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A two day course led by a qualified Winter Mountain Leader and experienced fell runner. These are aimed at runners who would like to build skills and experience for continuing their running through the winter months, particularly in a mountain environment.

Winter Skills for Runners

About The Weekend 

Winter can be a difficult time to keep running motivation up. Day light hours are short, the weather unpredictable and underfoot conditions challenging. It's also the season when getting out for a run becomes ever more important to keep us happy and healthy. 

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This course is aimed at anyone who would like to run on the trails and mountains year round. It will help you gain the skills and experience needed to stay safe in the winter mountains, give you the confidence to keep running year round, and enable you to make sound decisions when winter mountain running. 

What will the weekend include?

The content of the two days is designed to teach and develop the winter skills required for safe travel through a mountain environment and understand how and when it is appropriate to use them for running. 

 

The following gives you an outline of the core skills and information we will cover over the two days. The exact content, location and style of movement will be shaped by the weather, conditions and participants.

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DAY 1 - This will be a focused skills day in a winter mountain environment. This means minimal distance will be covered and participants should come dressed appropriately for winter hill walking. It will likely include:

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  • understanding mountain weather and avalanche risk

  • skills for moving safely and efficiently over snow and ice

  • where, when and how to use crampons, micro-spikes and ice axe

  • pros and cons of crampons vs micro spikes

  • winter running kit and mountain safety essentials

  • tips, tricks and advice on how to train and fuel for winter runs​​

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DAY 2 - This will be a journey day appropriate to the weather and conditions. It could be a winter hill run using micro-spikes, a winter mountain walk in crampons or a lower level winter trail run.

 

As it is not always sensible or safe to attempt to run up high in the winter mountains we cannot promise that we will do this - but you will learn how to make good decisions in this context and if it is possible to run up high we will. The day will likely include:

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  • how to plan an appropriate route for a variety of winter conditions

  • how to decide whether a mountain run is a good option, or not

  • a running or walking journey through a winter mountain environment

  • the chance to practice the skills learnt from the previous day in context

  • winter navigation strategies 

Join us this winter

The course runs Saturday and Sunday between approx 08:00 - 16:00.

We will meet each day at Ellis Brighams in Fort William, car sharing to the mountain start from here.

Each day will involve time in a winter mountain environment as well as some indoor based learning.

Participants should be comfortable with running up to 10km with some ascent, the pace will be very relaxed, and a lot of the weekend will be walking. 

The aim of the weekend is to increase your skills, experience and confidence in a winter mountain environment. This will be the focus and as such we will not be covering big distances and will only be running if safe to do so. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will I be fit enough? 

 

The focus of this course is on gaining skills and experience not covering any significant distances. If you have a basic level of run fitness (e.g. able to run 10km at a relaxed pace without stopping) and have spent time walking or running in a mountain environment you will have the fitness required.  If this hasn't put your mind at ease, please get in touch for a chat. 

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What happens if Run The Highlands cancel the course?

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If we cancel a course you will be entitled to a full refund or a place on our next available course. 

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Will we be outside the whole time? 

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This weekend is about getting out and learning whatever the weather. We will be outside for most of the time with some shorter theory sessions based inside.

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Is food and accommodation included? 

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No. Food and accommodation are not included in our course prices, this is to allow people to cater for their own budgets and preferences. You will need to bring a packed lunch with you each day. 

What does the timetable look like? 

 

We will take into consideration weather, mountain conditions, and group ability nearer the time in order to best deliver the course content - no two courses are exactly the same! We will meet each day at 8:00am at Ellis Brigham in Fort William. We will spend an hour or so inside checking kit, and making a plan for the day, before heading out on the hill. Lifts can be arranged from Ellis Brigham to the start point. 

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What is the age limit?

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There is no upper limit! However, under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

When and how do I pay? ​

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To secure your place you will pay a £100 deposit when you book. You will then receive a welcome email with details of how to pay the remaining amount. Courses must be paid for in full no later than 24 days before the start date. 

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What happens if I need to cancel? 

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Full details of our cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. 

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