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Freeze frames: Winter in Scotland's mountains in pictures

SAIS Southern Cairngorms Southern CairngormsSAIS Southern Cairngorms
A runner enjoying cold and bright conditions in the Southern Cairngorms in late December

Every winter, the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) assesses avalanche risk in six mountain areas.

Its latest season started on 14 December.

SAIS Northern Cairngorms Cairngorm summitSAIS Northern Cairngorms
Two walkers reaching the summit of Cairngorm on 24 December
SAIS Northern Cairngorms Looking towards Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis from Cairngorm on 24 DecemberSAIS Northern Cairngorms
Looking towards Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis from the summit of Cairngorm in late December

Over the past few weeks, the SAIS teams have encountered snow and freezing temperatures, milder weather and thaws and glorious sunshine and calm conditions.

The six mountain areas involved are Lochaber, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, Northern Cairngorms and Torridon.

SAIS Lochaber Be Nevis on Christmas DaySAIS Lochaber
A mist shrouded Ben Nevis on Christmas Day
SAIS Glencoe Glen Coe on 30 DecemberSAIS Glencoe
On the A82 through Glen Coe on 30 December
SAIS Torridon Beinn Dearg hills on New Year's DaySAIS Torridon
The Beinn Dearg hills on New Year's Day morning

Hillwalkers, climbers and skiers use information provided by SAIS to help them plan trips into Scotland's highest hills and mountains.

SAIS usually winds up its forecasting season in mid-April.

SAIS Creag Meagaidh DogSAIS Creag Meagaidh
SAIS Creag Meagaidh team's faithful companion
SAIS Northern Cairngorms Ptarmigan in CairngormsSAIS Northern Cairngorms
A ptarmigan trying to blend into the snow and ice in the Cairngorms
SAIS Southern Cairngorms Runner in Southern Cairngorms on 2 JanuarySAIS Southern Cairngorms
A runner in the Southern Cairngorms on 2 January

All images are copyright of Scottish Avalanche Information Service.