Can anyone recommend a good winter skills course, where you can learn to use an ice axe and crampons, and navigate in winter conditions? Thanks!
Any of the following. All Lakes based but operate in Scotland during the winter
http://www.mountaincircles.com
https://www.lakelandascents.co.uk
https://www.lakesoutdoorexperience.co.uk
All of the big suppliers do good courses:
Plas Y Brenin - https://www.pyb.co.uk/
Glenmore Lodge - https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/
Jagged Globe - https://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/
Many others as well.
Or go private guiding with a British Mountain Guide - https://www.bmg.org.uk/activities/. The latter will allow you to tailor what you want and get really focused tuition. Probably just as good value for money as well if there are a couple of you.
If you're under the age of thirty, your first port of call should be to try to secure a place on a winter Conville Course.
I used Cairngorms Adventure Guides last year and can recommend them.
I’ve literally just put our course dates on the site for 19/20. Take a look https://www.highlandascents.co.uk/courses-and-training/winter-skills-winter...
Si
Talisman Mountaineering based in Aviemore in the Cairngorms have been running winter skills courses since the early nineties, so plenty of experience and reliable conditions! See https://www.talisman-activities.co.uk/scottish-winter-skills
This Winter Conditions page gives a summary of what is being climbed at the moment, what is 'in' nick and what the prospects are...