Ski touring conditions have been superb and many low level ice routes have been climbed for the first time in years.  Other, normally popular climbing venues remain unvisited due to inaccessibility from the deep snow conditions. 

These unique conditions also bring their dangers; highlighted by the tragic death of three climbers in avalanche incidents on the 30th December.  The avalanche risk is currently high in many locations due to the volume of snow, continued cold conditions and unusually light winds.  Currently in the Cairngorm region there is a massive build up of snow, major avalanche activity is expected and the avalanche run-outs will extend far out across the flat corrie floors.