MY FINAL WINTER COURSE

Karen, first time out in winter

Sunrise over Cairn Lochan

Andrew front pointing

Alpine conditions again

Coire an Lochain

This is fun!

The cliffs of Cairn Lochan

Icebergs of Coire an Lochain

Blue skies and sun

Cooling down in Coire Domhain snowholes

Northern Corries & Cairngorm plateau

Snowhole City

Ben Macdui from Cairn Gorms slopes

Steep ground above Coire an Lochain

The last of the 'Alpine', days. Another overnight freeze up followed by a blue bird day with hot sun. Karen and Andrew booked me last minute for a winter day out to catch the last of these wonderful conditions we have had over the last few days. They fancied a walk around the Northern Corries and Cairn Gorm, coupled with some experience in axe and crampons. Most of any winter conditions are in Coire an Lochain & Coire an t-Sneachda. Large areas of the plateau are now bare, over toward Ben Macdui there is still a decent snow cover. We walked into Coire an Lochain under a beautiful warm sun this morning. Once again the corrie was deserted apart from a couple of climbers high up. We traversed the corrie with superb hard neve, brilliant for cramponing and an absolute joy. Once out onto the plateau we were in the heat and down to base layers yet again this week! First time out for Andrew and Karen with axe and crampons and they just loved it, they may just  be hooked!
So that was my last booked and planned winter course this season. Thanks to all friends, clients and of course my wife for another fabulous winter season in the Scottish hills. It wasn't that bad a season, there have been far worse ones with regards to snow conditions. Some folk have short memories. I remember the 80's and early 90's which were pretty poor fair. All my booked courses ran this year, just one was rescheduled. In fact February saw one of my busiest so far! Full round up and video of winter 16/17 to come.
Of course there is still snow.....if you want it :)