Very little change over the last week in climbing conditions on Ben Nevis. The mountain has been buried in snow, the like of which we've not seen for many decades.
The snow cover is up to the roof of the CIC Hut. Last week an avalanche came down Observatory Gully, turned towards the hut and only stopped when it got to within 50m of the hut.
More heavy snow fall is forecast tonight.
Stay away from gullies and open slopes. Major ridges will be very hard work. Skiing is the best option!
For the determined, Centurion is still very white, Gemini might just about be formed well enough to climb, The Curtain was climbed on Wednesday with a report of good ice on the second pitch (the team also got avalanched, not surprisingly). Douglas Boulder Routes can be accessed with care and are very good.
The good news is that at some point this winter all this snow will consolidate and turn to ice. If we then get some nice weather we'll the most amazing ice climbing conditions. All good things come to those who wait!
Mike Pescod
http://www.abacusmountaineering.com/ 
