Yesterday I went out to play in the snow and get my first winter climb of the season. I headed up to Ben Nevis to see what routes were in good condition. After walking in in the rain we found there was quite a lot of fresh snow with next to no snow base. We decided on the South West ridge of the Douglas boulder, as it looked quite white! Good climbing to be had with brilliant conditions for climbing harder mixed routes, however the lack of snow base meant that my newly sharpened axes got a few dings! We abseiled into East gully to find a lot of fresh snow that had accumulated. I imagine after this freeze thaw/ weather bomb that we are experiencing there will be a significant change in conditions, hopefully for the better! Things high up looked amazing with lots of rime build up, Tower ridge looked amazing but I can Imagine it would be hard won. We also saw Will Sim climbing Tomahawk crack up on Number Three Gully Buttress, Impressive stuff!
I have posted some photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/AtlasMountaineering
Thanks
Connor
