MAN PAID TO SCALE SNOWDON TWICE EVERY WEEK

Climber to report on-ground conditions en route to Wales’ highest peak to keep walkers safe through winter months

Eryl Crump

SNOW, ice and howling winds will not deter one man from climbing Wales’ highest peak twice a week this winter.

National park bosses in Snowdonia have commissioned Stephen Jones to routinely scale Snowdon and provide condition reports on the 3,560ft mountain to help keep walkers safe.

The service is being funded by Snowdonia National

Park Authority’s warden service.

Stephen Jones, who runs the climbing and trekking company Anelu Aim Higher, will ascend Snowdon via different routes to provide hillgoers with up-to-date information.

He said: “With the weather turning more wintry, thorough planning is required if you intend to walk the slopes of Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon].

“The reports and information will provide a snapshot of the ground conditions and add to any walker’s knowledge bank.”

The information will include details about snow and ice levels, as well as general advice on the equipment required.

Mr Jones added: “While ground conditions on the lower slopes of Yr Wyddfa can be relatively manageable in winter, conditions can change quickly and drastically, often requiring specialist equipment, which is why this is such a valuable resource, especially when conditions such as ice are not visible from the foothills.”

The information will be uploaded to the national park authority’s website as well as on Twitter @snowdonweather.

Practical advice on how to prepare for a safe day out on the mountain in winter is posted on the Adventure Smart website.

Rhys Wheldon-Roberts, the authority’s senior warden for the North of the national park, said: “Although the snow-capped mountains can look beautiful and inviting, without the proper equipment and experience even the thinnest layer of snow or ice can turn a relatively straightforward section of path into a challenging