Kevin Rutherford MIC

Hill and climbing conditions for the Scottish Highlands.

www.ecossemountains.co.uk

Winter Courses - Winter Skills, Winter Mountaineering, Winter Climbing & Norway Ice based in Rjukan

Sunday 19 April 2009

DofE


I have just been out with St Aloysius College from Glasgow on a bronze DofE training. This was 2 days and 1 night in and around the Arrochar area. The 3rd years done well covering 20km over the 2 days with lots of learning along the way. A cold night was spent just below the Ben Ime/Narnain col. Quite a few folks up rock climbing on the Cobbler but a bit chilly with the Easterly wind.

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Centurion.....











Graeme and I had a days safety work today in Glen Feshie on the Centurion film set, they were playing catch after missing a day in February due to bad weather. Couldnt have picked a better day, sunny, cool and very little wind. The filming of the stunt doubles was shot from a helicopter which im sure will look very impressive with the Glen Feshie, Moine Mor and Cairn Toul back drop. A long but chilled out day. The film is due out at the end of the year.

Sunday 12 April 2009

The Ben, Tower Ridge
























I spent yesterday guiding Alasdair up Tower Ridge. We found great spring/alpine conditions and the weather wasnt too bad either, not a bad day for Alasdair's birthday treat. It turned milder in the afternoon with snow still falling above 1000m for a spell. There still lots to go at with 0.5, indicator wall, white line, glovers, comb, green?? still "looking" good and Smiths looked best with fat blue/green ice on the normal and icicle finishes. We descended No4 gully which would be a good ski just now. Cooler conditions should improve things further.

Well done to the Childrens Trust folks who managed to carry a full size Dalek to the summit!
Yesterday i was working for West Coast Mountain Guides.

Chamonix Ski




























Just back from a weeks skiing in the Chamonix valley. Conditions off and on piste were great and the climbing conditions looked good as well, snow shoes required for access. Chris, Caroline and I had a great morning on the Valley Blanche with 1.5ft of snow in places. Its a pity about the exchange rate......... managed to find the most expensive plate of chips ever...... £6.50!