UKH

does any body know if it is worth short roping on a ridge in winter conditions because i have a friend who wants to get into winter hill walking.

Sometimes, yes.

It's such a vague question (what ridge, where, and who's doing it?), but the simple answer is no. Short roping is a specialist technique appropriate to some terrain, but not a useful DIY solution for novices on anything.

Some walkers may occasionally benefit from confidence roping (not the same thing!) on some steep walking terrain, but that's not something you'd go out planning to do on your hypothetical, generic ridge either.

we would probably be going north ridge tryfan or crib goch

If your partner is a complete winter novice, I'd take them up the Pyg track, up over Snowdon then back down over Y Llwedd. Crib Goch might freak them out!

Shouldn't need any gear as well.  Crampons and axe optional!

thanks

In that case, the answer's probably 'maybe', but only if you have the skills/experience to do it (the short roping), in which case I'd expect you to have known without asking. But, from the way you've asked and your other topic at https://www.ukhillwalking.com/forums/hilltalk/tryfan_winter-686592, I still don't think it sounds appropriate.

Maybe start off with a less difficult proposition for a total beginner. Hard to give advice without more details. I have taken various novices into the hills in winter or on scrambles and sometimes freaked them out. Not something I would do again without being more sure of their abilities.

I did it as my first winter climb (first time I'd ever put on crampons), when I was younger and dumber. I'd agree with you that it is a pretty poor choice for a beginner, I came fairly close to killing myself. Although, I'd probably say take an ice axe and crampons (and possibly a helmet) in some conditions for your suggested route.

Its not a proposition for someone who wants to get 'into winter hill walking'.  

Its a big step up from that - and unless you know how to short rope safely not a good idea.

I'd say axe and crampons are essential for the route you suggest in winter conditions. The top part of the Watkin path descending from Snowdon to the Bwlch is steep and exposed and if the path is banked out with hard snow/ice, potentially lethal.