Winter ascent of Snowdon

You may have climbed it in the summer, but an ascent of Snowdon in winter provides a unique and very different mountain experience, with snow and ice transforming it into one of the UK's most majestic mountains.

To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.

This trip is suitable for anyone, regardless of winter hiking experience - A Full day of winter skills tuition will be provided prior to attempting the hike to the highest point in England & Wales

If you already have winter hiking experience, this day of tuition will be great to hone your skills and reacquaint yourself with the skills you've already learnt
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ITINERARY
Friday PM
Meet outside Manchester Piccadilly train station and take a relaxing journey to North Wales in the comfort of the train

Saturday
A full introduction to what we will be doing, a safety briefing, a kit check, a hike to the snow/ice line for an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/cramponing skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.

Sunday
An early start, with a variety of route options, we will decide the best route based on ground and weather conditions (and the groups appetite for adventure). After reaching the highest point in England and Wales, we will descend safely back to the vehicles for your transfer back to the train station and onward journeys home.
(Return trains from Manchester included in the cost of the trip)

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ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in a local hostel (single-sex rooms booked for our exclusive use) to ensure we are warm and comfortable in the evening.

Your minimum kit list should be:

• Base Layers
• Fleece
• Warm/Insulated Jacket
• Hiking Trousers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
• Hat or Balaclava
• Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens (A spare pair is also recommended in case one gets wet)
• Warm Socks
• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Ski Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
• Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
• Headtorch
• Personal medication

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Cost: £345 for the entire weekend

Included in the price:

• Return train travel from Manchester to North Wales
• Road transport and logistical support in North Wales
• 2-nights hostel/bunkhouse accommodation
• Technical equipment required for winter hiking (ice axe, crampons and helmet) and lessons in how to use them.
• Tuition and 2-days of guided hikes by a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader including the ascent of Snowdon

Not included in the price:

• Your personal hiking kit
• All food throughout the weekend
• Personal travel insurance

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To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment.
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Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining