Winter climbing.

Fuck snow and ice, let's rock climb.

Sure it's colder, days are shorter, weather is generally worse - but there's still dry spells, accessible suntrap crags, and short technical climbs. Trad climbing continues throughout the year on gritstone, I've had plenty of t-shirt days mid-winter sheltering from the northerly breeze on sunny high pressure days. Scotland has worse weather overall but I can't imagine it's too different in principle - the few hundred miles north being compensated for by plenty of crags a few hundred metres lower than the grit plateaux. It's just about keeping an open mind and waiting for the right time - our ludicrous weather is so unpredictable who knows what (occasionally good as well as bad!) could be coming up next?? So I intent to keep giving it a try whenever is suitable...

Advantages to going away rock climbing during winter:

1. No midges.

2. No seabirds nesting.

3. Less vegetation and easier paths.

4. Suntrap crags won't be too hot and sweaty.

5. Crag choice is narrowed down and easier.

6. "Tourist" roads will be quieter and quicker.

7. Accommodation, where available off-season, will be quieter and cheaper.

8. Early nights and shorter days mean:
a. Plenty of time to relax and sort out logistics in the evening.
b. Plenty of time to get back from anywhere on Sunday and get ready for the week.
c. More motivation to make use of days.
d. Encourage early travelling which avoids morning traffic.
e. Less tiring overall.

Ways to deal with the cold during winter rock climbing:

1. Maximum amount of clothes including accessories (gloves, scarf, etc)

2. Belay trousers!!

3. Always take windproof, gloves, hat etc up on harness.

4. Flask of tea.

5. Remembering how easy it is to warm up by running around etc.

6. Keep moving to avoid getting too cold.

7. Emphasis on choosing routes for likely speed of ascent.

8. Abseil and strip routes to reduce the time between action and ensure each person gets the most leading done.

Anyone got any more?? All tips and tricks appreciated...