Winter expectations.

There is no doubt that winters in Scotland are changing. As a result, walkers and climbers will need to shift expectations of what winter is. Ten years ago we could assume that there would be a general cover of snow sufficient to be able to walk over to practice winter walking skills with ice axes and crampons, even in poor weather. We would be able to count on classic routes like Tower Ridge to hold enough snow to feel “wintry” even in the rain.

A study published in 2023 by Leeds University says the Scottish Highlands has seen an increase in mean minimum and maximum temperatures over the past century and a 45-year-long study in the mountains of the Scottish Highlands linked a reduction in winter and spring snow cover duration over this period to an increase in mean temperature. Climate models forecast a continued warming trend and further reductions in snow cover. 

Of course there have been very wide variations year by year, but the overall trend is clear. Data from SAIS collected over the last 18 years show huge variations in temperature and snowfall. Last winter was slightly warmer and we had slightly less snowfall, resulting in much less snow cover.

What does this mean for walkers and climbers?

Finding good snow cover, winter climbing and amenable weather has always been a lottery in Scotland. Nothing has ever been guaranteed and we have always worked with an attitude of making the most of what we’re given. Sometimes it all comes together and we get to enjoy the most fantastic climbing in the world. Much of the time we have a bit of a battle to find something that feels wintry and is enjoyable, even if it is sometimes only enjoyable after getting down and showered! We have always had days when getting onto snow and ice has been impossible.
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In future winters, we will be even less certain to find snow and ice. But it’s still winter in Scotland and there is lots to enjoy.

Does this mean we shouldn’t bother?

Not at all! Walking and climbing in winter in Scotland has never been entirely dependent on having snow and ice on the ground. What many think of as winter skills - using crampons and ice axes - form one small part of the complete set of winter skills we have always required. Route planning and avalanche avoidance, what to wear and what to carry, how to stay warm and comfortable (enough) to enjoy the day, navigation and route finding are all essential skills to develop and these can be learned and practiced with or without snow.

In many ways, a weekend of blue skies, sub-zero summit temperatures and good snow cover will not prepare you for the inevitable wet and windy days that you will come across on future trips. We have delivered many winter skills courses in delightful weather which we have ended by saying that, as nice as it was, these days have not been good preparation for what you will face next time you are out by yourself.
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Unless you live here and can pick out just the nice days to go climbing or walking, planning a trip has always included a lot of uncertainty. With some perseverance to make the most of the tough weather and keep enthusiasm levels high, you will eventually enjoy some really good weather and conditions. If you don’t try, you will never get to enjoy the good days.

Our promise to you.

Last winter included many excellent days for climbing and walking and on these days it was easy to deliver something that our guests wanted. There were also very many days that fell below expectations or aspirations of snow cover and climbing conditions.

We will always try our best to make the most of the weather and snow and ice conditions that we have at the time. We will always find some useful training or interesting routes to try in bad weather to nudge along your experience and skills a step further. We’re very grateful to all our guests who embrace the challenge of the weather in order to learn and develop their skills. It might not be exactly what you expected but we can’t change the weather and there is always something new to learn.