In reply to MB42:
> I also realise its quite early in the year so would be interested if anyone had an idea of how much that might curtail climbing activites, a quick google suggests theres probably enough stuff low down?
Untersberg/Salzburger Hochthron has south facing multipitch routes that are generally climbable all year round. Verdon style ab-in approach though, so you need to be confident of your ability to get back out again.
> And will obviously look before we go but are we likely to want to take winter kit out for the walking?
Often surprisingly much snow still lying in late spring/early summer, but I've never encountered anything that microspikes & a lightweight touring axe couldn't handle. And this has been a very snow-light winter so far.