For the weekend I was joined by returning client Gareth and his friend Andy for a couple of days of mixed adventures. On Saturday we went on to Aonach Mor to look at snow belays - and there was certainly plenty of snow to use!

Andy and Gareth are experienced winter walkers and we spent a busy day looking at a wide range of anchors, roping together, snowpack analysis and the use of ice anchors - all aimed at giving them the skills to move on to more challenging winter routes and to develop some climbing skills for the future. We gradually worked our way up the mountain and witnessed the incredible amounts of snow at the summit ski tow. It really was more like a scene from Norway rather than Scotland.

Unfortunately Andy had to leave us on Saturday evening but Gareth and I made plans for a visit to Sgurr Finnisg-Aig to climb the rarely in condition ‘Smoking the White Owl’ on Sunday. This is a fine III,4 ice route that makes a good choice when the avalanche risk is high. A pleasant walk along forest tracks and a walk up the lower reaches of the waterfall leads to the first significant pitch. There follows 3 pitches of pleasant climbing before a final superb steep ice fall pitch.

Even better, the route tops out just under the top gondola station at Aonach Mor so we enjoyed a pleasant ride back to the car park. Perfect! Gareth loved the route (so did I) and it was a great effort for only his 4th winter route. A great weekend in great company - thanks guys.