Ben Nevis in winter course - March '16

Course: Ben Nevis in Winter
Leader: Mark Riley

A trip up Buachaille Etive Beag in Wind, rain and low cloud on the Saturday gave Alistair and Derren an appreciation of the importance on Navigation in winter, when there is no visible footpath. At the col they were instructed and practiced Ice axe arrest in the rather soft wet snow before walking along the ridge to the summit of Stob Dubh for their first sense of exposure and there first Munro!

With a better weather on the Sunday it was decided to visit Ben Nevis’s North face for an easier day of crampon techniques, we found some good patches of ice below the NE Buttress and as the cloud lifted it gave us great views of the crags.

We arose on Monday morning to glorious Alpine weather for our ascent on Ben Nevis via the pony track. The thaw of the last several days made the route up to the half way Lochan much easier if rather hot. The snow encountered from the first zigzag had firmed up overnight making it easier underfoot. As we neared the summit wisps of cloud enveloped the top to give a very mystical feel to the last 100m before dissipating so we could have the summit views we hoped for! Lunch, followed by an explore to the NE ridge cairn and a lot of photo’s and it was time to descend. A great day in glorious weather to end the trip on a highlight!

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