Pretty "Dreich" just now, but a cold snap is forecast for tomorrow. Looking ahead I still have space on the CIC Hut courses which run 4th to 9th March and 18th to 23rd March. These can be self-led, where pairs use my space in the hut and get advice, if they need it from the 'instructor in residence' or the full course with instruction included. Call or email for details. Certainly it looks as though the only place for good ice at the moment is on Ben Nevis and if that continues a place up at the hut would be a wise move.

The week ahead shows unsettled weather, but some charts are suggesting wintry stormy conditions on the tops, so that will be a bonus and keep the big capital hill topped up.

I have an ice axe handed in to me by Remi, the French guide who was staying at the hut last week. He found it on Tower Ridge. Anyone who wishes to describe the axe accurately will be reunited with with their tool in return for postage. Thanks Remi.

Hi Alan
An update for your conditions page.

Saturday 24th Feb
Even though it may have seemed a warm soggy day high on the Ben the conditions are still holding remarkably well with 'toffee ice' to die for!
Nigel and I got up early to beat the crowds and the 'international meet' and did Albatross. A superb route in great condition which we had all to ourselves! We were back home by 15:00 to watch the rugby - should have stayed up for another route!!
Very few parties in Observatory Gully to our surprise - we saw a team heading for Point 5 which looked quite fat through the mist, two teams on Indicator Wall and folk in Gardyloo Gully and Tower Gully. Psychedelic Wall looked doable and Smiths also looked in excellent condition .

Tony