Backcountry & Touring Guide Journey into the backcountry and experience a whole new side of the Cairngorms. The weather -including also winds and visibility- is the biggest factor that will make your backcountry skiing trip in Scotland heaven or hell. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A collection of ski touring clips from Scotland during the great winter of 2017 - 2018. Ski Scotland Snow Conditions. Meall nan Tarmachan has descent options off all sides and the best depends on where the snow has been deposited by the wind. One of the best venues for snow sports in the country, with a high car park giving quick access to a huge variety of terrain and multiple summits. We had no idea where to start with planning a Scottish Ski Adventure that didn’t involve an overnight drive to try and catch the illusive snow/sun-combo that seems to hit Scotland once every 47 days with 20 minutes notice. This is a monster of a mountain with numerous Coires all of which have had ski descents down their faces and gully lines. Having recently converted a van himself, he’s a Winterised member and is the founder of British Backcountry with ski and mountain qualifications that make Bear Grylls look like a rank amateur adventurer. The Pennine Alps, in fact, lend themselves to an almost infinite number of variations on the Haute Route theme. The National Trust Car Park is most suitable for larger vehicles, although the car park further up the road is a better starting point for Meall Nan Tarmachan. Practical snow & avalanche training for skiing … We will ski mainly in the Cairngorm mountains which are Scotland’s finest ski touring mountains, however, should conditions be favourable, we may opt to visit Creag Meagaidh or the Monadhliath mountains. All of the gullies are serious and hazardous and should not be underestimated. The high starting point can also be used to access surrounding peaks. The business was started out of requests from Blair’s clients for trips in Scotland… Today’s story is no different but the challenge has been made easier by the increased sharing of information, improved forecasts, better lightweight equipment and (for many) the comforts of a campervan. In the Highlands you can expect lows of 0ºC. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The parking is a short walk along the road from the start of the trail. For a much longer journey it is possible to do a full traverse around the outside of Coire Ardair. This is often used as a higher starting point for Ben Macdui where one of the longest descents in the area heads down it’s South side following All Clach nan Taillear. Little did we know that there was a world of snowmads out there and we were late to the party! Carn-Mor Dearg has some beautiful skiing down the East facing side into it’s three bowls which are slightly more friendly. Tower Gully into Observatory Gully complement these with an enormous descent off the highest point of Great Britain down a steep exposed gully. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If you’re looking for scenic drives in Scotland for touring by car, these driving routes … In opening hours if you're using the ski area for ski touring please purchase a ski touring ticket … In winter is is normally quiet, unless the weather is good on a weekend. The Forestry Commission have opened a number of car parks for single night stays but this has not offset the damage caused by companies such as Camping in the Forest who have refused to open their Scottish sites. In the right conditions this could be one of the longest descents in the country and is far less challenging than the North Face when in good condition. Glen Roy, Ben More, Ben Lui, Ben Dorain, The Mamores, The Grey Corries. Over the years, I have skied in Scotland … If you are chasing winter it’s better to have an empty road ahead of you! Multiple summits possible for those fit enough. Those of you with Scottish Backcountry experience will note that missing from this guide is the terrain north of Inverness, arguably some of the finest in the country. February to April is the best time, when days are longer. There are some sportier options off both Creise and from the Clach Leathad ridgeline but access is by a rocky scramble from the top of the resort. If you have time enough, visit some of the many whisky destilleries in the country! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. ©2020 Explore-Share - All rights reserved. A qualified guide is … Need help discovering your next adventure? Motorhome and Caravan Skiers Guide to Winter Awnings, Should you take your awning with you on a ski trip? With the ability to chase the best snow conditions, you’ll find abundant snow sports opportunities from backcountry ski touring to snow-shoeing and mountain biking. Spring is the usual season for ski-touring. It is often possibly to ski back to the road from this summit which makes for a terrific long descent. The descent back into Coire a’ Bhathaich is terrific and offers easy access back out to the road, if the snow is low enough. Coire An t-Schneada offers superb gully skiing even late into spring, although the terrain is steep and exposed, and can be busy with climbers. A visit to the Highland’s is never a wasted trip if you come with an open mind, flexibility and the spirit of opportunism! February to the end of March, although keep an eye on January storms. Ski touring can get you into areas considered inaccessible to ordinary skiers and offers a completely different mountain experience. On the return to the Glen the steep skiers eye will be drawn toward Sgor Gaoith opposite which holds some of the longest and finest gully skiing opportunities in the country, when in condition. Geal-charn is one of the best introductory ski touring venues, especially the NW descent into Coire Beul an Sporain. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The favoured ascent, now known as the Escalator makes a fine ski back down. I can’t remember the last time the conditions were so fantastic in Scotland – and on a weekend. If you wish to ski the South side of Ben Nevis it is possible to park in Glen Nevis and ascend the tourist path, then descend the Red Burn. Mellow ski tours with easy access directly from the A9. Although the cafe burnt down last year, they have a temporary cafe and some facilities for customers. Very different experience to mainstream Europe, absolutely enjoyable in good weather so park! 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