Its all about how one either enjoys or dreads real mountain exposure.
The mountain is just above that magic 3000ft contour, and the drop on the northern side, facing llanberis is extreme to say the least, if you fall this side, its game over.
The main ridge itself, is not very wide, possibly wide enough to allow safe passing of two people with a little space to spare, but the rock is very lose in places, so caution must always be shown where one is placing ones feet.
If care is taken, its straight forward and fairly safe, but if one panics, realising the height and exposure is far more severe than you expected, it can be very dangerous, as unlike the other 14 Welsh 3000 summits, there is no immediate escape to safety, once you have gained the ridge itself, its probably safer to continue than returning the way you came.
There are no safe and immediate escape routes on Crib Goch, if you find yourself crag fast, unable to move, any traverse to safety will involve considerable effort, all on very difficult ground.
Turning towards the North and Llanberis, there is a sheer cliff face, nearly a thousand feet straight up, or down, depending the way your travelling, head first or last.
Turning to the East, the angle of the mountain is first gentle, but soon becomes severe, and there are few recognised paths,and the ones that are there, have to be found by trial and error, and their all very low down the mountain.
Its you and the mountain, and finding your route to the Pyg track involves considerable navigation, through fallen rock and boulder fields, and this is when the weather is clear, ive done it, and the scree and lose rocky terrain made for very slow progress, and visibility was perfect, in mist God knows where i would have ended up.
Coming down the most popular way up, the East ridge, is far more difficult than going up, as the angle is quite challenging on the very shiny rock.
Ive turned back several times, both on the East and Northern approaches, so its not my favourite mountain.
Your first traverse of Crib Goch is far better in the company of other walkers, then you may not want to display your fear, and will soldier on, pretending your enjoying every moment of it.
Ive only crossed its ridge three times, and that was many years ago.
I know the mountain, and what to expect, i hate exposure and heights, and Crib Goch has both those in huge amounts.
The main rocky ridge, regularly freezes up, even in milder winters, as as the ice thaws, the rock cracks, and is forced apart, making certain sections of the ridge itself, lose in places.
Thousands traverse its ridge annually, many by mistake, and others knowing what is to come.
If care is taken, its safe, but the exposure is extreme, and if you dislike exposure, then maybe its left well alone.
My first traverse, was as long ago as 1978, i still remember it, as your first traverse of this very famous mountain will never be forgotten.
If you attempt it, good luck, you may enjoy it, but go prepared, remembering that if for some reason you become scared of the exposure, there is no quick escape.