Conditions
Although the upper reaches of the mountain appeared white and wintry today, no snow was seen during the observations. It was actually feathry rime ice that gave the mountain this white look, and although this rime did not significantly add to the difficulties on the mountain there were also areas of hard ice on the paths which were an obstacle on the paths in some places.

The area that caused the most issues was on the PyG path and the miners' path (where they coincide) between about 880m and 980m. Although relatively short areas of ice covered the path, there were a number of places where there was slippery hard ice across the entire path which could not be avoided.

Some ice was seen at a variety of heights, but although care was needed to avoid it in places, it was possible to avoid the ice seen lower to the mountain.

The whole path was not walked, but a large area of ice was seen which could be avoided with care in the vicinity of the old stables (about 980m) on the Llanberis path. From chatting with other walkers, although there was mention of some ice lower down, it was generally less icy than the PyG and miners' paths. It could become more icy in the coming days (see Additional Information below).

Despite a whiter appearance higher up on the mountain, walking the ridge from Bwlch Glas to the summit was relatively easy (apart from a few windy spots), until the summit itself. When stepping up to the summit itself the combination of slippery conditions and strong wind combined to offer extremely challenging conditions.

A clear, fine and very cold morning, with a very strong wind closer to the summit.

Essential equipmeny
Suitable seasonal walking equipment, including lighting (such as a headtorch or two each).

Carrying an ice axe and some form of crampons will offer safer options on the mountain.

Carrying goggles (such as ski goggles) will offer a means of protecting the eyes and keeping the face warm in the cold conditions.

Additional Information
On the Friday of the report the forecast suggests that the temperature on the summit will be below freezing for most of the period until the next report on Tuesday. The temperature at the summit is forecast to be as low as -5ºC (feeling like it is as low as -16ºC at times).

On the day of the report the cold weather is forecast to continue, with icy conditions likely to continue to develop, mainly higher up on the mountain, but possibly at a variety of levels.

With the possibility of precipitation at times there is also the possibility of some snow in the coming days.

It seems that the strong wind will continue on Saturday, once again contributing to feeling quite cold. While it seems to be less windy after this, it will still be windy enough at times.