The winter mountains are utterly beautiful – but they can also pose a real danger for walkers and climbers. Unless you have a great deal of experience in the hills, or you are setting out with someone who does, it is wise to learn a few skills to keep you safe. There are a range of outdoors providers in Scotland that offer comprehensive winter skills and navigation courses. Here’s a few I’d recommend.

Winter skills courses with G2Outdoor

Scottish winter skills courses

MCofS are running a series of winter skills courses in partnership with Glenmore Lodge in January. See MCofS winter skills

Glentrek offers Winter Walking Skills courses in the Cairngorms National Park

G2Outdoor has a range of winter skills packages

Winter skills with Climb365

Wilderness Scotland’s Winter Walking trips

Abacus Mountaineering is also respected for its range of winter skills courses

Mountaineering instructor Sandy Paterson is running two-day winter skills courses

* Any others to recommend? Please do comment or send ideas on Facebook or Twitter.