Scotland Expedition Winter Skills Course

12-Week Training Plan for the Expedition Winter Skills 7 Summits Challenge

This structured training plan is designed to prepare you for multi-day endurance trekking, high-altitude climbing, and challenging terrain. The focus is on cardiovascular fitness, strength, stamina, altitude adaptation, and mental resilience.

Weekly Training Schedule Overview

Phase 1
Weeks 1–4 : Building a Strong Base
Goal: Develop cardio endurance, leg strength, and hiking ability.

✅ Hiking & Trekking

• 10–12 km (6–8 miles) with a 5–10 kg pack.
• 600–800m elevation gain.
• 3–5 hours duration.
• Train slow and steady pacing (important for multi-day treks).

✅ Strength Training (2 x per week)

• Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps.
• Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg.
• Step-ups (50 cm box) – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg with a weighted pack.
• Planks – 3 x 1 min (for core strength & balance).
• Pull-ups – 3 sets of 6 (for scrambling & upper body endurance).

✅ Cardio Training

• 45–60 min runs or cycling/swimming at a moderate pace.
• Stair climbing (30 min with a 5-7 kg pack).
• Rowing (for upper body endurance and lung capacity).

✅ Technical Skills & Terrain Familiarisation

• If possible, hike on rocky, uneven terrain.
• Practice scrambling movements (use hands on rocky terrain).
• Use trekking poles efficiently.

Phase 2
Weeks 5–8: Strength, Altitude & Endurance Boost
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, endurance, and pack weight.

✅ Hiking & Trekking

• 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 10–12 kg pack.
• 800–1,200m elevation gain.
• 6+ hours duration.
• Back-to-back hikes on weekends to simulate fatigue.

✅ Strength & Stability (2 x per week)

• Step-ups (50 cm box) with a 12 kg pack – 3 sets of 15 reps per leg.
• Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8 reps (for lower back strength).
• Farmer’s Carry (15 kg per hand) – 3 sets of 30m (for grip & backpack strength).
• Planks & Hanging Leg Raises (for core & stability).

✅ Cardio & Endurance

• 60 min continuous run, cycling, or swimming.
• Interval running (5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow).
• Rowing or stair climbing for 40 min with 8 kg pack.

Phase 3
Weeks 9–12 : Peak Performance & Multi-Day Trek Simulation
Goal: Simulate multi-day trekking, maximise endurance, and test gear & nutrition strategies.

✅ Hiking (Most Important)

• 15–25 km (10–15 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack.
• 1,200–1,500m elevation gain.
• Back-to-back hikes (Saturday & Sunday) – 8+ hours each day.
• Summit a local peak if possible (to simulate fatigue & altitude).

✅ Final Strength & Endurance Training

• Stair Climbing (45–60 min with 12 kg pack).
• Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 12 per leg.
• Planks & Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 1 min.

✅ Technical & Mental Training

• Scrambling on rocky terrain (if possible).
• Long hikes starting at 3 AM to simulate early summit starts.
• Train in extreme conditions (cold, wind, rain, altitude exposure).

✅ Recovery & Injury Prevention

• Cold showers & ice baths to prepare for extreme temperatures.
• Stretching & foam rolling to prevent muscle tightness.

Final 2 Weeks (Taper & Recovery)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Taper).
🔹 Focus on mobility, stretching, and rest.
🔹 Test your full gear & pack during a light hike.
🔹 Hydration & nutrition strategy practice.

Key Training Tips
✅ Train in your boots & backpack early (no last-minute surprises).
✅  Use trekking poles to protect knees on long descents.
✅  Practice slow, steady breathing at altitude.
✅  Train with varied terrain (loose rock, scree, snow if possible).
✅  Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best.
✅  Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritise sleep.

If you check all the boxes, you’re ready:
✅ Can you hike 1,500m+ with a 5-7 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 8–10 hour hikes back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, high-wind conditions?
✅ Are you comfortable with scrambling & rocky terrain?