First Snow of Winter - Tryfan's North Ridge

There have been some big, dark and blue-tinged clouds about over the weekend and in the gaps between them, we could see that the first snows of winter have fallen on the mountain tops. We had a heavy hail shower here at The Cottage and a slight frost, but this morning's sunrise was the best natural spectacle.

I was guiding a group of scramblers on the North Ridge of Tryfan today, as part of a series of expedition training days. With barely any wind and even a bit of blue sky, the day started very well, but finished with it's fair share of drama.

Above the 'Cannon Stone' (photo above), we reached the snow. It actually turned out just to be lots of hail. There must have been a heck of a downpour to lay this much down!

The hail was confined to the ledges, so we made easy progress upwards and the summit was soon within reach.

A short distance from the top, I suggested one student take the easier path around the steeper scrambling of the final towers. I've yet to find the diagnosis, but as we traversed the top of the east face, the student became confused, frightened and barely able to walk. Extreme vertigo? Exhaustion? Mental and physical faculties had become severely impaired. I had to be very direct with my instructions and had to switch my leadership style and decision-making process into fast mode. At one point as my mind was whirring, I thought we might even need rescuing by helicopter if he was unable to walk. Using the rope that we had with us, I was able to short rope, (basically tow the student) up the final part of North Gully, (photo below), to the North Ridge, to a point where we were able to exit the mountain down an easier way.

Thankfully, things perked up after this and after roping halfway down the mountain, things became fine again and further drama was averted. Never a dull day in the mountains!