Adventure Scotland - brought to you by Scotland's National Tourism Organisation

Picture the scene: great company, fantastic mountain days, panoramic views of one of the most beautiful places in the world. With Mountain Innovations, a walking holiday is this and much more.

Based in Aviemore and the Cairngorms - it's a veritable adventure playground.

Come the end of the mountain day we don't abandon you at your accommodation until the next morning. We provide for you throughout your stay. After a fantastic day you arrive back to a roaring fire, a welcoming mug of tea and a good craic. And let's not forget Rebecca's home baking and fantastic evening meals.

This, the shared camaraderie of a like-minded group, and the totally informal atmosphere make for a brilliant holiday. We're owner run - we can't be beat!

What we do best:

Snow Hole Expeditions

Challenging! Rewarding! Remarkable! This will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Help construct a roomy communal snowhole lit by the reflected light of candles! Wake up to the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn.

Once you've undergone a day of essential skills training we embark on a two-day expedition to head deep into the snowy wilderness. The route takes us across the Cairngorm (4085ft) - Ben Macdui (4295ft) plateau to spend a night in a communal snowhole. You learn the essentials of good snow hole design and efficient construction.

The challenges are unique and the rewards unrivalled - this is Britain's ultimate winter mountain experience & one not to be missed.

Fitness: Clients should have plenty of stamina and a good level of fitness to cope with three physically demanding days in the winter mountains.

The expedition days will involve about 4-5 hours walking with a heavy rucksack, in what could be difficult conditions.

On the 1st Expedition day the walk-in is followed by 2-3hrs digging. Previous winter hillwalking experience is not obligatory but clients should make sure they fully appreciate what is involved before signing up.

If you take part in competitive sport regularly or train hard at least once a week you should be plenty fit enough.

Available packages

Snow holing (3 days trip, one night in snow hole) - from £360

Ski Mountaineering - TBC

Mountain Innovations offers an exclusive 'departure guarantee' on all our trips. Once your booking is accepted by us, we will guarantee to run the trip - no matter how many people book with you.

All trips are inclusive packages including your chosen activity, your accommodation and full board along with transport and transfers from Inverness Airport or Aviemore Station.

We are firmly committed to environmental issues and offer a 'green travel discount' to all clients travelling to and from Aviemore by train.

Other activities available

   

Useful info

Equipment provided?

Mountain Innovations will provide specialist equipment such as snow shovels & ice saws. We also provide the expedition cooking equipment

What do I need to wear?

Full equipment list is provided on enquiry but you will need full waterproof, windproof clothing and thermal base layers. Winter walking boots are essential but can be hired

What do I need to bring?

Full equipment list is provided on enquiry. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat as well as your normal walking clothes and personal safety equipment (crampons & ice axe)

When can I do it?

Winter skills is available Jan, Feb and Mar. There is also a Hogmanay holiday package. Check with Mountain Innovations for details on all activities.

Is there a pub nearby?

Yes, 200m