£
£

Winter Mountaineering

Sort By:
Sale - Up to 50% offFree Next Day Delivery on orders over £125
Heading into the mountains in winter is a proper adventure, but it's one that you need to be properly prepared for. The conditions can be tough, so having the right gear isn't just about being comfortable – it's about staying safe. Our range of winter mountaineering kit is here to help you do just that.

When you're dealing with snow and ice, some bits of kit are absolutely essential. We're talking about a good helmet, a sturdy pair of winter boots with crampons that fit them perfectly, and an ice axe for stability and safety. And for those overnight trips, a warm 4-season sleeping bag is a must.

Just as important is your clothing. The key is to use a layering system: a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, an insulated mid-layer like a fleece to keep you warm, and a waterproof shell to protect you from the wind and snow. And don't forget to look after your hands and head with some warm insulated gloves and a hat or balaclava. It's also vital to carry safety equipment like a map and compass, a headtorch, and an emergency shelter. With the right preparation and the right gear, you'll be ready to take on the challenge of the winter mountains.

The non-negotiables are a helmet, a pair of B2 or B3 rated winter boots, crampons that fit those boots, and a walking ice axe. These are your primary safety tools for travelling on snow and ice.

The layering system is key. Start with a non-cotton base layer that wicks sweat away. Add a fleece or a light insulated jacket as your mid-layer for warmth. Finish with a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers as your outer shell to protect you from the elements.

Build endurance with cardio and strength training, focusing on legs and core. Winter hiking with a weighted pack simulates real conditions. Prioritise stamina for energy-sapping snow travel and acclimatisation for altitude. 

Avalanches pose life-threatening risks in snow-laden slopes. Learn to assess terrain, interpret forecasts, and use transceivers. Practice rescue drills and avoid unstable slopes during high-risk conditions. 

Master compass bearings and pacing. GPS devices aid navigation but rely on map/compass as backups. Plan routes using landmarks visible in poor visibility and avoid cornices. 

Yes. A helmet isn't just for protecting you from a fall; it's also for protecting you from things falling from above, like ice or rocks dislodged by other people.

It's all about stiffness. B1 boots are flexible and suitable for walking. B2 boots are stiffer and can take a C2 crampon, making them a great all-rounder for UK winter mountaineering. B3 boots are completely rigid, designed for technical ice climbing.

It's an electronic device that sends out a signal. If someone in your group is buried in an avalanche, the rest of the group can switch their transceivers to "search" mode to locate the buried person's signal. It's a vital piece of kit if you're heading into avalanche-prone terrain


Let us know you agree to cookies

We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.

 

We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.