Winter 2017 was not the best, either in Scotland or on the continent. In early February, mark, James, Brent and I went to Torridon to try to do some long winter routes. However, the snow and ice was absent. We managed a good day climbing on the coast at Inveralligin in a beautiful setting when the snow arrived. We then climbed up to the Liathach ridge in some deep, unconsolidated snow. Torridon is a very special place and I had forgotten how beautiful but also how big the ascents and descents were.

A week late found us in Spain visiting the Picos de Europa for the first time for some ski touring. The Picos is like a mini Dolomites with dramatic limestone peaks and steep sided gorges. Fortunately, there was a good snowfall just before our arrival and on our first two days leading to just about enough snow to ski. The sun came out later enabling us to enjoy some stunning views and thrilling descents