24-01-14, Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorms - Winter Blasting

Extremely windy today, very hard to walk or stand. Plenty of wind slab formed on lee slopes. In the morning, the path was frozen, but throughout the day the altitude of the freezing level rose. Many people turning back and walking out from 10am on wards. We were mean't to be taking a team climbing, but with the strong winds and avalanche conditions that was impossible. The team have never been out in winter so it was good to experience some Scottish blasting, see what works and how to stay comfortable, but to get used to moving around with axes and crampons also. It has been quite a spicy week and it is set to continue a bit longer!

05-03-11, Cairngorms - Winter Survival Expedition

Beautiful last day looking across the Cairngorm Plateau.

The last 3 days with the Royal Navy were spent on a the Cairngorm plateau with a 2 night expedition sleeping in snow holes. This was a chance for the team to put all the skills they have learnt together with the added concentration of staying as comfortable as possible and looking after themselves in this harsh environment. Thursday we ascended pt. 1141 over t-Sneachda to Coire Domhain where we dug in to create our home for the next few days. We did some night navigation on the plateau that evening. Friday to the summit of Ben Macdui in white out conditions - hard navigation! Saturday was a brilliant blue sky day - we summited Cairngorm then down. The snow underfoot was hard and icy, but soon softened in the sun. The northern corries were very rocky, but the easy gullies will be in great condition.

Snow Bunting.

Team on the plateau with some blue sky.

Busy on the plateau.

Home sweet home, return on the second day.

Stunning last morning.

Beinn Mheadhoin.

Ben Macdui and Coire Dumhain.