Conditions at Bwlch Glas on Snowdon recently. Photo: Snowdonia NPA

Mountain experts in Snowdonia are warning walkers to expect wintry conditions on the national park’s peaks over the Christmas period.

Hill-goers should check weather forecasts and make sure they have the right equipment, wardens said.

Snowdonia National Park Authority said: “Although the last few days have proved to be wet and very mild, snow will be on the summits of Snowdonia over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, together with ice on the ground and a wind chill of -10C.

“As a result, national park wardens are encouraging everyone to check the ground conditions first.”

Carwyn ap Myrddin, the Snowdon warden, said: “To check the weather before setting out on Snowdon there are three sources of information available.

“The Met Office’s forecast can be found on a specific website, and ground conditions can be found on the national park’s website. In addition to these, messages and images, together with information on ground conditions, are tweeted by the Twitter account, @snowdonweather.

“This information is based on reports supplied by our warden team who frequently gather detailed information on ground conditions in order to transfer the data to the Met Office.

An ice-axe and crampons are essential on the national park's mountains. Photo: Snowdonia NPA

“In addition to checking the conditions before setting out, you need to prepare adequately and, when snow and ice are on the ground, dressing in warm clothes is simply 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.”

Wardens are also encouraging people to visit the Snowdonia national park website for safety advice, and specific information about the preparation for walking in snow available on the Mountain Safety site.