Event Features
- Five-day residential based at a Lodge at Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore, Scotland
- Accommodation available (at no extra cost) on Friday 12 Feb 2027, at the Lodge, on the night before the residential starts
- Learn Winter Skills
- Explore the Cairngorms, the largest mountain range in Britain
- Full board accommodation, all meals included
- Specialist winter equipment included, like Winter boots, ice axe, crampons
- Max 12 participants
- Minibus transport from Aviemore train station or bus station
About The Residential
The residential will introduce participants to winter hillwalking skills, including:
- Winter kit and equipment
- Crampon skills
- Ice axe skills
- Snow shelters
- Winter navigation
- Avalanche awareness
- Identifying animal tracks
Each day we will go up into the mountains to practice skills and explore the mountains. In the evening, there will be more learning and activities: slide shows, planning and studying the weather for the following day.
Read about the 2025 residential here.
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1 - Introduction to Snowcraft
Badaguish, near Aviemore- Pick up from Aviemore bus or train station on Saturday, 13 Feb 2026
- Meet up at our Lodge at Badaguish Outdoor Centre at 10 am
- Issue of Winter boots, crampons, ice axe and other kit
- Minibus transport to Cairngorm Mountain
- Outdoor session on winter footwork and avalanche awareness.
- Evening session on winter weather and hazards.
Day 1 Photos
More Winter Skills
Northern Cairngorms- Navigation Skills
- Avalanche awareness – Key observations to be made on the journey and at key places (group, landscape and snow conditions)
- Cutting steps with an ice axe
- Crampon skills – moving on steep ground, ascending and descending
- Ice axe skills – self arrest
Evening session on cold weather injuries and snow shelters.
Day 2 Photos
Snow Shelters and Ropework Skills
Northern Cairngorms- Identifying sites for snow shelters
- Shovel and avalanche probe use
- Constructing an emergency shelter
- Making a group snow hole
- Use of bothy bags
- Winter Ropework skills: how to make a snow anchor, belay, and abseil from a snow bollard
Evening session on planning a winter hill day appropriate to the group and conditions.
Day 3 Photos
Mountain Journey
Northern Cairngorms- A day journeying through the Cairngorm mountains; summitting peaks, journeying on the plateau, exploring coiries.
Evening task to come up with winter games to play on our ‘Winter Olympics’, on the last day. Sliding, snow sculptures, snowball throwing!!
Day 4 Photos
Winter Olympics
Northern CairngormsCompetitive team games – ‘Winter Olympics’. Who can build the best snow sculpture, make the biggest snow shelter, slide the furthest etc!!
Debrief and finish mid-afternoon on Wednesday, 17 February 2027. Transport to Aviemore bus and train station.
Day 5 Photos
Accommodation
The residential will be based near Aviemore, at Badaguish Outdoor Centre. Accommodation is in one of the on-site Forest Lodges, comprising a mixture of 2-4 person rooms, you will be sharing with other participants on the course. Breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals are provided as part of the cost of the residential; you will be asked to assist with cooking or clearing up.
Transport
- Pick up and drop off at Aviemore train or bus station is provided.
- Meeting point: Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1AD at 10am on Sat 13th Feb 2027
- Accommodation at Badaguish on Friday 12 Feb included, for participants who want arrive hte night before
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/epAGKLER7kXkZkKu7
Kit and Equipment
We will provide you with the following:
- Ice axe and crampons
- Winter boots
- Ski poles
- Shovel and avalanche probe
- Map case
- Gaiters
- Rucksack liner
Please bring the following items of kit (for more info see this blog):
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (or salopettes)
- Hat, balaclava, neck buff
- Two pairs of warm gloves (ski glove type). Mittens are a good idea too.
- Thermal leggings/trousers. Merino wool or Fleece. Polyester (gym-type) leggings are not warm enough!
- Thermal base long-sleeve top (merino wool) and two thermal jumpers/tops (fleece for example. No hoodies). Your second thermal jumper/top could be a down or synthetic down jacket.
- 40-litre rucksack
- Water bottle
- Ski Goggles
- Flask (500ml is fine)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Spare clothes for the hostel (T-shirts, jeans, hoodies etc)
- Towel and toiletries.
Gallery
Terms and Conditions
- Participants must disclose information on any relevant medical condition or treatment that may have a bearing on their ability to take part.
- Participants must provide information to Aspen Outdoors Ltd on their skills and experience in the activity (winter hillwalking, summer hillwalking, multi-day treks, bushcraft activities) to help determine their competence and suitability for the activity.
- Participants must read the information about the activity with particular attention to the grade/difficulty of the hike, the length of the day, the distance to be covered, and the height gained.
- The objectives of the event, for example, the ascent of one or more peaks, are not guaranteed, being subject to weather conditions, snow conditions, and the capability and competence of participants in the group.
- The objectives of the event may be modified or abandoned, subject to weather and snow conditions, and the capability and competence of the participants in the group.
- The event may be postponed or cancelled, subject to adverse weather and snow conditions. Should this happen, the company shall either provide a full refund or rearrange the event.
- Participants must consult the equipment list provided by the company and follow other instructions provided to them before the activity to ensure that they are appropriately prepared for the activity.
- During the activity, the participants must follow the instructions of the instructors to ensure their safety.
- If the customer cancels within four weeks of the event that is due to take place, the customer shall not be eligible for a refund.