Mountain Safety
#BeAdventureSmart
Safety Advice
We are all about enjoying Snowdon (and other mountains) safely and with respect to other people the mountain environment. Take a look at our Climb Snowdon training plan for our top tips and advice on how to prepare for your day on Yr Wyddfa.
By following these simple steps, you can also make sure you are planning future mountain adventures responsibly:
- Choose to develop your own skills and confidence by signing up to a certified Mountain Skills course
- Make a plan before you leave home: How will you travel to Snowdon? Where to park if you’re driving? What’s a suitable path to use for your group? Will you have to organise overnight accommodation? Check out our Summit Routes as a starter
- Plan a suitable route: How long will the walk take you? Will it suit all involved? Do you have enough experience to tackle this route? How will the forecasted weather affect you? What time do you need to set out and get back?
- Check a suitable mountain weather forecast for your chosen area – for example Mountain Weather Information Service - Snowdonia National Park
- Find out what kit and equipment you need and pack according to the weather forecast for higher up the mountain (it WILL be colder up there!)
- Do you know how to read a map or use a compass? How will you know where you are going on the mountain? Increase your knowledge and skills if necessary. Speak to local businesses etc before you set out, there’s a lot of information you can gain from others locally - view our simplified Snowdon Map and Guide
- Take plenty of food and snacks, juice drinks, water, hot drinks in flask (colder weather) to sustain you all day. Remember suncream/sunhat if it’s sunny and hot
- Tell someone where you are going: leave a route plan and contact details
- Having a mobile phone (charged) is a good way to update others accordingly (but don’t rely in getting consistent reception in mountainous areas)
- Don’t be afraid of changing plans in poor weather or turning back if it gets too much – sometimes ‘carrying on’ increases the risk
- Be aware of your whole party and how everyone is coping with the day out – is everyone happy and still chatting?!
- Don’t rely on Snowdon Mountain Railway being in service or able to take you down the mountain if you’re tired. Speak to them directly about booking Return or Single Up tickets – but you can’t ‘walk up and get the train down’. The summit Visitor Centre and station is NOT open all year round, or in poor weather
- Check out Adventure Smart Wales for more tips and ideas about planning enjoyable activity days out in Wales
