UKC

Snowdonia winter running conditions

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 skippyridgway 21 Jan 2013
Scoured ridges and southern aspects mean running conditions are pretty fast underfoot in these areas but very icy... anywhere else that is not already trampled by walkers pretty slow going through drifts. Snow still not consolidated and no crust so the shins are ok

Best options are tourist routes up snowdon with nice trampled paths from walkers - watch the ice on the bad step of the Llanberis path though! - the miners track from pen y pass is an absolute joy - even if just for a short blast up to Llyn Glaslyn. Moel Eilio is also a great run in the snow.

Haven't needed crampons just yet but did need my inov8 o-rocs and have defo needed the ice axe

http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/enjoying-white-stuff.html

 Nomics4sale 21 Jan 2013
In reply to skippyridgway:

Thanks for posting that. Can I ask what ice axe you use? Do you have a lightweight one you can recommend for running?
OP skippyridgway 21 Jan 2013
In reply to Nomics4sale: yep - I use CAMP lightweight ski mountaineering axes - http://www.camp-usa.com/products/ice-axes/corsa.asp - I've had it for around 5 years now and its been one of my best buys - good enough for an arrest and to assist in getting up/over an easy grade obstacle - but not enough purchase to tackle hard ice though
 Nomics4sale 21 Jan 2013
In reply to skippyridgway:

cheers
OP skippyridgway 23 Jan 2013
Conditions as of yesterday: http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/snowy-ridge-running.html

Very hard going on any areas not heavily populated by walkers or climbers - very deep drifts of snow and fresh fall of graupel night previously should be noted.
OP skippyridgway 24 Jan 2013
suprisingly fast going for a run up (and very fast run down!) Moel Siabod - compact snow, little ice and only a short section of deep drifts just before the ridge and no hindrance to run down. Still no shin scraping

http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/siabod-snowy-night-run.html
 steveriley 24 Jan 2013
In reply to skippyridgway:
This could get quite taxing! Still, I enjoyed my run past the refinery last night.
Keep them coming
OP skippyridgway 26 Jan 2013
Unfortunately the snow is rapidly disappearing at lower levels but I might try and get up on the Glyderau today to see what its like above 900m.

Thursday was spectacular... sorry steveri look away now if too much! http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nantlle-ridge-winter-running....

hope everyone has a great weekend running!
 petestack 26 Jan 2013
In reply to Nomics4sale:
> Can I ask what ice axe you use? Do you have a lightweight one you can recommend for running?

I'd also recommend a 50cm Black Diamond Raven Ultra for running...
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-gb/shop/climb/ice-axes-piolets/rave...

(Not quite as light as the all-alloy Camps, but my choice for much the same reasons as I prefer steel to alloy Kahtoolas for Scotland.)
 steveriley 26 Jan 2013
In reply to skippyridgway:
Oh, you made me click. Lovely. North of England XC this afternoon at Knowsley safari park. Will the snow hang around? Will we run through the lion enclosure?
altirando 27 Jan 2013
In reply to skippyridgway: Have you tried running with a pair of poles in the snow? Agree about the Raven Ultra axe.
 haydn 07 Feb 2013
In reply to skippyridgway:
Does anyone know what conditions are like over the Carneddau and the Glyders at the moment? I'm assuming there is still some snow around, but hopefully not enough to seriously impact upon running?
OP skippyridgway 27 Mar 2013
In reply to skippyridgway: pretty spicy on the tops at the moment so take care if in Snowdonia over the Easter break http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/checking-conditions.html
OP skippyridgway 03 Apr 2013
been amazing but challenging conditions running in Snowdonia this past week! Each area quite different with regard to snow/ice conditions - latest stuff on the blog (yesterday's run up Snowdon still to come...) - it's still sticking around above 700m:

http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/tour-de-glyder-fawr-and-fach....
http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/sixth-sense.html
In reply to skippyridgway: Epic Sarah. I wanted to get out this weekend over the Glyderau but University assignments don't to write themself!

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