Top ten activities at the Fort William Mountain Festival

The festival runs from the 15th until the 19th of February.

1) TASTE THE ROCK

This introductory beginner’s course is a great offer for everyone who has been thinking about giving rock climbing a try. No matter if you’re a first-timer, are experienced or want to refresh your skills.

Date: throughout the festival

Venue: Ice Factor

Price: £20

Duration: 1 hour

2) LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD

An affordable taster for those who have never hit the slopes before and is suitable for both children and adults. Equipment is provided and you’ll get a two hours instruction and a ski pass for £51 (adults) or £29 (children).

Date: throughout the festival

Venue: Nevis Range

Price: £51 (adults)/£29 (children)

Duration: 2 hours (instruction) resp. one whole day (ski pass)

3) WINTER WALKING SKILLS WORKSHOPS

You are into summer walking and want to experience the characteristics of winter walking? Then you should join one of the workshops offered Saturday 18 and Sunday 19.

Date: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th February, from 8.45am till 4.30pm

Venue: Abacus Mountaineering

Price: £60

Duration: one whole day

4) AVALANCHE AWARENESS WORKSHOPS

This is something for the more experienced among you. You get a brief theoretical instruction and spend the remaining time with snow analysis.

Date: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th February, from 8.45am till 4.30pm

Venue: Abacus Mountaineering

Price: £60

Duration: one whole day

5) BIKE NIGHT WITH STEVE PEAT AND OTHER BIG SURPRISES

Listen to the Downhill World Champion and World Cup Winner Steve Peat talking about his recent film project and feel free to ask him anything you want to during a Q&A session.

Stu Thomson will also present his latest film “Industrial Revolutions”, a collaboration with Danny Macaskill and Clay Porter’s 3 Minute Gasps featuring Greg Minnaar or Matti Lehikoinen.

Date: Thursday 16th February

Venue: Nevis Centre

Price: £12.50 online; £ 14 at ticket office (adults)/ £3 online and at ticket office (kids under 16)

6) IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

Being an advanced skiier, these workshops will help you increase your carving and all-mountain skiing.

Date: 13.30 - 15.30 throughout the festival

Venue: Nevis Centre

Price: £25

Duration: one whole afternoon

7) JOHNNY DAWES ROCK-CLIMBING WORKSHOPS

The British rock climber Johnny Dawes explains the finer points of his technique.

Date: Sunday 19th February, 11am - 12.30.pm and 1.30 - 3pm

Venue: Ice Factor

Price: £30

Duration: 1.5 hours

Note: due to the number of participants being limited to only 7, please contact Jamie at the Ice Factor, Kinlochleven on 01855 831100 for booking information.

8) HIT THE ICE

You should have already climbed in your life before attending this workshop, but this isn’t a prerequisite. Before actually starting to climb, you will be given basic information about ice axe and crampon placement as well as a refresher of basic ropework.

Date: throughout the festival

Venue: Ice Factor

Price: £40

Duration: 2.5 hours

9) TASTE THE ROCK & HIT THE ICE

A special offer given by the organisers. Pay only £55 and you’ll get a private rock session followed by an ice session. This way you can climb indoor rock and ice the same day.

Date: throughout the festival

Venue: Ice Factor

Price: £55

Note: for booking information call Jamie at the Ice Factor, Kinlochleven on 01855 831100

10) LANDSCAPES OF LOCHABER

This workshop which contains advice on composition and technical skills may be interesting especially for less experienced photographers.

Date: Friday 17th February, 9.30am - 6pm

Venue: Meet at the Nevis Centre at 9.30am

Price: £80

Duration: 8.5 hours

Note: min. 2 persons, max. 6 persons; picnic lunch provided and make sure to dress for winter outdoors with stout footwear.

• Gallery pictures by Alex Hewitt