The man faced a night on Snowdon in winter conditions. Photo: John S Turner CC-BY-SA-2.0
Mountain rescuers warned hillgoers of the limitations of traction spikes in full winter conditions after they had to rescue a man sharing a pair with his friend.
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Saturday to aid a man attempting to come down from Snowdon who had been halted by cramp.
The 36-year-old was on the mountain with a friend.
A team spokesperson said: “A notable factor in this incident was that they were sharing a pair of ‘Microspike’-style crampons to aid their ascent.
“Microspike-style traction spikes can be very useful in some conditions but it is important to understand the limitations of their use. They are generally unsuitable for full winter conditions in the mountains and are always better worn as a pair.”
The Llanberis team was also called out after an 11-year-old boy slipped and broke his ankle on Snowdon.
The spokesperson said: “He was a part of a well organised group from a local outdoor centre who dealt with the incident very well.”
Four team members made their way to the site and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey also flew to the scene and airlifted both casualties from the mountain.
Eward
08 February 2015Wow. I will never cease to be surprised by things like this.
Gary
09 February 2015Why do people think they can attempt this in winter conditions just because "they've done it once in the summer" It's beyond me
Barbara
09 February 2015Yes I agree with gary
madcarew
09 February 2015Llanberis MRT have a fair point well made about the
limitations micro spikes....but 'best worn as a pair' made me chuckle....!
heidi
09 February 2015madcarew- I did wonder if it meant they were wearing one each?!!
Tess
09 February 2015I have seen a recent photograph in which a certain Lake District MRT member is clearly pictured wearing microspikes in snow conditions. But at least he was wearing a pair !
Brian Downes
09 February 2015They are a great bit of kit to pop in the bag in the Winter in case you come across icy paths, or slippy snow conditions...no substitute for crampons though....always wear two myself too...!
john
09 February 2015I climbed the glyders for my first ever walk/cl7mbing experience and it was 3/4 ft of snow and i thought i had prepared with a pair of walking boots and a new jacket. I was wrong lucky i had someone very experienced with me it was so dangerous but.......
Phil
10 February 2015Slightly more balanced than The MCofS Safety Officers view on them !
They have a place and they have limitations but are a bit more accessible to more people
Hillman
11 February 2015There is a lot of nonsense being spouted about microspikes. Used with care, and acknowledging their limitations, 'proper' microspikes (e.g. Kahtoolas) can be used safely in winter conditions - they are certainly much safer than using just boots on snow and ice, and a pair of microspikes would be far safer than wearing one crampon!
The point that should have been emphasised by all the 'experts' is that wearing one traction device is probably just as dangerous as wearing no spikes/crampons at all. I also question whether or not the 'experts' have ever used microspikes in action - informed opinion is better than shooting from the hip!