Climbers warned of Alpine conditions

CLIMBERS and hill walkers throughout the country are being warned that an ascent of any Irish mountain was now tantamount to “alpine winter mountaineering”.

In Kerry the local Mountain Rescue Team have placed warning signs on approaches to Carrantuohill highlighting the dangers posed by snow and ice on the hills. The signs are urging hill walkers not to go onto steep ground without ice axes and crampons (spiked footwear for use in snow and icy conditions).

Hill walkers are also warned of the risk of avalanches and deceptive snow drifts in mountain gullies. Mountain Rescue Ireland spokesman Gerry Christie said all potential hill walkers were not aware that the ascent of any Irish mountain in present conditions is essentially “Alpine winter mountaineering”.