28-10-13, 09:42 PM
Quote:Not sure I'd want to do those walks without an ice axe, maybe even crampons in some of the conditions your pics show? That would definitely be a step up from what I've done. Conditions can get pretty severe up there, you hear of some pretty grim tragedies when the weather turns suddenly. Doesn't that kind of thing worry you? Or just a case of watching the mountain forecast carefully before you go?
I guess driving to work down the power station access road did it to me. Everyday seeing the Arran hills covered in snow.
Yes crampons and axe are really a must. If you take only one of the two, take the axe. The axe is handy for getting up steep slopes, using as a tool on wee slippy bits etc, but it's real purpose is to stop you in the event of a fall - self arrest. When ever you are on or near steep slopes that you could potentially slide down you should have the axe in your hand. There's a few good u-tube videos showing you the various uses of the axe. And you are supposed to practise self arrest. I need to do a bit more of that. Found a nice steep slope last winter with a safe run out, so I figured, why not, and flung myself down it, then tried to get on the axe as per video. Didn't quite get it right, I got it in but it was slipping from my hands, so I hung on for dear life, it bit, but bloody hell my shoulder hurt like hell afterwards. So I need more practise but hopefully, fingers crossed, I'll never ever have to use it in anger.
You need reasonably stiff boots for crampons. Worth practising getting them on and off, it's easy, but you don't wanna be mucking about with them on the hill. I take my gloves off to get em on, so you want em on quick. Just a matter of reading a little on their use. Brilliant things. The one thing to watch out for is snagging em on your gaiters, my gaiters have a few holes punched in em where I caught the crampon and subsequently fell flat on my face - apparently for a few of folks that's the last thing they ever do. But you just learn to walk like John Wayne.
At the end of the day I'm just going out for a walk, I'm not a climber. Most outings you end up carrying the axe and crampons attached to your bag all day. If the surface of the snow is soft you don't need the crampon.
The weather forecasts are good, I like the Mountain Weather Information Service http://www.mwis.org.uk/index.php
I'm looking for a good chance of clear tops, little or no precipitation, and ideally winds less than 30mph. Wind chill can really cut you in winter.
Avalanche forecast is the other thing to check - http://www.sais.gov.uk/
And just like summer, when things can get nasty too, it's knowing when to, and being able to take the decision to turn back - summit fever is a terrible thing!
But I mean pick a good day, a safe route (though some can throw up the odd surprise), check the avalanche forecasts (even though you think your route is safe), and go, gotta be a darn sight less dangerous than riding a motorcycle - is it not?