Winter transforms Eryri. Snow on the summits, ice on the paths, frost-rimed ridges and the clear sharp light of cold blue days create a completely different mountain experience from summer walking. Done properly, winter walking in Eryri is one of the finest outdoor pursuits in Britain. Done badly, it accounts for the majority of serious mountain incidents in the national park. The difference lies in preparation, equipment, skills and honest self-assessment.
When is Winter?
True winter conditions — snow, ice and the need for specialist equipment — can occur in Eryri from October through April. The heaviest snow generally falls in January and February, but conditions are highly variable: a mild December can provide summer-like walking while an April cold snap can make Snowdon's upper sections technically demanding. Always check conditions on the day rather than assuming the season determines the difficulty.
The Key Difference
In summer, a slip on a mountain path typically means a muddy tumble. In winter, on a frozen or snow-covered slope, the same slip can develop into an uncontrolled slide with potentially fatal consequences. This is why winter mountain skills — and the equipment to apply them — are essential rather than optional for walking above the snowline.
Essential Winter Equipment
| Microspikes/crampons | Essential for icy paths — check type needed for the terrain |
| Ice axe | Required on steeper slopes — training needed to use effectively |
| Extra insulation | Wind chill can be severe — add a warm mid-layer and wind-proof outer |
| Head torch | Days are short — early darkness catches many walkers out |
| Navigation equipment | Map, compass, GPS — snow covers paths and landmarks |
| Emergency shelter | Survival bag or group shelter — essential if forced to stop |
Best Winter Routes
Llanberis Path to Snowdon
The most popular winter route — broad and well-used, but requiring microspikes or crampons from approximately halfway up when conditions are frozen. The path is more sheltered than the ridge routes and avoids the most exposed terrain. In severe conditions it can still be seriously demanding.
Carneddau
The broad grassy ridges of the Carneddau provide excellent winter walking on relatively consistent terrain — less rocky and technical than the Glyderau, with good navigation landmarks. Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd can both be reached in a long winter day from Ogwen.
Routes to Avoid in Winter Conditions
Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe should be avoided by anyone without winter mountaineering experience and equipment — the exposed ridges in icy conditions require rope and technical skills well beyond walking. Similarly, the upper Watkin Path on the steep headwall below the summit becomes very serious in winter.
Mountain Rescue
Eryri Mountain Rescue teams — all volunteers — attend hundreds of incidents every year, with winter months producing the highest proportion of serious emergencies. If in doubt, turn back. No mountain objective justifies a preventable accident. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Independently written — Snowdon.com