My Welsh Winter Skills Adventure at Plas y Brenin
Jan 2025
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Welsh Winter Skills course at Plas y Brenin, and it was an unforgettable experience. Arriving in Capel Curig, with the snow-dusted peaks of Snowdonia in the distance, I knew I was in for something special.
Friday Evening: Arrival and First Impressions
After arriving at Plas y Brenin with plenty of time to settle in, I took a walk along the shore of Llynnau Mymbyr, enjoying breathtaking views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the surrounding peaks. The centre had a welcoming atmosphere, and after a hearty meal and a couple of well-deserved beers in the bar, I met the other attendees. It was a diverse group, united by our excitement for the weekend ahead. My room was warm and comfortable, exactly what I needed to recharge for the days ahead.
Day 1: Exploring Y Garn in True Winter Conditions
After a full English breakfast, we met our instructor, James, who introduced us to the kit we’d be using, including crampons, ice axes, and winter clothing. We discussed the day’s route using OS maps and weather forecasts, then headed to Ogwen Valley.
Our goal was Y Garn via the North East Ridge, and the climb didn’t disappoint. With knee-deep snow, blue skies, and expansive views toward Anglesey, it felt like we were walking through the Alps.
James taught us essential skills:
- Walking safely in crampons
- Using an ice axe for stability and self-arresting
- Assessing terrain for risks
After a lunch on the ridge surrounded by snowy peaks, we descended through Cwm Cywion.
Back at the centre, we had a fascinating avalanche awareness session, learning how to assess risks and plan safer routes in winter. Dinner was much-needed, and we enjoyed a beer in the bar, all feeling exhausted but exhilarated.
Day 2: Scrambling Up Moel Siabod’s Daear Ddu Ridge
Sunday began with another hearty breakfast, followed by a classroom session on navigation in winter conditions. With visibility lower than the previous day and strong winds forecast, we adjusted our plans to scramble up Moel Siabod via the Daear Ddu Ridge, a route offering technical terrain and opportunities to use our crampons and ice axes.
The scramble up the Daear Ddu Ridge was the highlight of my weekend. It was exhilarating to tackle steeper terrain, and as a climber, I enjoyed leading the group through the trickier sections. James provided excellent tips and encouragement, making it a truly empowering experience.
Reaching the summit of Moel Siabod was a proud moment, and despite the relentless wind, we celebrated before descending via a more straightforward route.
The poor visibility gave us the chance to practice walking on a bearing, a skill I’ve now refined.
Note:
This course was gifted to me by Plas y Brenin as part of the work I do as a Trustee of the Organisation
Final Reflections
Back at Plas y Brenin, we rounded off the weekend with a cup of tea in the bar, sharing photos and memories from the past two days.
This course challenged me physically and mentally, but the rewards were immense. I now feel confident in snowy conditions, equipped with the skills to stay safe and enjoy the experience. The weekend left me empowered to explore high-ground environments, and everyone was eager to continue learning, discussing future adventures like a Winter Scrambling Course or more challenging winter mountaineering in Scotland. We all left knowing we’d stay in touch and reconnect when the snow falls.
The Welsh Winter Skills course taught me so much:
- How to navigate winter terrain with an ice axe and crampons
- How to assess avalanche risks and read winter weather reports
- The importance of teamwork and decision-making in the mountains
A huge thanks to James and the team at Plas y Brenin for their expertise and support. If you’re considering your first steps into winter mountaineering, I highly recommend this course!
