Learn outside. Get skilled. Go further.

The outdoors is there to be explored.

But knowing where to start isn't always easy.

The Outdoor Project is about changing that.

Created by AEC, The Outdoor Project is a series of practical outdoor experiences designed to help people learn new skills, build confidence and discover what they're capable of outside.

You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer. You don't need to know everything about kit, navigation or mountain weather.

You just need to want to get outside and learn.

WHO IS IT FOR?

EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

The Outdoor Project is for people who want to become more confident outdoors — whether you're taking your first steps into the mountains or looking to build on the skills you already have.

You might be:

NEW TO THE OUTDOORS

You've always wanted to get into hiking, running or the mountains but aren't sure where to start.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

You've done a few walks or runs and want to understand how to deal with more challenging terrain and changing conditions.

LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STEP

You're already comfortable outdoors and want to develop your navigation, winter or mountain skills.

JUST CURIOUS

You love being outside and want to spend a day learning something new with like-minded people.

There's no expectation that everyone arrives with the same experience.

We'll adapt the day to the group, the conditions and the environment.

THE OUTDOOR PROJECT / WINTER 01

YOUR FIRST WINTER

A practical introduction to getting outside in winter conditions.

Cairngorms National Park

Learn how to prepare, navigate and move through winter mountain conditions — then, if the weather and conditions allow, put everything into practice with a summit attempt.

UPCOMING DATES

27 January 2027
28 January 2027

23 February 2027
24 February 2027

£100 PER PERSON / PER DAY

Maximum 6 participants per guide

Led by a qualified mountain guide

[ BOOK NOW → ]

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

BEFORE WE HEAD OUT

We don't just turn up at the mountain and start walking.

The day begins by understanding where we're going, what we're likely to encounter and how we're going to deal with it.

WEATHER & CONDITIONS

We'll look at the weather and avalanche forecasts and learn how they influence our plans and decisions.

ROUTE PLANNING

Understand how to choose an appropriate route based on the forecast, conditions, group ability and objectives.

LAYERING SYSTEMS

Learn how to build and use a layering system effectively — and understand why what you wear matters.

WHAT TO CARRY

We'll look at the clothing, equipment and safety kit required for a winter mountain day.

Crampons and ice axes can be hired locally in Aviemore where required.

MOUNTAIN SAFETY

A practical introduction to winter terrain, mountain hazards and making sensible decisions before we leave.

ON THE HILL

THIS IS WHERE THE LEARNING REALLY STARTS.

The plan isn't to spend the day standing around being told what to do.

You'll learn by doing.

READ THE MOUNTAIN

Compare what we see on the ground with what we expected from the forecast and learn how conditions can change.

NAVIGATION

Progress from the basics through to mountain-specific navigation, building confidence in finding your way in challenging conditions.

MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE

Learn how to move efficiently and safely across winter terrain, both with and without crampons.

KIT ADMIN

Learn how to look after yourself throughout the day, manage your layers and use your equipment properly.

CRAMPONS & ICE AXE

Where conditions allow, develop practical crampon and ice axe skills, progressing onto steeper ground and practising ascent and descent techniques.

DECISION MAKING

Mountain safety isn't just about knowing what to do.

It's knowing when to do it — and when not to.

Decision-making will run through the entire day.

AND IF CONDITIONS ALLOW...

WE GO FOR THE SUMMIT.

The aim is to put everything you've learned into practice.

If the weather, conditions, route and group ability allow, we'll finish the day with a summit attempt.

But the summit isn't the objective at all costs.

The mountain decides.

Learning when to turn around is part of learning how to get into the mountains.

YOUR DAY. YOUR GROUP. YOUR ADVENTURE.

There isn't a rigid script.

The day will be adapted to suit:

The weather.
The mountain.
The conditions.
The group's experience.
Your objectives.

Some of the most useful learning might happen before we even leave the café. Other skills may only become relevant once we're on the hill.

That's why the day is designed to flow with the conditions rather than follow a fixed timetable.

SMALL GROUPS. MORE TIME OUTSIDE.

The Outdoor Project is built around small groups so there's time to ask questions, practise skills and actually experience the environment.

1 GUIDE : 6 PARTICIPANTS

Small groups mean the day can be adapted to the people actually standing on the mountain — rather than trying to make everyone fit into the same programme.

KIT IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

At AEC, we believe the right kit can make a difference.

But knowing how to use it is just as important.

Throughout The Outdoor Project, you'll have the opportunity to understand different clothing and equipment systems and, where available, try selected AEC and partner-brand kit in real conditions.

Not in a shop.

On the mountain.

THIS IS BASECAMP.

The Outdoor Project is the first step.

From here, you can keep learning, keep exploring and start taking on bigger objectives.

Winter skills.

Navigation.

Mountain days.

Climbing.

Scrambling.

Expeditions.

The idea is simple:

START HERE.

LEARN.

EXPLORE.

GO FURTHER.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

YOUR FIRST WINTER

27 January 2027
28 January 2027

23 February 2027
24 February 2027

£100 per person / per day

Maximum 6 participants per guide

Cairngorms National Park

Led by a qualified mountain guide

[ BOOK NOW → ]

WELCOME TO BASECAMP.

This is where your adventure begins.