Ben Nevis Summit
3rd April 2025
High pressure and fine sunny conditions continue in Lochaber. Today was an opportunity to look at what snow remains on the summit of Ben Nevis, the answer is very little. If you are heading up the mountain path there are only a few small avoidable sections of snow on the path, a slightly larger section of harder to avoid snow at McLeans steep near the summit and some snow on the flat area around the summit. Other photos show some snow near the summit of Tower Ridge particularly on the Eastern traverse and near the very top of the ridge. Ledge route was free of snow using the start from the bottom of number 5 gully, the higher start had a very small amount of snow at the crossing of number 5 gully but was otherwise snow free (photos below). Several of the gullys have breaks in them which are loose scree, there is also loose rock sitting on the snow ready to fall further in the mild temperatures. Warm sunny weather set to continue for the next few days, snow will only continue to diminish during the warm daytime temperatures. Snow patches will become firm overnight and remain firm where in the shade. Blog updates will continue till the 6th April.
The summit of Ben Nevis. The summit shelter and trig point are built high up so they remain above the snow, not necessary this winter.
The largest area of snow currently on the mountain path up Ben Nevis. This area known as McLean’s steep. The snow is avoidable although the terrain to the side is boulders which can be awkward.
Any other areas of snow are small patches like this and can be easily avoided.
Looking at the West side of Ben Nevis, the mountain zig zags up the hillside near the skyline. The majority of the route is snow free with only the area highlighted in the previous photos holding snow.
Looking across Tower ridge from the summit of Ben Nevis. If you look closely there is still snow on the Eastern traverse. There is also still snow on the exit slope, just visible in the next picture.
Ben Nevis, Tower Ridge in the Foreground. North East Buttress behind.
Looking down Number 3 Gully. Rock sitting on the snow ready to release in the warmer temperatures.
Number 5 Gully, Ben Nevis
The remaining snow where the path crosses number 5 gully for the higher approach to Ledge route.
Coire na Ciste, Ben Nevis
Looking to the Mamores. From left to right Sgurr a Mhaim, Stob Ban, Mullach nan Coirean. Only a few very tiny snow patches here.
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