The mountain rescue team that covers Ben Nevis has warned walkers to still expect “full winter conditions”.
It follows a rescue of a group of walkers who got lost in “demanding conditions” after summiting Britain’s highest mountain.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue said despite it being Easter, the 4,411-feet high mountain was still cloaked in winter.
“The team were called out this week for a group of walkers who made a mistake navigating from the summit. Due to poor weather the rescue helicopter was not able to fully assist,” said a spokesman for the team. “This made for a very protracted rescue in very demanding conditions. Ben Nevis is gripped by full winter conditions at the moment.
“Please make sure you are fully prepared for winter when venturing in the Lochaber mountains. Tell a friend or family member your intended route.”
Last month a 71-year-old man miraculously survived overnight on the mountain in blizzard conditions.
Rescuers said Arthur Bowden was “one tough cookie” but suffered from severe hypothermia and frostbite to his hands.
He was found by members of Lochaber MRT about 400 feet below the summit of Ben Nevis and airlifted off.
John Stevenson, leader of Lochaber MRT, said: “He was poorly equipped. He had some sort of waterproofs but not suitable footwear – certainly not for the conditions.”
Also last month the rescuers blasted a couple – one wearing trainers – who got lost on a nearby mountain.
Lochaber MRT also had to climb over a deer fence to aid the pair who were disorientated on 2,333ft high Meall an t Suidhe, which forms a saddle with Ben Nevis.
Five members of the team were called out after the woman and man – believed to be in their 20s – raised the alarm.
“They were poorly equipped. They didn’t have a clue. The chap was wearing trainers,” said Mr Stevenson.
“I didn’t see what the woman was wearing – but they just didn’t have the right gear.
“They had gone up part of the main path on Ben Nevis and then got lost. They didn’t even know what mountain they were on.
“We helped walk them to safety and they were ok. But they were poorly equipped and it could have been much worse.”
Days earlier the team also criticised a walker for trying to climb Ben Nevis with bits of rope tied round their boots.