Monday 14 January 2013

Powder day on the Ben


 Reaching the end of the first 'Zig' on Ledge Route

This week I'm working with Sebastian who is just beginning a two year climbing project with Adventure Peaks. With plenty of soft snow on the ground and light winds we headed up onto the Ben and Ledge Route, arguably the best grade II on the mountain. Despite the snow the approach was painless and we nipped up the lower reaches of No 5 Gully to gain the first 'zig'. There is very little old snow left on the initial ledges but the powder gave enough purchase and the upper reaches of the route were in great condition.
We descended via No 4 Gully which was knee deep in soft snow but everything seemed stable. This afternoons slightly stronger winds were just starting to develop a thin skin of soft slab on the surface.

 
Enjoying snowy conditions high on Ledge Route

Descending in to the powder of No 4 Gully

Coire Na Ciste from the CIC Hut

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