After doing The Zone I was kinda looking forward to a bit of warmer weather, and easing in to the summer swing of things. But it stayed cold and it was still winter for sure.

Back at Curbar, still in the cold, I first of all managed to flash Cool Moon (E7 6c). It had been on my radar for a while, and with a decent cam about half way up it didn’t seem to necky to just give it a go. Give it a go I did and after a desperate first move, I was able to enjoy perfect steady climbing to the top.

During a weekend though the peak transformed.

So as Spring rolls in, we receive some of most snow I have ever seen in the Peak District. The snow drifts left crags buried, roads blocked and the streets empty. Too many a grit climber it only meant only one thing, ‘snowballing’ was back. Last time we had enjoyed similar conditions was in the winter of 2010, I had missed out back then, and was eager to not make the same mistake again. Such a unique opportunity was not too be missed again, and I therefore made sure to enjoy many a day with shovel in hand and wellies on feet. My favorite moments were probably climbing either Left Unconquerable or The Sentinel. Just snow, rock, and climber. 

The Snowball list:

Descent behind Chequers Buttress © Tom Cain

3 Blind Mice (E7 | V8) 
Ai No Corrida (E5 | V4)
Black Car Burning (E7 | V8)
Shine On (E7 | V8)
Cemetery Waits (E7 | V8)
Mint 400 (E6 | V6)
Big Air (E6 | V4)
Silk (E6 | V6)
No More Excuses (E3 | V4)
Embarrassment of Riches  (E4 | V5)
Goosey Goosey Gander (E5 | V4)
Arme Blanche (E5 | V4)
High Flyer (E4 | V3)
Chip Shop Brawl (E5 | V7)
Exaltation (E5 | V6)
Slap ‘n Spittle (E4 | V3)
Weather Report (E6 | V6)

Exaltation © Mark Rankine

The Sentinel © Guy Van Greuning