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By Trail magazine

Phill Thomas, Mountain Guide with the Mountain Leader Training Association says: “Using them all the time is rarely a good idea, as twisting ankles among boulders and damage to crampons are likely. There are no golden rules; it’s down to individual judgment, and agility and skill – not only of yourself but of all party members. Put simply, if it’s easier to progress without crampons due to the general nature of the terrain, do so; and when faced with short sections of hard snow or ice be prepared to chop steps with an ice axe. This is an important skill for winter.
“Where long sections of hard snow, ice or ice-covered rocks are encountered, crampon use is advised as the risk of a slip is greater, and to cut steps for a long distance is both tiring and time-consuming unless you are highly skilled in the technique. 
‘Training in winter skills by a suitably experienced instructor is highly recommended as the safe and quick way to learn.”