Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

For the past 13 seasons I have been taking people out to the Alps for a dose of blue ice and good weather. Scotland in January is not my thing anymore. Italy and Switzerland always deliver great experiences, mostly positive. With five weeks away, plenty climbing was done , and a few pizza's devoured.

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

And they're off.....Winter 16/17 has started. Wandered into Sneachda yesterday, lots of knee deep snow. Dug up Fingers Ridge, super riming up high. Today, made another ascent of The Message, good snow on ledges,really good, worth every star.

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

and builds

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

and builds

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

and builds

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

During the last month it has been Winter. Reasonably cold and settled. The route list builds.

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

The last four weeks have flown by, Ben Nevis, Conville Courses, and three weeks of Italian Ice.Very cold at -23 to start in the Alps then very warm. Limited choices available, but you just have to look round the next corner!

Photos from Graeme Ettle Mountain Guide's post

Welcome 2016. I hope it brings safe conditions for us all. The season so far has been rubbish!. Very little snow and tons of houlies... Even so, I have managed a few trips , only locally, with fine people and climbing.Yesterday was another route down memory lane, 24 years on with the same partner.