for each day as a minimum - we’d recommend three pairs for each day. They don’t have to be expensive - just dry! You’ll use your hands a lot to assess snow etc. and so even the best gloves get wet pretty quickly. You’ll probably go through two pairs during the day and will want a third to get back down the mountain
Warm hat
Walking poles (optional but recommended!)
Ruck sack ~30-40L
Waterproof liner
Headtorch + spare batteries
Portable charging block
Any medication you need
Whistle
General:
Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc.)
Comfortable clothes for the evening
Would recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops or any other comfy shoes for post hike!