THE OUTDOOR PROJECT / WINTER 01

Winter changes the rules. Learn to read them.

The forecast says one thing. The mountain might say another.

WINTER 01 is a full day in the Cairngorms built around learning the skills, judgement and confidence needed to move through winter mountain environments. Not just following a route or ticking off a summit, but understanding the ground beneath your feet, the weather moving overhead and the decisions that shape a day in the hills.

We start over a brew, looking at the forecasts, planning a route and getting to grips with the kit that keeps us moving when conditions turn. Then we head onto the hill to put that knowledge into practice.

Navigation. Layering. Winter movement. Crampons and ice axe skills. Reading the ground. Making decisions when the plan needs to change.

This is about learning by doing, asking questions and getting hands-on with the skills that make winter adventures possible.

No summit promises. No shortcuts. Just time on the mountain, good people and knowledge worth carrying into your next adventure.

Welcome to Basecamp.

THE DETAILS

• Dates: Choose one session — 27 or 28 January, or 22 or 23 February 2027.

• Time: 09:00–17:00.

• Location: Cairngorms, Scotland. Exact meeting point to be confirmed.

• Investment: £100 per person, per day.

• Group: Maximum six participants per session.

• Age: 18+.

• Booking: Each place purchased is for one person on one selected date.

FIRST, WE PLAN

Before heading out, we'll get together in a café to look at the bigger picture.

We'll explore weather and avalanche forecasts, discuss route choices and consider how the conditions should influence our plans. We'll look at layering systems, clothing choices, essential equipment and mountain safety.

Because knowing what to pack is one thing. Understanding why you're carrying it, when to use it and when to change your plans is another.

THEN, WE GET OUT THERE

The hill is where it starts to make sense.

Throughout the day, we'll work on:

• Reading the mountain: comparing forecasts with the weather and ground conditions we actually encounter.

• Navigation: developing your skills from the basics towards navigating in mountain terrain.

• Winter movement: understanding how to move safely across snow and winter ground, with and without crampons.

• Crampons and ice axe: learning essential techniques, with progression onto steeper ground and ascent and descent skills where conditions and ability allow.

• Kit and mountain craft: organising your equipment, managing clothing and staying prepared as conditions change.

• Decision-making: recognising hazards, weighing up options and knowing when to adapt the plan.

A summit may be part of the day if the weather, terrain, safety considerations and group's ability allow. It isn't the objective at any cost.

The mountain doesn't owe us a summit. We owe it our attention.

WHO'S IT FOR?

WINTER 01 is for adults who want to build their understanding of winter mountain environments and develop practical skills they can take into future adventures.

The day will be adapted to the group's experience and the conditions, but winter mountain terrain can be demanding and may involve steep ground.

If you're unsure whether the session is right for your experience, fitness or equipment, get in touch with AEC before booking. Specific entry requirements will be confirmed with the instructor before bookings open.

THE KIT

Winter is no place for guesswork.

We'll cover clothing systems, layering, equipment and safety kit during the session. A full kit list, including footwear requirements and any equipment provided, will be confirmed before bookings open.

As an initial checklist to discuss with the instructor, think waterproof outer layers, warm insulation, a hat and gloves, spare warm clothing, a suitable rucksack, food, drink and any personal medication you need. This isn't a complete winter mountain kit list.

Crampons and ice axes may be available to hire in advance. Hire arrangements, costs, availability and compatibility with your boots must be checked beforehand. Equipment hire isn't included in the session price.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

The exact café meeting point and joining instructions will be confirmed before bookings open.

Every participant will need to complete an individual booking form, including those whose place is booked by somebody else. The process will be confirmed before the sessions go live.

Bookings aren't open just yet while the final arrangements are being confirmed.

THIS IS THE OUTDOOR PROJECT.

Less time watching other people do it. More time learning to do it yourself.

AEC — Set Yourself Free.