PARK wardens in Snowdonia are warning mountaineers to stay safe on the slopes as snowy conditions continue.

Snowdon has been under a cover of snow for a while now, but the recent spell of snow showers means that the conditions on the mountain are now extreme.

The first layer of snow has now frozen and compacted, and with the accumulation of fresh snow there is a high likelihood of avalanches.

In these conditions mountaineers should stay off the slopes of Snowdon and other peaks until the Met Office’s red warning for snow conditions, which is the most severe warning, has been downgraded.

Once conditions have improved, anyone who ventures onto the hills must have the appropriate experience and skills and all the necessary equipment.

For those unfamiliar with the mountain the paths are very difficult to navigate, and one wrong step could prove fatal.

If walkers are not wearing appropriate clothing that can withstand such cold and harsh conditions, hypothermia is an additional threat.

Adam Daniel, the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s head of Wardens Service said: “Although Snowdonia’s snow-covered mountains are very pretty to look at, conditions on the ground itself are extremely dangerous.

“We kindly ask those who are thinking about going out in these conditions to seriously consider if they are willing to put their own lives and others’ at risk.”

Over the past few days the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team have been called out several times to rescue walkers who have found themselves in difficulties on Snowdon.

Team members are volunteers who risk their own lives every time they go out on a rescue mission.

George Jones, Llanberis Mountain Rescue team secretary explained: “As a team of volunteers we have faced very challenging conditions over the past few days on rescue missions on Snowdon.

“Unstable snow drifts means that call-outs are complex and challenging.

“More snow is forecast and we kindly ask you not to venture out on the mountain until conditions have improved.”

The National Park Authority provides a ground condition monitoring service on Snowdon.

Information can be accessed by following the bilingual @snowdonweather Twitter account, or the same information is available on the Mountain Weather section of the Met Office website.