Experience an overnight stay in a snow hole and extend your winter mountaineering skills on this course.

Get valuable practical experience digging out a snow-hole, walk the Scottish mountains by moonlight and refresh your basic winter mountaineering skills.

This course is aimed at individuals with some winter experience and plenty of enthusiasm!

Our snow hole experience is based in the Central Highlands of Scotland. The course begins with an evening brief on what to expect and gives you a chance to settle in and meet your fellow course mates in the comfort of the bunk house accommodation.

On the first full day of the course we'll set off after a hearty breakfast to some local venues and refresh you on the basic safety skills needed to work in this environment, looking at avalanche risks, snow pack and make emergency shelters. Depending on the group and conditions underfoot we will possibly take in a local peak for good measure. Back at the bunk house we will sort all the kit out and get sorted for the overnight snow hole. After dinner you will have the chance to join one of our other courses in the evening lecture.

On day 2 we'll set off on the main part of the course, spending the morning exploring the highlands before reaching the snow hole site mid-afternoon and digging in for the evening. This is hard work but once you're in it's worth it. We'll settle down for a rest and help you cook dinner and relax in the truly wonderful surroundings of your own snow hole. Depending on the weather and if you want to, we'll then go out for a short walk after dark (so bring your torch with you!) to let you appreciate the Scottish mountains by moonlight. Then it's back to the snow holes and a hot drink before settling down for the night.

On the final morning of the course we'll collapse the snow holes before setting off and hopefully getting in a few more summits before arriving back at the bunk house late afternoon, giving you the chance of a hot shower and some warm soup before you head home.

The course is aimed at individuals with some winter experience and plenty of enthusiasm. You require your own kit for the expedition (kit list available). Roxoff will provide you with a Goretex bivi bag and the group cooking kit. Four-season walking boots, crampons and walking axe are available to hire if needed.