17 people took part in this year’s trip, which took place in the mountains of Snowdonia on the 19th/21st January 2011. The usual pattern for these courses  is an evening theory session where we teach the basics of winter navigation, avalanche awareness, ice axe and crampon technique and what extra kit you need to be safe in the hills in winter (among other things). The following weekend involves driving up to Snowdonia on Friday night with dreams of crisp, white, snow capped peaks and ice encrusted rock. This is often followed by waking on Saturday morning to driving rain and soft, melting snow! This year was different; the forecast was almost too good to be true; snow lying at around 700 metres and a huge high pressure system bringing clear, cold weather.

Well, to be honest it was too good to be true. The snow was lying a bit higher but then  you can’t have everything. We left the hut at 09.00 on the dot, 3 groups all with different routes but with the same goal– be back by 17.00 for tea and cakes having all learned a bit about being out in the hills in winter, and all wanting to do it again. Seeing as everyone was out again at 09.00 the next day after an evening of socialising we must have succeeded!

Sunday was largely given over to serious map and compass work before reluctantly heading home (the forecast was still good!).

The County Mountaineering team would like to say a big thanks to all those who attended and I would like to say a big thanks to instructors Dave Plummer and Stuart Harmer for their expertise and support throughout the weekend.

If you’re looking to improve your skills in the mountains, be it for training, assessment or just to have a fun weekend in the hills, please check our future courses or get in touch via the County Mountaineering team page on the County website.

Asa Kitchiner

County Mountaineering Team.

(all photographs courtesy of Marlon Marton-Bell)