Crampons and ice-axe are essential on Snowdon when snow and ice are present. Photo: Snowdonia NPA

National park bosses in Snowdonia are urging hillwalkers to check weather forecasts before they head for the region’s mountains.

Wardens make the climb to the summit of Snowdon three or four times a week to provide reports on weather and ground conditions.

Meteorologists are predicting a cold snap over Christmas after unseasonably mild, if wild and wet, conditions.

Snowdonia National Park Authority said: “There is snow on some of the mountain peaks already, but the likelihood is that we will see more snow on the peaks and ice on the ground during the coming weeks.”

The wardens’ information, including snow and ice conditions on the ground, is posted on Twitter via @wardeneryri and @mountainsafe. When they are out on the mountain, they also advise walkers of the ground conditions and the need for the correct equipment.

Helen Pye, the national park warden on Snowdon said: “However beautiful the views of the mountains are under snow, it’s also important to remember how deceptive snow is.

“The busiest routes can become more dangerous as the snow is compacted by so many feet therefore becoming very slippery underfoot. And, when snow and ice are on the ground, dressing in warm clothes is not enough. It is essential to carry an ice-axe, crampons, ski goggles and spare warm clothing, in addition to the usual kit which is needed for hillwalking.

Helen Pye: 'ill equipped walkers can get into trouble'

“In our experience, walkers who have researched thoroughly, who know what the ground conditions are before setting out, and who carry the special equipment needed to walk in the snow, have a great experience of the mountains of Snowdonia.

“However, we also encounter walkers without the appropriate equipment, and unfortunately they can often get into trouble.

“So for walkers to be thoroughly prepared before setting out, we encourage them to follow our Twitter account and Tweets. Tweeting any change in ground conditions and reporting the conditions to the Met Office is an extremely valuable service we offer. Not only do we reach a wide audience, but it also provides the latest information on ground conditions in the mountains.”