A Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley airlifted the climber to hospital

Rescuers say an incident on Thursday that led to a climber being airlifted from a Snowdonia mountain was just ‘an unfortunate accident’.

The 22-year-old man from Barnet, Hertfordshire, was climbing a route with another man on the Black Ladders – Ysgolion Duon – on the north face of Carnedd Dafydd when he fell about 100m (328ft). A spokesman for the mountain rescue team that went to his aid said the climbers were well equipped.

The men were climbing a route called The Somme when the incident happened about 2.35pm.

Chris Lloyd, of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation said: “The leader had a fall of about 100m from the top, though it sounds like he had more of a slide than free fall.

“He injured his ankle and was lowered to the base of the gully and out on to steep ground ready for rescue by helicopter from 22 Squadron [at RAF Valley].

“Two of our team members were despatched to walk off with his colleague.

“Both climbers were well equipped and well organised. It was just an unfortunate accident.”

The team was stood down at 6pm.

Mr Lloyd continued: “It’s been another busy start to the year. This was the second ‘shout’ to fallen ice climbers in 2010, but it’s good to see people make the most of the winter conditions.”

The climber was airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor for treatment.