Steeps & Gullies

Two days seeking out the best steep skiing available in the Northern Cairngorms.

You will be coached on techniques for safely descending and ascending gullies and steeper slopes. This will include jump turns, side slipping, short turns and other tips and tricks. It may be necessary to use a rope to safeguard the entrance or a steep section part way down. It may be necessary to use ice axe and crampons to ascend steep ground. The exact content of the course depends on what is in condition, and the skills of the group, but you can expect to be working on transitions and security on steep ground, ski technique for steeper terrain, decision making, and team work.

Day 1 - technique and tactics for steep and narrow terrain, decision making on steep ground & terrain choice.

Day 2 - exploratory day, looking for the best of the classic gully lines in the Cairngorms

A degree of flexibility is needed an we will go to where the conditions are best. There may be some long approaches to access the snow.

Please also ensure you have read the course prerequisites.

OVERVIEW

• £285 PER PERSON
• Maximum 4 per instructor
• Dates:

April: Mon 7th & Tues 8th

Additional dates may be added if conditions allow.

PRE-REQUISITES

You would need to be an experienced black run and off piste skiier who has experience dealing with all the types of snow we might come across (ice, windslab, sustruggi, neve, powder).

Some slopes may be uround 40 degrees but we will only venture onto steeper terrain in safe, grippy spring snow conditions.

You Should have a very good level of fitness (over 1000metres ascent of vertical on skis). You should have experience using ice axe and crampons.

You would need to be familiar with ski touring equipment and ideally using it in Scottish conditions. 

Under 18s should not attend this course. If you have had a long break from skiing please make sure you visit your local dry slope or try to get a day of uplift skiing before attending.