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Ski Mountaineering in Scotland
Many a time as a 'normal' skier, I stood with the crowds at the summit of Glas Maol (at Glenshee Ski Centre) or even Meall a' Bhuiridh (Glencoe Ski Centre), gazing out at the wonderful winter landscapes that bless Scotland on crisp winter days.Warming up a little after the slow ride up to the summit on the chairlift, I would find myself wondering about the snow conditions 'out there' and occasionally spot corries that, from a distance, looked perfectly ski-able. It wasn't until quite recently that I found out that many of these spots are indeed ski-able, even for a red-run skier like me.
Ski Mountaineering, you see, is not as scary as it sounds. Of course, it can be if you make it! But there are many locations across Scotland where it is simply a means of escaping the hordes that are hemmed into the ski centres or, as is often the case, accessing the best snow conditions.
The skis used are very similar to regular alpine skis. The heel is free during ascents but snaps into a fixed position for descents. Avalanche transceivers and ice axes are also required - as is the ability to use them - so some training and instruction is necessary, certainly to begin with. And, as with any winter trip into the mountains, you have to be able to navigate, keep and eye on the weather and be aware of the constantly changing snow conditions. The more you find out about it, the more it seems like a real adventure!
My first experience was in Glen Feshie, which seemed a world away from the nearby CairnGorm Mountain Ski Resort. Paul Easto, Director of Wilderness Scotland and a keen ski mountaineering enthusiast, took me on a wonderful circuit in late March.
An early start saw us 'skin-up' the western flanks of the glen. I was amazed to experience the sticky skins on the bottom of my skis prevent me from slipping back to the car! But it was remarkably easy and, once into a steady rhythm, we soon progressed up the hill and onto the plateau. At the top I felt refreshed and exhilarated, as the Cairngorms lay before us with not a soul to be seen.
And, as Paul pointed out to me, the best was yet to come. We toured the plateau in the sunshine then made a fun-filled descent back to the car, cutting fresh tracks all the way. Meanwhile, I imagined, snowboarders and skiers at centres around the country were waiting in queues to jostle for position on the same run again. Suddenly, the world seems like a bigger place - I'm hooked!
Wilderness Scotland runs 3-night Ski Mountaineering trips, suitable for intermediate skiers (no ski mountaineering experience necessary), with accommodation in a small 4-star hotel and all meals included. To find out more visit the Wilderness Scotland website.
Thanks to Stevie Christie for providing the story.
