CALM, ICY AND BUSY

Steve enjoying the fab snow

Nice to have a calmer day occasionally,  especially this winter which has been almost constant high winds and gales. There was snow on the ground at Aviemore this morning and a beautiful sunny, crisp morning. Return client Steve and his partner Marina out for two days of winter fun.

Beautiful and busy walk in

It was a busy day on the hill. Coire Cas carpark almost full. Lots of skiers, walkers and climbers. The walk into Coire an t-sneachda was very busy with large groups. A good trail had been forged through so very easy walking and the upper section was wonderfully icy, wind scoured after the last couple of windy days.

Good snowcover and blue skies

All the boulder fieldsboulder up at the Lochans are well snowed up and a joy to walk over. We went through some basic boot, axe and crampon techniques in the morning.  Lots of climbers in the Mess of Pottage.

Icy snow, great for cutting steps

Mess of Pottage 

After a bite to eat in calm winds, we headed up towards Windy Col. Some amazing snow all the way up. Firm snow and not too icy for novices. Perfect really. Despite large numbers of groups we found plenty of space and lovely conditions. The winds were higher towards the plateau but easily bearable.

Fab snow into the coire

Brilliant snow towards Windy Col

Up on the plateau it was a tad wilder and poor visibility. We headed over to bag Cairn Gorm summit. On the way up the winds weren't too bad and more wonderful icy conditions. We had the Munro summit to ourselves.

Climbers on the Mess of Pottage

Poor visibility on the plateau 

You'll definitely need these at the moment 

A great day and great company. Finished off with a hot chocolate in Glenmore.

Cairn Gorm

Northern Corries