FRESH SNOW & COLDER

Neve, poor visibility

More ice

Step Cutting

Fresh snow and drifts making heavy going

Sharp crampons needed

Paul & Mike enjoying the conditions

Flat footing, downhill

The Cairngorms were once again transformed overnight and into today with a fresh blanket of snow down to Aviemore level. It snowed steadily for much of today with a fair few cm's of snow. It was heavy going, breaking trail from the Coire Cas carpark onto the tops. Paul & Mike were out with me today for a day of winter skills. We built on their experience of  some winter hills in the Lakes and North Wales Avalanche awareness, navigation and movement on snow & ice were the main topics we covered. The side of Fiacaill Coire Cas was completely deserted and we had the place to ourselves. Good areas of old, wind scoured snow. Great area for cutting steps and cramponing. The visibility was poor all day, right from the bottom of the ski area. Very cold temperatures on the tops from the northerly winds which were only light but a real sting.