Thanks to Krister Jonsson for these two photos of Vanishing Gully taken yesterday. The conditions from the route look better than from a distance, although it will probably be more difficult than usual. We now have a settled weather system for a few day and the conditions on Ben Nevis are pretty good. Krister is staying with us at Calluna and hopefully will send more photos as the week progresses.  Thanks Krister. We have some beds and mountain instructors available this week if anyone fancies a visit.

Very busy today on Ben Nevis with queues on Two-Step Corner and The White Line area. No doubt other sectors as well. These pictures are thanks to Ken Christie on an ascent of Glver’s Chimney yesterday. Thanks Ken.

Today some avalanches have been set off, so take care. One party on the CMD Arete descended via the abseil posts into Coire Leis and triggered a small slide on a north facing aspect opposite the Little Brenva Face. Another slide occurred on a north-easterly facing aspect on Aonach Mor. The party on CMD Arete experienced some fairly strong wind that was redistributing the falling snow. Please consider reporting any avalanche activity on this website Your report will help create a wider historical picture of avalanche events and hopefully increase everyone’s awareness and ability to avoid being a  victim.

One team from West Coast Mountain Guides led by Nigel Hooker climbed Comb Gully. Another couple of guests at Calluna climbed Smiths Route. They heard a few big slides in the mist and also witnessed some brave souls going into Point Five Gully.

Plenty of new snow on Ben Nevis today, but the avalanche hazard is HIGH in places and the temperature is set to rise, so keep away from gullies and big open snow slopes if possible. Ridges are the best option but the unconsolidated snow could prove arduous to upward travel! Some good ice is forming as shown in these two photos. Hadrians and Orion look to be building ice  and I’m sure Smiths and Indicator Wall area will be good BUT dangerous on the approach until the snow settles a wee bit. Take care.

Plenty of snow and good weather today on Ben Nevis

This week Calluna is busy with the BMG winter training course, plus a winter climbing and mountaineering course for West Coast Mountain Guides. Thanks to Spike Sellers for the photo above taken on his approach to the CIC Hut this morning, heading for Ledge Route with Greg and David.