Winter ascent of Ben Nevis - Includes Bed on Sleeper Train!

This trip includes return travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to The Scottish Highlands!!

You may have climbed it in the summer, but an ascent of Ben Nevis in winter provides a unique and very different mountain experience, with snow and ice transforming it into one of the UK's most majestic mountains.

Please note that this is a tough trip involving a very long day out on the hills. A good level of fitness is a must, although no experience of hiking in winter conditions is necessary.

To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.

This trip is suitable for anyone, regardless of winter hiking experience - A Full day of winter skills tuition will be provided prior to attempting the hike to the highest point in The UK

If you already have winter hiking experience, this day of tuition will be great to hone your skills and reacquaint yourself with the skills you've already learnt

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No prior winter mountaineering experience is required and full instruction will be provided on the use of the equipment and the skills required to keep safe in the winter environment

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The Itinerary

Friday evening: Meet outside London Euston train station and board the Caledonian Sleeper train for an overnight journey to Fort William (A bed in a twin room)

Saturday: Meet you guide in Fort William at 10am for a trip briefing before journeying in the local area to the snow line for an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/cramponing skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.

Sunday: An early start, to make the most of the day, we will make our way to the summit of Ben Nevis. The specific route we take will depend on experience, ability and weather conditions.

At the end of the day you will be transported to Fort William for your departure home.

Sunday evening: Board The Caledonian Sleeper Train from Fort William for an overnight journey back to London (arrives London at 9am)

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Accommodation:
We will be staying in a local hotel/hostel (single-sex rooms) to ensure we are warm and comfortable in the evening.

Your minimum kit list should be:

• Base Layers
• Fleece
• Warm/Insulated Jacket
• Hiking Trousers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
• Hat or Balaclava
• Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens (A spare pair is also recommended in case one gets wet)
• Warm Socks
• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Ski Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
• Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
• Head torch
• Personal medication

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Cost: The price for this weekend is £495

Included in the base price will be:

• Bed in a single-sex twin room on The Caledonian Sleeper Train - return travel from London to Fort William
• Transport and logistical support in Fort William/Ben Nevis region
• 1-night hotel/hostel accommodation
• Technical equipment required for winter hiking (ice axe, crampons and helmet) and lessons in how to use them.
• Tuition and 2-days of guided hikes by a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader including the ascent of Ben Nevis

Excluded from the base price:

• Your personal hiking kit
• All food throughout the weekend
• Use of gondola on non-Ben Nevis day if required
• Personal travel insurance

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To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment (amount depends on whether you elect to use the Sleeper train, or not)

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Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)

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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining