Winter warning for mountaineers: Remember proper winter precautions and preparation
Mountaineering Scotland has recently issued a warning for mountaineers as wintry conditions have hit the mountains. Despite being Scotland focussed, Survival and Bushcrafts see this as good advice for anywhere with a similar environment.
With winter conditions now established, mountaineers are reminded not to get carried away by excitement.
Golden rules of winter mountaineering
This winter has so far been characterised by warmer than usual temperatures and a lack of good snow. Many keen hill walkers, climbers and ski tourers are now eager to get out into the white stuff. They can now make the most of the pleasures of the winter mountains.
But experts have cautioned people to remember the golden rules of winter mountaineering. These are:
- be prepared
- be equipped
- check conditions before you go.
Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser for Mountaineering Scotland, explains. “People are understandably excited now that proper winter conditions seem to have finally settled in. I’m looking forward to getting some great quality mountain days myself.”
Hill sense
“But don’t let that excitement overrule your hill sense. There has been a lot of fresh snow and a lot of wind”. She goes on to say this “creates often complex situations regarding avalanche risks on different parts of the mountains”. Consequently “it is absolutely essential that you pay close attention to the advice from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service”. This can be found at www.sais.gov.uk as well as a good mountain-specific weather forecast.
Avalanche risk
This week has seen over 50 UK and international winter climbers busy on Scotland’s icy cliffs and gullies. Avalanche risk has been a main consideration each evening when planning which routes to go for the following day. Some long-cherished goals have been sidelined as approach-routes to some of the cliffs have been at risk of avalanche. The old rule is at the front of everyone’s minds. “The mountains will always be there: the trick is to make sure that you are too.”
Planning and safety advice for winter mountaineering is available on the Mountaineering Scotland website at www.mountaineering.scot/thinkwinter
