Ben Nevis's North Face has some of Britain's best winter climbing. Photo: KA CC-BY-SA-2.0
Organisers of an inaugural climbing gathering said they hope it will become an annual event.
The first Scottish Winter Climbing Meet will take place in Fort William next month and is being touted as a chance for winter climbers to celebrate winter climbing on some of Scotland’s best routes.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is supporting and promoting the event, which is organised by local mountain guides and instructors.
The weekend is open to all, organisers said, ‘whether you climb grade “wee” or grade “ridiculous”.’
They said: “The Scottish Winter Climbing Meet will be a celebration weekend of winter climbing and gives climbers a chance to meet, chat and climb together on an informal basis.
“It is hoped that this will become an annual event held at different locations each year throughout Scotland.”
Fort William was chosen because, the organisers said, Ben Nevis in winter offers some of the world’s most challenging and renowned climbing, with many classic routes at different grades.
The event will take place over the weekend of 2 and 3 February.
“Some well known faces in Scottish winter climbing will be around for the weekend,” organisers added, “and there will be a social evening at the Ben Nevis Inn on the Saturday; including a free talk by one of Scotland’s top winter climbers and activists, Simon Richardson.
“Simon’s presentation will focus on new routing and the development of Scottish winter climbing over the past 20 years.”
David Gibson, MCofS chief officer, said: “With such a fantastic location and plenty of local support, the Scottish Winter Climbing Meet promises to be a great addition to the mountaineering calendar.
“From the numbers signed up already it looks like it will be a great success and I would encourage anyone thinking about taking part to register as soon as possible.”
Further details about the meet can be found on the event’s website.
