I've already posted this question here but I need a quick answer so apologies for the double post.

Essentially I may be heading to Snowdonia next weekend for my first taste of winter mountaineering. My complete ignorance of gear and technique came through when I was discussing this with people at my climbing club- they asked what type of crampons I was going to take. Obviously I answered that I don't know and they explained that there are two grades of crampon, C1's and C2's which are more heavy duty, and that while C1's should attach to any boot, C2's are designed to go with proper mountaineering boots.

I have a pair of Scarpa Infinity GTX's which have been great for long distance trekking, hill-walking and scrambling so far, but which aren't designed for snow and ice. To do routes such as the Snowdon Horseshoe (which I've already done in damp conditions), what type of crampons would I need, and might there be problems with compatability with my boots? I can't afford the expense of buying mountaineering boots right now so if this is problematic I'll probably have to pull out for now. If anyone could explain the crampon classes and how they're matched with boots it would be much appreciated!

Well, there are C3 crampons too, but you probably won't be ice-climbing so not to worry about that. There are various good explanatory articles on the Internet regarding boots vs. crampons, e.g. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=1330 (scroll down to Compatibility). Those boots have a B0 rating (shown on website), which may indicate that they're too flexible to be using with any crampons. I've seen crampons break in half because of boots flexing (though that was a 50 degree slope). Crib Goch is probably going to have your feet in all sorts of positions so that's something to consider. With those boots I would avoid crampons that are designed to clip in as the soles of the boots will just tear off (I've seen that happen too). Something with straps might work, or ones with a more rigid plastic wrap-arounds on the toe and heel. I imagine you'll be wanting an ice-axe and helmet as well. Whether it's a good idea to be doing that as your first winter route or not, well time will tell, just don't go unprepared or fall through a cornice http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-nort ... s-16235480. Perhaps you can rent stuff from your climbing club? Or borrow from other members. There might be rental places in Wales too. I don't know if Plas y Brenin lends out anything (it's an outdoor activity place nearby). That's just my 2 cents, I'd email Nanuls (http://www.summitpost.org/users/nanuls/36805), he has a lot of experience in the area. Hopefully other SPers will weigh in on this, I'm really no expert. Good luck!

Thanks. I've checked out several guides and they all suggest my boots are unsuitable. I've emailed Plas y Brenin and also a rental place in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll (don't ask me how to pronounce that!) However it looks like I may just have to put it off for a while until I can afford to buy my own pair of boots/crampons (and I don't drive yet so the whole thing is a bit of a logistics nightmare!)

I read about that, it's tragic news. I would be going with an experienced SP member who could lend me an axe. I think it's often better to learn by thrusting oneself out there and using some guidance and common sense than paying a lot of money for a training course, but it may be better to sit tight for the winter

Trevers89 wrote:I think it's often better to learn by thrusting oneself out there and using some guidance and common sense than paying a lot of money for a training course, but it may be better to sit tight for the winter

I can agree with that though it's good to know what you don't know. Perhaps there'll be some opportunities to experiment with the basics on something nearer to where you live, even if it's a simple snow covered hill. If not you'll still be able to do the research and planning so that when the opportunity does arise again for an interesting trip you'll be all ready to go.

Trevers, i'll get back to you when i arrive in Llanberis later this week. Will pop in to joe brown and v12 to ask around but i also know a guide overthere who might be willing to rent some gear out...

Winter is where the whole mountain-walking gets way more expensive like you probably noticed. In winter it is way way way colder and conditions can be pretty extreme (been laying for half an hour on The Horns (between P-Y-P and crib coch) without moving last year due to a storm. While laying heart rate kept above 180 just to keep in place ...

I personally love the winter but most of it because it can give you a proper ass-whiping

Was more thinking about something easier as well like the miners track on the Glyders or something similar to introduce you in winter. Crib Coch north ridge is also an option. The horseshoe is pretty though going at Scottish winter grade I/II. Best to start with something easy (easier, nothing is easy in winter) and evolve to the harder stuff ...

Went up Snowdon last year without crampons (with axe though) last year in more than 3 feet of snow. Day after i was in crampons on the same part of the route and 1 feet of snow ... (same place less snow)

Best is to be prepared and to have them with you ... somehow ...

The Glyderau sounds fun! I'm guessing an approach from Ogwen Valley via Bristly Ridge is too serious for a first winter walk?

Go all out. It wont take long before you want to learn how to ice climb. Get a full shank boot. If I could do all over again. Sportiva Nepal Evos. Waterproof, double boot, full shank, all around boot.

Grivel for crampons all the way. Get a set for glacier travel and one for ice climbing. G12s and Monos or Duel (find out what you like they do make a difference) Get a wire bale to go with Nepals and New Mattic is ohh so nice.

got the nepal extremes ... Best investement ever (in europe in general, certainly in the alps!)

Search on ukclimbing for cheap gear! but waith three more months to buy it(20 quid cheaper ...)

Bristle Ridge will be an eye opener but waaaaay too serious to start with ...

Trevers89 wrote: To do routes such as the Snowdon Horseshoe (which I've already done in damp conditions), what type of crampons would I need, and might there be problems with compatability with my boots?

I have to believe there are mountaineering groups in Great Britain that could much better answer your question. On SP, you will get a lot of folks who want you to buy top-notch gear for climbing ice waterfalls.

Moapk seriously, i am the one giving trevor the most adivice, do you read me me posting something about buying top notch gear?.
d

Did you get my email? What are the conditions like out there?

sjarelkwint wrote:Moapk seriously, i am the one giving trevor the most adivice, do you read me me posting something about buying top notch gear?.
d

I don't mean you.

Trevers89 wrote:Did you get my email? What are the conditions like out there?

Since you have been here before

Snow starts where the PYG track and the miners come together ...

Will give you a proper email tomorrow, didn't leave yesterday and still in belgium drank too much yesterday to drive a car to the uk :-p

sjarelkwint wrote:

Trevers89 wrote:Did you get my email? What are the conditions like out there?

Since you have been here before

Snow starts where the PYG track and the miners come together ...

Will give you a proper email tomorrow, didn't leave yesterday and still in belgium drank too much yesterday to drive a car to the uk :-p

Good show

And the boat has been booked now!

Time to get some rock in my hands! We can always do a nice Grade III scramble or something similar if conditions ain't good enough, or some rock climbing in the quarries ...

Will let you know tomorrow, need to check area out first (and let us hope my car makes it lol)

Anglesey is half an hour of driving ... Will check on boots and crampons. What size are you?