Ben Nevis Winter Ascent (1,345m)

*Kit provided by the guide:

• Crampons (the spikes on your feet)
• Ice axe
• Stiff walking boots (B1, 2 or 3 grades)

* You are welcome to bring your own technical equipment if you have it. Please do ask us if you are unsure about whether your gear is sufficient. 

Kit you need to bring:

• Rucksack and liner (we recommend around 40L)
• Base Layers (top and bottom)
• Fleece top
• Polyester, fleece or wool trousers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Wool hat
• Waterproof gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Underwear
• Thick wool socks
• Scarf or buff
• Ski goggles
• Walking poles
• Head torch
• Water bottles (at least 2L)
• Snacks
• Whistle
• Sunglasses
• Suncream
• Towel
• Emergency survival bag 
• Clothes for the evening
• Toiletries
• Personal first aid e.g. inhaler

Included:

• Professional mountain guides
• Accommodation
• Breakfasts
• All technical equipment

Not Included:

• Lunch and dinner
• Travel insurance 

This trip is aimed at beginners with a good level of fitness. You'll be out in the cold, and on challenging terrain for up to 10 hours.

You'll be staying in The Ben Nevis Hotel just outside of the centre of Fort William. The rooms are twin or triple sharing.

For those who want their own room, a single supplement is available - prices start from £69 per night and can be as high as £200 per night depending on the date. The guide can confirm the exact price when you request it. 

Absolutely! We often get lots of solo travellers on the trip. 

Breakfast - Scottish buffet breakfast is included at the accommodation you stay at. 

Lunches - you can buy things for lunch at one of the three supermarkets in Fort William. There will be plenty of time in the evening to make yourself a packed lunch for the following day. 

Dinner - you stay in Fort William, which is close to lots of cosy pubs for the group to eat at. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated. 

Mountain weather is often very unpredictable, and it is important that you prepare for any eventuality. The Scottish mountains can often bring high winds, rain, snow and Ice. Average temperatures during the winter can range from -1 to -6 degrees celsius, and the wind chill can make it feel even colder. It is important that you read the kit list carefully, and pack everything listed. 

The dates chosen by your guides will give you the highest chance of there being enough snow to practise your winter skills. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict, and on rare occasions, there may not be enough snow to learn all the winter skills. Not to worry though, your guide will still ensure that you have a full day of learning mountain skills. 

Start:

You'll meet your guide at the Ellis Brigham Store, Fort William at 5 pm, on day 1 of the itinerary.

End:

You'll end the day around 5:30 pm in Fort William, on day 3 of the itinerary. 

The maximum group sizes are 16

Over the new year, the team like to spend an extra night in Fort William. It gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate the new year in style, in one of the most beautiful Scottish locations. In the morning, you will be free to take a walk around the loch or just head home.

The minimum age is 18, or 14 if accompanied by an adult

The First Minister announced that Scotland would be entering a lockdown on 23 March 2020. Under law, the Scottish Government must review that lockdown at least every three weeks, so it's likely that there may be several changes before your trip. Some of these potential changes are as follows:

Hotel

Currently, people from more than one household (or extended household) must not stay in accommodation together while the current restrictions on indoor private gatherings are in place. 

This means, that unless you are travelling with people from your household, you'll be required to pay an additional £69 single supplement charge. This also includes solo travellers and can be paid directly to the guide upon arrival. Please inform your guide of this, immediately after booking when completing your participation form, found on your Skyhook dashboard.

Please note: if you are travelling with at least 1 other member of your household, then this does not currently impact your trip and you will not be required to pay a single supplement.

Transport

People from more than one household (or extended household) must not share transport. This means that you'll be required to make your own to/from the mountain each day. If you do not drive, then there are several options available:

- Bus: the Nevis Ranger costs £4 each way. This option is only available on one of the days of your trip.

- Taxi: the cost of the taxi depends on availability, demand and time of year. You can expect to pay £5 - £20 per trip, one way. 

- Car hire: available from companies such as 'Easy Drive' from Inverness, Glasgow Airport and Fort William.