GREAT SNOW COVER, LESS WINDS

Geared up, ski goggles essential

Fabulous snow cover & sunshine

Great snow cover in Sneachda 

Atmospheric clouds

Climbers on Mess of Pottage

Good snow cover in Coire Cas

Blowing snow

The gales and storm force winds finally abated somewhat today. The Westerly winds were still strong, 50mph gusting to 70 on the tops. Staying cold with some fabulous snow cover in the Northern Cairngorms. Probably the best we've had all year. Ric is out with me this week on a 4 Day Winter course. We walked into Coire an t-sneachda on some brilliant snow. I always like to get off the main drag into the Coire when we get a complete, deep cover. Especially when there are a lot of groups about,  the busiest period in winter just now being school half term week. The boulders in Sneachda are well covered with snow that has consolidated on Western aspects so a pleasure. We covered some Avalanche awareness and a run through of axe and crampon techniques. Ric has previously been on a course a few years ago but always good to refresh skills. It was a blustery, gusy day with snow getting blown around but we also had bursts of blue skies and sunshine so very nice winter weather. On the plateau it was a battle but far easier than previous days! Some deep snow cover in upper Coire Cas and the Cas ridge. A joy to walk down here just now. Top day. Good to ha e a 'normal' winter day for a change.