A headtorch can make the difference between needing mountain rescue and getting yourself off the hill

Mountain experts have come up with a last-minute Christmas shopping list to help outdoor fans stay safe on the hills.

Top of the gift list from the Snowdonia Mountainsafe group is a torch and batteries.

The partnership, formed to help cut incidents on the area’s mountains, said rescue teams are often called to help casualties who have miscalculated the duration of their walk and are caught out by the shortness of daylight.

Carrying a torch is essential because the days are at their shortest over the Christmas period, it said.

Other gift ideas are: a hat, to stop the escape of vital body heat during winter; gloves, to keep the hands warm and dry – another essential during the cold months; and walking poles, to ease the strain on the knees and provide extra stability on frozen paths to avoid a slip.

Finally, Mountainsafe recommends a winter skills course, which will teach you how to use crampons and ice-axe which are essential when true winter conditions take hold on the high mountains of the national park, especially Snowdon, which attracts more walkers than any other in the area.

Llanberis Rescue Team chairman, John Grisdale said: “It’s important to respect the mountains whatever the season.

“However, winter can be less forgiving, and as all hill sheep farmers will confirm, conditions in the hills can be Arctic and change rapidly.

“Those venturing on the mountains should be adequately shod and clothed for the prevailing conditions and checking the weather forecast for the day is always a wise decision.

Walking poles, ice-axes and the ability to use them should be on Santa's list

“In addition, those venturing to the high snow clad summits should possess winter equipment such as ice-axe and crampons and know how to use them. These high excursions can be very demanding and only the experienced should venture on to steep ground covered in snow and ice.”

Mountainsafe said careful planning is always recommended before venturing into the mountains. Researching the route thoroughly beforehand is highly advised, including finding out what the conditions on the ground are before setting out.

It is also important to check the weather forecast. It pointed out the bilingual Twitter service @eryridiogel in Welsh and @safesnowdonia in English Tweet any change in ground conditions, weather information, general advice on walking in the mountains and also highlight good examples of mountaineering.

A spokesperson for the partnership, which includes North Wales Police, the British Mountaineering Council, Mountain Training (Wales), Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Met Office and Plas y Brenin, said: “While dreaming of a white Christmas how about writing a walking wish list to Father Christmas with items which might include a torch, hat and gloves, walking poles and learning how to use walking equipment correctly.

“They could help you to enjoy your experience in the mountains and allow the members of mountain rescue teams to have a restful festive season.”