
Winter Skills: Aviemore
“Winter mountaineering skills in Aviemore. Ice axe. Crampons. The skills that open the mountains in winter.”
Feb 18-22, 2027 · Aviemore, Scotland










About this trip
The mountains you walked in summer are a different range in February. Ground that was a path becomes a snow slope. Ridges that were a stroll need an axe in your hand. Getting onto that version of Scotland comes down to a small number of skills that take three days to learn and then last the rest of your life.
That’s what this is. Ice axe arrest, crampon technique, movement on steep snow, avalanche awareness, and choosing safe ground. Nothing is assumed: day one starts with how to hold an axe.
They’re also the exact skills behind everything bigger. A Scottish winter round, an Alpine season, a greater range. Most people who end up mountaineering somewhere spectacular started on a course just like this one. Same skillset, bigger mountain.
Aviemore is the closest thing Scotland has to an Alpine village, good pubs, a proper night out, and a town full of people who’ve spent their day doing exactly what you’ve spent yours doing. Three evenings among people who get it, not just three days on the hill.
Arrive Thursday, three days on the hill Friday to Sunday, and stay through to Monday morning rather than rushing home on Sunday night.
I’ve never held an ice axe
Nor had anyone else before their first winter course. This is a beginners’ course in the real sense: day one starts with how to carry an axe and how to stop yourself on a slope, and nothing before that is assumed. What you do need is hill fitness. Six to eight hours out in Scottish February weather is a different proposition to the same distance in June, and that is the part worth training for between now and then.
Do I have to buy winter kit?
Ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness are all provided, and a pair of gloves is yours to keep. The only technical item that’s on you is boots, stiff enough to take a crampon, and you can hire those from Ellis Brigham in the village. Book that early, sizes go fast in February.
Everything else is the waterproofs and layers you already own.
What if the conditions are bad?
Scotland can throw all four seasons at you in a single day, and February makes no promises. Some weeks the corries are plastered and everything is in condition. Some weeks it’s raining at 900 metres and the plan changes on the drive up.
That isn’t a risk we’re managing around the edges. It’s most of what the course is. Reading what the mountain is doing and changing the plan accordingly is the actual skill, and you can only learn it in real conditions. Your instructor picks the ground each morning based on what’s out there.
Minus twenty-five in the wind, or a bluebird morning with rime on everything. You get something out of both.
From people who felt the same way
“Joined Jove Club for an amazing trip to the Cairngorms to learn winter mountaineering skills! Small group of adventurous people, everyone was super supportive and keen to learn. Perfect weekend spent outdoors!”
Lizzie“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip. Would also highly recommend the weekly social bouldering sessions in London.”
Tom Roberts“I went to the Jove Weekender earlier this year, and it has definitely been one of the highlights of my year! The Jove team were so down to earth, and everyone in the group was so nice. I went from zero navigational skills to being able to use a map and compass confidently over the course of the weekend. The social on the Saturday night was really fun and was a nice way to unwind with new friends after a day of hiking. I also had my first go at trail running! I already am looking at the future trips to see which I should sign up to next! They're absolutely the group you are looking for if you're looking for adventure, along with fitness, outdoor skills and making new friends along the way!”
Emma Clarke“I joined a Jove Weekender Trip to the Peak District for the weekend and had an amazing time! Freddie & the team were very welcoming and knowledgeable and it really gave me confidence to try and do more hiking in the future! I'll definitely be joining for some of the London sessions and hopefully a future trip. Would thoroughly recommend!!”
Bryony KirbyHighlights
- Three days of instruction in Aviemore, real Scottish winter conditions
- The same core skills behind bigger Scottish winter rounds, Alpine seasons, and further-flung expeditions
- Ice axe arrest and crampon technique, the non-negotiable skills for Scottish winter mountaineering
- Self-arrest, movement on steep snow, basic avalanche awareness
- Based in Aviemore, the closest thing Scotland has to an Alpine village, pubs and all
- A Winter Mountain Leader with you throughout, sourced through Beyond the Edge
Itinerary
Travel to Aviemore. Check into our rooms at Aviemore Youth Hostel. Kit check with your instructor. Evening briefing, the plan for the three days, what to expect, group introductions.
What's included
- Three days of instruction
- Accommodation in our rooms at Aviemore Youth Hostel
- Breakfast and lunch on all activity days (self-prepared, we stock up on sandwich ingredients as a group)
- A pair of gloves to keep
- Transport to and from the mountain each day
- Use of technical kit, helmet, harness, ice axe and crampons
Not included
- Travel to Aviemore
- Winter boots, hire locally from Ellis Brigham in Aviemore. Book early, sizes and stock go fast in peak season
- Evening meals
- Personal travel insurance, required
Why evening meals aren’t included
Plenty of trips include dinner, some of ours among them, so it’s worth saying why this one doesn’t. Aviemore has a proper mountain village pub scene, and a good part of the reason we base there is eating and drinking in it rather than being served the same thing at the same time back at the hostel. We also come off the hill when we come off the hill, and a booked table would only mean watching the clock on the way down.
Everyone ends up eating together regardless, you just pay for your own.




Also available this weekend
Already got the basics?
Ropework, steeper ground, and a winter mountaineering objective, for those who've already got the winter basics and want to step up. Same base, same dates.
£669early bird · £745 after 3 Oct
Just 4 spaces · £200 deposit on booking
Good to know
- £640 per person, or £579 if you book by 3rd October. £200 deposit to hold your place, balance due 60 days before. That date isn’t a marketing deadline. We have to confirm numbers by then to lock our instructors in for February.
- Small group size, fixed by the instructor ratio. Book early.
- Required personal kit: waterproof mountain boots (hire from Ellis Brigham in Aviemore, book early), full waterproofs and layering system. Ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness are provided. Full kit list sent on booking.
Physical requirements
You need good hillwalking fitness, comfortable walking 6-8 hours in challenging conditions. No prior winter mountaineering experience required; that's what the course is for. You should have done some hill walking and be comfortable with steep ground and variable weather. A good aerobic base and experience of the fells will mean you get more from the instruction.
What to expect
Group size
Six places, and that’s the whole course, fixed by the instructor ratio rather than by us.
Going solo?
Almost everyone who books a Jove trip comes on their own.
Your instructor
A Winter Mountain Leader, the award for leading groups on Scottish winter hill ground. Sourced through Beyond the Edge, who ran last year’s Cairngorms course for us and have been at this for 25 years.
Experience needed
None at all. This is the course people do before their first Scottish winter. Hill fitness matters here far more than any technical background.
“I joined the Winter Skills trip with Jove Club in February 2026. Having never done anything like that before in my life, the course was absolutely brilliant. It took us from the very basics: how to move across snow and ice and difficult terrain, how to use your ice axe, and all those fundamental skills. It also built up to some really cool routes that, at times, took me way out of my comfort zone, but never to the point where I felt unsafe. The instructor we had was first-class, and I’ll certainly be back for the mountaineering course next year.”
Francesca Richards, Winter Skills, February 2026
“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip.”
Tom Roberts, on last year’s Cairngorms winter course
Meeting point
Aviemore Youth Hostel, Aviemore. Full joining instructions sent on booking.
How to get there
Aviemore has its own station in the middle of the village, which makes it one of the easier mountain bases in Britain to reach without a car.
By train
Aviemore is on the Highland Main Line between Perth and Inverness, direct from Edinburgh and Glasgow in around three hours. The Caledonian Sleeper runs from London Euston overnight and puts you in Aviemore in the morning, which is a good way to arrive.
Flying
Inverness airport is about 40 minutes away by road, with flights from London, Manchester and Bristol. Edinburgh and Glasgow are around two and a half hours by car.
Car share
Tell us on booking whether you are driving with spare seats or want a lift, and we will put people in touch before the trip.
A note from Freddie
“Scottish winter is my favourite thing we run all year. The mountains are more beautiful, and everything is harder: moving, picking a line, navigating, reading the weather. None of that is a reason not to go. It’s the reason to go.”
Freddie Sankey
Founder, Jove Club
Price per person
£640
Reserve with £200 deposit (non-refundable) · balance due 60 days before
Or split the rest into up to 3 monthly instalments, no fees
Early bird, £579
Book before 3 October 2026
Dates
Feb 18-22, 2027
Duration
4 days
Difficulty
Beginner
Location
AVIEMORE
Almost everyone books on their own. You won’t be the only one.
No pitch, no pressure, the trips speak for themselves.
Can’t make these dates?
We run trips like this throughout the year. Leave your email and we’ll tell you when new dates go live, before they go public.
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Ready to come along?
Feb 18-22, 2027 · Aviemore, Scotland · £640
Google Reviews
What they said
when they got home.
“It's been on my bucket list to explore the Scottish Highlands and try wild camping for some time now and Jove Club gave me the perfect trip I could have hoped for! Freddie was an amazing leader, highly organised and planned an incredible trip (Highland Hootenanny) that was a varied blend of challenging hiking, camping, and exploring Scotland's beautiful nature. Freddie was very knowledgable of the areas, and we went to spots that took us away from the touristy areas of the Highlands to enjoy some truly peaceful and stunning nature. I felt a real sense of achievement having completed the active parts of the trip, and these were well-paced/planned to enjoy some downtime and local culture (lively highland pubs!) in between adventurous days. I learned a lot of outdoor skills from Jove Club including mountain safety, how to plan & prepare hiking trips, trail running, wild camping & cooking just to name a few, and look forward to using these skills on future trips. I would highly recommend the Highland Hootenanny trip to those looking to challenge themselves mentally and physically, improve mountain skills, and explore the Highlands in a sociable group setting. Thanks Freddie for some unforgettable memories!”
James Patterson
“I joined a Jove Club trail run weekend in Devon and had such a brilliant time, couldn't recommend it enough! It gave me the opportunity to do something I'd otherwise shy away from organising myself, and I felt well looked after and in safe hands throughout. I attended this trip with my partner, but would feel very comfortable going solo too, its a great way to find new friends with similar hobbies. What I love most about Jove Club is the welcoming environment, it feels accessible to all levels, but every person leaves feeling more confident, stronger and fitter. I love how there is regular training programmes on offer to get you fit enough for the challenges ahead. They've really thought about it all. Thanks Fred and the team for the great experiences!”
Clare Doohan
“I've attended multiple Jove club sessions in London from running sessions, rock climbing and fitness sessions. Both Fred and the other trainers are great, they are passionate about what they do and incredibly knowledgeable. Would recommend anyone wanting to try new things or meet like minded people to give them a go!”
Emma Towers
“I went to the Jove Weekender earlier this year, and it has definitely been one of the highlights of my year! The Jove team were so down to earth, and everyone in the group was so nice. I went from zero navigational skills to being able to use a map and compass confidently over the course of the weekend. The social on the Saturday night was really fun and was a nice way to unwind with new friends after a day of hiking. I also had my first go at trail running! I already am looking at the future trips to see which I should sign up to next! They're absolutely the group you are looking for if you're looking for adventure, along with fitness, outdoor skills and making new friends along the way!”
Emma Clarke
“I did the week long trip in Scotland with Jove and it has been one of the best experiences I had hiking. An unforgettable week with wild camping, long hikes, unpredictable weather and some truly beautiful scenery. Challenging at times, but there's something very special about spending your days walking through mountains and remote landscapes, carrying what you need with you, and ending the day surrounded by nature. Freddie made sure we were safe but also testing our limits. All in all, one of the best trips I had! I'll definitely join another!”
Andreea Covaci
“After taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club I can highly recommend Freddie and his team! Having someone you can trust to guide you through a challenge like this is so incredibly valuable (especially when the Welsh weather isn't on your side). The team of Mountain Leaders and support team that Jove Club put together were fantastic. Even as the weather turned savage they kept spirits high. It was great to be with like-minded individuals for the weekend. Thank you team Jove 🏔”
Michelle Clarke
“I was nervous about taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge. I was right to be nervous. It turned out to be the most incredible experience I've ever had! Principally because of the supreme organisation of Freddie, Fran and the Jove Club, who instructed, supported, encouraged, fed, guided and protected me for the entire gruelling 51km, up and down the Welsh peaks in gale force winds, horizontal rain, no visibility and the dark. I loved every minute of it. I could not have completed this as a group of friends on our own. Freddie's skilled navigation (in the dark), mountain expertise, and clear leadership ability made this terrifyingly enjoyable. What hurts most are my cheeks from smiling for 21hrs. I didn't realise I could complete this challenge. What the Jove Club has showed me is I'm actually made of stronger stuff than I thought. Drying out my boots for next year!”
Willow Dawes
“I did the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club and absolutely loved it!! Freddie and the team organised everything so well and it was brilliant to be amongst friendly, adventurous people looking to push their limits. I really enjoyed doing something genuinely testing, with the weather, distance and elevation all playing their parts, and at the same time being part of a really supportive group with Jove giving a real sense of confidence and positivity. Jove Club offers loads of different activities and adventures, I'll definitely be signing up for another one soon. Thanks Freddie, Fran, the Mountain Leaders and all those on the challenge 🏔”
James Morgan
“I had the best time on the Jove weekend trip to the Peaks. Got there and they helped set up my new tent, very friendly from the off. Zero judgement across the weekend for anything. It was about learning the skills needed to thrive outdoors, without any of the judgement you get with some providers. It gave me my confidence back outdoors, and I've booked onto my next trip already.”
Leah Brunskill
“Jove are fantastic. I've been going to their weekly strength sessions at Battersea park for a couple of months now and I've felt my confidence and strength for mountaineering and trail running come on in leaps and bounds. Their trips are incredibly good fun and genuinely valuable. Can't recommend highly enough, wish I'd joined sooner!”
Alex White
“Enjoyed a wonderful weekend of hiking, camping, trail running, navigation & fitness sessions (and some cracking pubs, pie & pizzas!) in the Peak District with a group of wonderful people. We all had different levels of previous outdoor experience & all were catered for. Thanks to Freddie & the Jove club team for leading us safely & challenging us.”
Claire
“I joined a Jove Weekender Trip to the Peak District for the weekend and had an amazing time! Freddie & the team were very welcoming and knowledgeable and it really gave me confidence to try and do more hiking in the future! I'll definitely be joining for some of the London sessions and hopefully a future trip. Would thoroughly recommend!!”
Bryony Kirby
“Joined Jove Club for an amazing trip to the Cairngorms to learn winter mountaineering skills! Small group of adventurous people, everyone was super supportive and keen to learn. Perfect weekend spent outdoors!”
Lizzie
“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip. Would also highly recommend the weekly social bouldering sessions in London.”
Tom Roberts
“I could not recommend Jove Club enough for anyone who wants to get outside, explore the country and test their physical and mental limits. I've done things in the past year I would never have done myself, with an amazing group of driven, friendly and kind people, and it's been an absolute blast.”
Richard Scothern
“I had such a great time on the Peak District climbing trip! Having joined for their London bouldering sessions for a couple of months, it was great to put my new skills to use outside. We had an amazing instructor who made me feel so at ease. The group was great fun, everybody was so positive and supportive of each other. Can't wait to join more trips next year!”
Emily Elizabeth
“I did the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club in July and it was unreal. Freddie is a fantastic leader, he makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Looking forward to my next Jove Club adventure!”
Emily
“Before Jove, I never really thought of myself as a runner. But within weeks of joining, I was running 5Ks, then 10Ks. My first proper test was our Brecon trek, two days, 35km, 1,300m of elevation. It was brutal, but it was also the moment I realised how much the people around you shape the experience. Jove isn't just about getting fitter, it's about pushing your limits in a way that actually feels fun.”
Vevek Shah
“I love Jove Club. On paper, I had everything I needed to be happy, but it wasn't until I joined Jove that I realised something was missing, adventure! It's so easy in London to get stuck in a rut. Jove gets me out of the house with like-minded people and gives me things I didn't even realise I was missing. Join, you won't regret it.”
Christopher Sykes-Popham
“I went on the Peak District Climbing adventure not knowing any of the group but felt immediately welcomed by everyone. The group was very supportive given my lack of any prior climbing experience and definitely pushed my limits. The trip itself was extremely well organised, everything was covered from food and instructors to what gear to bring. Immediately came home and booked myself on another adventure!”
Olly
“I had an absolutely incredible experience on a walking adventure weekend with Jove Club! From start to finish, everything was brilliantly organised. Freddie's enthusiasm and leadership created such a positive, welcoming atmosphere, making the weekend about more than just the hike. If you're looking for a well-organised, exciting outdoor experience with great company, I can't recommend Jove Club enough.”
Henry Lort-Jones
“Can't express enough how glad I am that Freddie has created Jove Club! The recent Brecon trip was epic, a tough challenge that we all pushed through. In only a couple of months I've made significant strides towards my fitness goals. The regular adventure challenges add purpose to the training in London and the people in the club are top quality.”
Harry Webb
“The Peak District climbing weekend was meticulously planned by Freddie and Jove Club. I felt a massive sense of achievement on the Sunday afternoon walking off the crag. If you are considering a weekend away with like minded people to push yourself beyond your comfort zone then I wouldn't hesitate recommending Jove Club.”
Connor Herrington
“The mix of classes, in particular the run and fitness sessions outdoors, is absolutely amazing and unlike anything else I've found in London. The sessions are inclusive of mixed ability but with enough challenge for everyone. Really look forward to putting my fitness to the test during one of the trail runs and adventure trips!”
Francesca Richards
“Joining Jove is the best thing I've done for my fitness and health this year. Anyone looking to get fit, get outdoors and meet great people, this is where it's at. In just a few months I've met some great people, built confidence, and lost 3kg whilst getting stronger and running faster.”
Joseph McEachron
“Jove is the missing piece of London life. Such a welcoming and friendly club with a fantastic range of activities. Everything geared towards adventure trips is such a great way to train and get fit with a proper functional goal. The Peak District climbing weekend was fantastically well organised, can't wait to do another.”
Tom Frew
“I've had a great time with Jove, it's got a great mix of challenging and fun activities. The Peak District climbing trip was super well organised, great instruction provided, and a great way to get out of London for a weekend and learn some new skills.”
Vito Tomasi
“The Jove Club climbing weekend in the Peak District was a fantastic experience, filled with great routes and even better company. Everyone from beginners to seasoned climbers felt included and challenged. A brilliantly run weekend that captured the spirit of adventure.”
John Cain
“Great sessions which are well planned and adaptable to fitness levels. Welcoming atmosphere at meets and easy to use site for booking.”
Calvin Freese
“I have attended fitness and climb sessions and would really recommend Jove. Accessible and tailored to your fitness but with plenty of challenge and very social!”
sioned press
“Attended a session last week, great and welcoming atmosphere, the PT was very knowledgeable and provided alternative exercises. Will be back!”
Elin Wilde
£640
Early bird: £579
From the group
What people said
“I joined the Winter Skills trip with Jove Club in February 2026. Having never done anything like that before in my life, the course was absolutely brilliant. It took us from the very basics: how to move across snow and ice and difficult terrain, how to use your ice axe, and all those fundamental skills. It also built up to some really cool routes that, at times, took me way out of my comfort zone, but never to the point where I felt unsafe. The instructor we had was first-class, and I’ll certainly be back for the mountaineering course next year.”
“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip.”
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Still deciding?
Read up first
- Winter mountaineering: what changes and how to prepareMountains in winter are more severe, more remote, and more rewarding than anything summer offers. Here's what's different and what you actually need to get started safely.→
- The kit you actually need for a mountain dayGetting the right kit is key. It doesn't always have to cost a fortune, but it needs to be of sufficient quality. Here's what actually matters, and what people get wrong.→
- Mountain weather: what to check, what it means, and when to turn backWeather impacts every adventure. Mountain conditions can change fast and extremes are much more severe than in the valley. Here's how to read a forecast and make the right call.→