Atlas mountaineering

We had a really lovely time with the crew!

Absolutely amazing trip! The ratio of clients to guides was much lower than I had expected, providing a really great environment for learning and receiving feedback. In addition, this meant that the different abilities of the group members could all be catered for. The guides themselves were absolutely fantastic, so knowledgeable and friendly, couldn’t have asked for better. I felt completely safe at all times and have learned so many skills that I will put into action! Thank you all for making it such a fun weekend, particularly Josh who took lead myself and 2 others up the Ben.

Very winter assent of Ben Nevis with Sam Percival as our guide. Great instruction, carefully thought out planning, enjoyable and professional. A memory that will stay with me forever. Could not recommend more. (Hotel was a bit naff but not the end of the world - just a place to sleep!!)

Had a great time. Connor and his team were awesome 

Really enjoyable experience! Tackling Ben Nevis in the winter seems much more of event and achievement than I thought it would. The first day of winter skills training was an excellent taster session into mountaineering and the great views, climb and remoteness have inspired me to explore more mountains in the future. The guides were good company and very informative. I would advise that you make sure you bring the right kit; I managed to borrow a waterproof off another kind adventurer but would have been wet, cold and miserable otherwise! If in doubt ask the guides; Sam Percival was very helpful in recommending kit for my next outing. The accomodation and kit provided was good and going at New Year was well worth it for the bagpipes on Hogmanay! Slàinte Mhath! (Cheers in Gaelic)

Excellent. Great fun and the number of guides for the group meant we could all go at our own pace.

The guides were excellent and the course was very informative. The tuition was great and guides really helped everyone of all skill levels. All very professional.
I thought that the hotel was awful - it was one of the worst i have ever been to, the carpets smelt of damp, the heating in my room didnt work and toilet flush worked intermittently. There are better hotels in the area and cheaper ones. I would thoroughly recommend that this is changed for future courses. I personally wouldnt come on any of your courses if held at this hotel again. I think would be better if some form of course dinner was organised, would help to build team spirit

Take a group all the way up a sizeable mountain and faff around finding thing to do in the deep snow? No one in the group wanted to do it, it Injured several members of the group, and then this was ahead of an even earlier ascent of the U.K.s tallest mountain - not a beginner trek at all - and obviously awful experience. Our group were turned around 15 mins from the summit by an overly jittery guide worrying about daylight - we still made it to the bottom with 1.5 hours of daylight still to spare - not with standing ever using  the head torches they’d insisted we bring?! Absolutely minimum organisation or communication from the guides throughout, we had to text them constantly to find out, and  we had no idea where or when our meal would come (we actually have to provide them all with no wanting at all) 
Bizarre that all the experiences on this site have 5 stars?! Almost no one on this group (10) has much positive to say about the whole trip.

Learn winter hiking skills, and summit the UK's highest mountain. 

Ben Nevis Winter Ascent (1,345m)

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

* 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. 

Rucksack and liner (we recommend around 40L)

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. 

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.

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:

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.

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. 

You'll meet your guide in Fort William at 5pm, where there will be an opportunity to grab any extra kit before your adventure begins. In the evening you'll head over to the hotel (included) for dinner and a chance to get to know the rest of the team. 

Meet your guide

Today, you'll learn some of the vital skills needed to hike in snowy mountain conditions. You'll learn how to use crampons - the spikes on your feet - as well as how to use a hiking axe. We'll also go for a hike, taking in some of the most breath-taking views of the Scottish Highlands.

In the evening you'll head back down the mountain for a hearty dinner, and to make preparations for your ascent of Ben Nevis (1,345m).

Winter hiking skills

Today is the big day, as you head up to the summit of a wintery Ben Nevis. You'll start the day early to allow enough time for regular breaks. The route taken to the top very much depends on the weather and the group's ability. There are various options, and the final decision will be taken by your guide on the day. 

After reaching the summit, you'll head back down for a well-earned drink, before making your way back home. 