RESCUE services are warning climbers to take extra care in Snowdonia following three separate climbing accidents within a week. Three climbers were rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor over the New Year period because of treacherous conditions on Snowdon. In one incident last Friday,a 40-year-old Hampshire man slid 100 yards down the popular Miner s Track above Glaslyn lake sustaining a broken ankle and cuts, despite being accompanied and well equipped for the climb. The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team and RAF Valley-based 22 Squadron took part in the rescue operation and escorted the injured man to Ysbyty Gwynedd. Aled Taylor, of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said: "There was a lot of snow and ice on the mountains last week and there were a number of incidents where people were caught by the conditions. "Most of the ice and snow has gone but the weather here can turn very quickly and we are reminding climbers and walkers to look at the weather forecasts before they set off." He added: "We have issued posters and leaflets to climbers over the last year offering safety advice and it has worked a bit, but we are still asking mountaineers to take care during this period and to use common sense --don t be afraid to turn back if the weather turns." People should also remember that the mobile phone is only an extra piece of equipment not to be used in place of other vital equipment like a torch, map and compass. A police spokesman added: "In view of the number of incidents over the week we are advising climbers and walkers alike to take extra caution when walking in the Snowdonia area. "There is a lot of snow and ice on Snowdon at this time and people should come properly equipped when they approach any of the mountains. "Climbers should also have knowledge of which routes they are taking and the severity of the climb. "We are also advising climbers not to go out alone and to let someone know where they are going and the estimated time of return." | 
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