Ben Nevis Mountain Path - Winter

Service Description

What to expect of a winter guided ascent of Ben Nevis's Mountain Path. The Ben Nevis Mountain Path refers to the easiest and most popular route to the summit. Commonly also referred to as the "tourist track" or "pony track". So called because it was originally built as a means of resupplying a weather observatory and hotel in the late 1800's. Some 140 years later that use has drastically changed, the mountain path taking the majority of the approximate 130,000 people who venture onto the mountain each year. The climb takes an approximate 5-10 hours dependant on your fitness. The terrain is steep and rocky and a return trip car to car is 17km and 1300m of vertical ascent. In winter the difficulties escalate with poor visibility, extreme weather, avalanche difficulties and potential hard snow conditions making the need for proper winter equipment (ice axe and crampons) absolutely essential for safe travel. Our guides are here to help with this and provide the instruction and guidance required to ensure you have the skills and equipment required for success. Winter Walking Checklist. What do I need to be successful? - A good level of fitness - The ability (or at least willingness) to walk in potentially rubbish weather! (Other route options available in this instance). - The Right Equipment What do we provide? - Qualified and Insured Winter Mountain Leader(s) for the day. In winter we work on a ratio of 1:6. What do we not provide? - Packed Lunch + Water - Transport to the venue (we can however arrange a taxi at your expense if helpful.) - Accommodation (we can recommend places if helpful.) - Winter Equipment Hire (Ellis Brigham in town can sort any missing winter hardware, if you’re missing any clothes please get in touch and we’ll do our best to provide.) Winter Equipment List: - 2-5 pairs of gloves (depends on wetness factor!) - woolly hat + buff - Waterproof Jacket - Waterproof Trousers - Big Insulated Jacket/ Puffer Jacket (synthetic, not down.) - Spare Fleece (optional) - Gilet/ Vest (optional) - Fleece (to wear) - Thermals (to wear) - Walking trousers (not jeans and preferably not tracksuits) - 40 Litre + Rucksack - Headtorch (+ spare batteries) - Blizzard/ Survival Bag - Compass (Optional, we can lend) - Map (Optional, we can lend) - B2/B3 Boots - C2/C3 Crampons (compatible to the above boots) - Walking Axe - Walking Poles (optional)