Cairngorm Conditions 17th Feb 2009

Another early start to make sure we got into the Coire Cas carpark where we met Danial and Byrony alongside. They had climbed Mont Blanc with us and Jonathan P last summer after doing a Winter Mountaineering course last February mid-term.
Apart from me missing the path turning as I chatted to Morris and the fields of slush on the walk in, today was better than expected. It was mainly dry with less wind and now that a lot of the deep fresh snow has melted, the existing snowpack is a lot firmer.
Today I was with Morris who wanted to experience grade 1 winter climbing and get an idea of basic winter ML ropework techniques.
Coincidentally met Jonathan P with his client heading for the Hidden Chimney queues just as we were kitting up. Apparently they took the Direct line before the bottle neck...!
Today Fi was alongside with Mark and Becca and again coincidentally Simon and Mark from last years Winter Mountaineering course were also alongside on our right...!
Visibility was good and it was all very sociable. I had a good vantage point for photos of all concerned.
The climbing was on softish snow but as long as you used the axe shafts it felt fairly positive. The corniced exits were easily avoided and the snow firmer than expected.
A good day for all and there's a light frost forecast for tonight so condition should be even better tomorrow.
See http://www.talisman-activities.co.uk/blog/2009/02/much-better-day-today.html

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Cairngorm
• Conditions
• 17th
• Feb
• 2009