Q1 How long does it take to climb Snowdon?
A. A typical party would take 5 to 6 hours up and down. But some slower parties may take considerably longer. It would always be wise to allow three hours to descend before nightfall.

Q2 I've been told that in good weather Snowdon is not that dangerous and I don't need lots of fancy gear. Is this true?
A. Settled weather is rare and cannot be relied upon. So it makes sense to be prepared for a change. Many of the people we are called to help have got into difficulties through lack of the basic clothing and equipment advised in our safety leaflet.

Q3 Are the paths on Snowdon easy to follow and which is the easiest?
A. The main paths on Snowdon are fairly well defined in clear conditions but people do get lost in mist or darkness. The Llanberis path is generally considered to be the easiest to follow in Summer. When there is snow on the mountain there are no easy ways up or down.

Q4 If I walk up Snowdon will I be able to get down on the train if I get tired?
A. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is closed throughout the winter. Information about summer opening times can be obtained from Snowdon Mountain Railway on Tel:- 01286 870223 or www.snowdonrailway.co.uk Do not rely on the train running in the summer as it can be closed during high winds or bad weather.

Q5 Does Snowdon have snow on it all the year round?
A. Snow conditions are common and often persistent from October and can linger up to early June.

Q6 Is it safe to go up Snowdon in trainers?
A. Inadequate footwear causes many accidents every year. Trainers give little ankle support and in spite of their tread give poor grip. We would always recommend good walking boots.

Q7 Are there organised guided walks up Snowdon and how can I find out about leader competence?
A. Iformation about guided walks can be obtained from most tourist information centres.
A suitable minimum qualification for party leader is a Mountain leaders Award. For more information on Mountaineering qualifications contact the MLTB on www. mltb.org/ .

Q8 Do mobiles work on the mountains?
A. Yes. But there are places where signal strength is poor, e.g. the lower south side of Snowdon and the area around Pen-y-Pass. Keep your battery charged , warm and dry.

Q9 Where can you get a good weather forecast for Snowdon?
A. Telephone 09068 500449 or visit http://www.ukclimbing.com/databases/crags/weather.html?region=10

Q10 Will the Snowdon Hotel and café be open and can I stay there?
A. The summit hotel has no overnight accommodation and is closed throughout the winter. Information about summer opening times can be obtained from Snowdon Mountain Railway on Tel:- 01286 870223 or www.snowdonrailway.co.uk Do not rely on the Hotel or café being open in summer as it can be closed during high winds or bad weather.

Q11 Is it possible to suffer altitude sickness on Snowdon?
A. No. The British mountains are not high enough to cause altitude sickness. But walking uphill is hard work and people with breathing or chest complaints should take particular care . If in doubt seek medical advice.

Q12 We would like to organise a charity event on Snowdon. Who would advise us on safety and environmental issues?
A. The Snowdonia National Park Authority, Tel:-01766 770274. Remember Snowdon is a mountain under environmental pressures so the SNPA`s response may not always be entirely positive about all proposed events.

This information was kindly supplied by Llanberis Mountain Rescue