Campaign reminder to ThinkWINTER

The 2025 ThinkWINTER campaign focuses on planning and preparation as the keys to enjoying Scotland’s hills and mountains this winter.

As winter returns to Scotland’s majestic mountains, mountain safety organisations have launched the annual joint ThinkWINTER campaign, which reminds outdoor enthusiasts that mountain conditions can change rapidly – and that planning and preparation is key to having winter adventures and coming home safe.

Whether you’re hiking, climbing, running, mountain biking or ski touring, ThinkWINTER encourages everyone heading into the hills to check the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts, have appropriate clothing and footwear, carry the necessary equipment, and ensure they have the skills and experience to cope with what can be very variable winter conditions.

Ski touring in the Cairngorms. Credit: Al Todd

Ross Cadie, Senior Mountain Safety Advisor at Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Winter in the Scottish mountains is breathtaking, but it can also be very challenging and demands respect.

“We want people to enjoy winter in the outdoors safely and responsibly. ThinkWINTER is about inspiring adventure while encouraging planning and preparation.”

Mike Reading, Senior Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, reinforces the message. He said: “Weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, sometimes within minutes, and vary dramatically from the glen to the higher slopes and summits.

“Checking the mountain forecast before you set off can make all the difference between a safe, enjoyable outing and a potentially dangerous situation.”

The ThinkWINTER campaign is a collaboration between some of Scotland’s key mountain safety and outdoor sports organisations, which form the Mountain Safety Group for Scotland.