Conditions
With a significant change on the mountain by today's observations there was new snow lying on the paths at all levels. Although the snow was more than enough to cover the paths everywhere, there was not a thick cover in most places. There was enough cover to make walking more laborious on the whole, with a number of areas across the mountain scoured by the wind, leaving thinner snow, but also drifted thicker in a number of places on the path. There were a number of places where soft snow had gathered in drifts in corners on the miners' (and PyG) path.

Although the softer new snow made walking the path more physical work, and although slippery and precarious above steep slopes in a few places, the new snow offered extra purchase compared to the recent more icy conditions. One should prepare for these slippery and uncertain sections by carrying specific winter mountaineering equipment for a more pleasant and safe day on the mountain.

Some places were seen where icy conditions were still evident, and there were a number of places where the path was starting to become more compacted, hard and slippery underfoot as more people walked it.

A number of walkers were also seen wandering off the paths as the paths were harder to see and follow because it was difficult to distinguish the path from the whiteness of the mountain. There were also periods of drifting where footprints filled and disappeared quickly. and times of poor visibility in the blizzards and clouds.

A changeable and cold day, with considerable wind, and showers of snow, graupel and hail (but mostly graupel). There were also a number of sunny spells creating a dramatic atmosphere from time to time.

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

Carrying an ice axe and mountaineering crampons will offer safer options when traveling on the mountain.

Carrying goggles (such as ski goggles) will offer a means of protecting the eyes from drifting snow in order to see and travel more safely on the mountain.

Additional Information
On the Friday of the report, the forecast suggests that the temperature on the summit will be below freezing throughout the period until the next report on Tuesday, being several degrees below freezing for significant periods, and across wider areas of the mountain. The temperature at the summit is forecast to be as low as -7ºC (feeling like it is as low as -18ºC at times).

In addition to the low temperature, more snow also looks likely. The possibility will never be far, but it looks most likely tonight (Friday night) and during Sunday, falling under the influence of the wind. Freezing will be possible at all heights of the mountain.

This means that it is likely that winter conditions will change significantly in the coming days, developing and changing rapidly during the period before the next report.