WINTER SKILLS SCOTLAND ADVENTURE

To benefit from member’s discounted final payment for this trip and other events see the Adventuress Membership page 

This Womens Winter Skills Weekend provides an encouraging and supportive environment to push comfort zones along side other intrepid souls. We are on a mission to diversify the outdoors and welcome ALL women regardless of age, orientation or background.

To ensure that you get the most out of this adventure we ask that everybody comes fully prepared. Here is some extra info on some items mentioned on the kit list which can be found above.

• Included in the cost of the trip you will receive an ice axe, B2 boots and crampons. The smallest size shoe rental is a size 4.

• For your safety you must bring along a climbing helmet to take part in the trip. This is different from cycling or other helmets as they are designed to take multiple impacts from different angles in the event of a rock fall.

• Not all ‘waterproof jackets’ are waterproof! We recommend that your jacket is GORE-TEX and can stand up to potentially harsh conditions. If you have an old waterproof jacket, give it a check to see if it is still up to the job, as jackets may lose their proofing properties over time. The outer shell should also be windproof and have a hood that can fit over a helmet. The jacket should be breathable so perspiration can escape.

• ‘Layering’ is key for temperature regulation so that you can remove or add layers if needed.

• In snowy and wet conditions warm synthetic layers work better than ‘down’ as the down can clump when wet causing cold spots. This can also be caused by the rising of perspiration.

• Hiking trousers and tops should be made of quick dry synthetic material. Avoid cotton and denim.

• Merino wool is recommended for thermal layers and socks, as it has great thermo regulating properties, keeping you warm when cold and vice versa!

• If you own B2 boots that fit crampons then do feel free to bring them, but they will also be provided.

• Hats should be free of bobbles to fit under the helmet.

• The white snow can cause a lot of glare which can damage our eyes over time. Come prepared with ski goggles and some UV protection sunglasses.

• In minus temperatures our fingers are most at risk! Bring enough gloves that you will have a spare pair if one gets too wet.

• A 30-40 litre backpack is recommended so there is enough room for extra layers and your helmet when it is not in use. Hiking and mountaineering specific backpacks will come with attachments to secure your ice axe when it is not in use. Using ‘dry liners’ over pack covers is highly recommended as the winds can rob you of a pack cover very quickly!

• Avoid bringing hydration bladders as the tube can easily freeze in minus temperatures. Nalgene bottles are very hardy and can survive most conditions.

• Your guides will be carrying first aid kits, however it is always recommended to bring your own personal first aid kit including an emergency blanket.

This trip needs a minimum of 4 Adventuresses to run.

*For our trips we love to inspire our Adventuresses with incredible female guides, along with supporting female, non-binary and trans guides in the outdoor industry.

Due to availability this isn’t always possible, so in some instances the guides may be male.

No matter the gender, all of the guides that we work with support our ethos, and provide a fun and safe environment.

A good level of physical fitness is required for this trip. You will be hiking uphill for long distances in winter conditions on mountainous terrain. If you’re a confident hill walker and wish to take your experience to the next level then this is the trip for you.

Not recommended for hill walking beginners or those who struggle with ascents, descents or poor weather conditions. If you have historical issues with knee or ankle joints then it is recommended to seek medical advice prior to booking.

If we have more than 4-6 Adventuresses booked onto the trip then two guides will be used to give us the option to split into two groups based on ability level on the second day, however this is not a guarantee and a guide can never supervise more than 4-6 Adventuresses at a time.

Personal Insurance must be taken out to attend this trip.

Cover should include personal injury, emergency medical cover, and cancellation cover. The insurance must cover the specific activity you’re taking part in.

95% of our trips are made up of solo Adventuresses from all over the UK. Everybody admits to feeling nervous during their first adventure, but by the end of your trip you’ll feel like you’ve made friends for life. Bonds are formed very quickly on our adventures, and every trip is introvert friendly!

You should come expecting typical Scottish winter weather, i.e. snow, wind, rain and high winds. At elevation you can expect temperatures between -1 to -6. 

You know what they say…. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. The better prepared you come the more you will get out of the trip, so come very well prepared!

The dates chosen are to ensure there is snow on the mountain so you can learn the relevant skills, however due to climate change it is now never a guarantee, but the day will be spent learning valuable mountain skills regardless.

Ben Nevis is a challenge that we like to leave to the summer months when the conditions aren’t so extreme.

Start: Day 1, 3pm – The Garrison Hotel, Fort William.

End: Day 3, 5:30pm, Fort William.

We will be meeting for check-in time at the hotel. Please ensure that you arrive at this time as we will head to collect our kit after check-in.

Get in touch if you would like for us to arrange extra nights accommodation for you.

When booking a trip with us, you’ll have the opportunity to speak to others joining your trip in a Whatsapp group. This is where you can discuss travel options, gear and maybe even get together pre-trip! Your trip host will be in the Whatsapp group to answer any questions you may have, and closer to the date your guide will also be added.

The chat will be opened in the weeks leading up to the trip. Until then feel free to contact us with your questions.

You will be sharing a twin room with another Adventuress.

Single rooms are subject to availability and can cost anywhere between £100-200 depending on when it is booked.

Regular trains run to Fort William from across the UK. The nearest airports are Inverness (INV) or Glasgow (GLA)

The Garrison Hotel is a 12 minute walk from the train station.

There is free parking at the Garrison Hotel. 

On this trip you will be provided with 2 breakfasts.

Lunches and dinners are not included.

You will be required to bring packed lunches with you for our days on the hill which can be purchased in Fort William.

You will need to bring your own snacks. It is recommended to bring a good mix of high protein and sugar snacks to keep you going on the trail, and to eat often as you will be burning a lot of energy as we go.

Our evening meals in town are optional. We always strive to book restaurants with veggie and vegan options available.

Although it is winter, mountain hiking is thirsty work! Be sure to bring a minimum of 1 litre of water in a bottle and some hot tea in a flask. Each room comes with a kettle.

There will be a maximum of 11 Adventuresses on the trip, with a 1:4-6 guide ratio.

An Adventuress host will also be along for every part of the trip