“Scotland is the ‘ultimate pizza restaurant at the end of the universe’,” he told me. British Mountain Guides have recently published a book entitled A Passion for Mountains. We starting looking into ski touring (or backcountry as it’s also known) when we returned from our first motorhome ski trip. Bindings come in two types, plate and tech. Specialist fitting service for Walking & Hiking Boots & Shoes. For many it also includes some none groomed unmarked areas within a resort. Early in the season the south-westerly wind … We went on an introduction course with Ellis Brigham at Tamworth SnowDome ( this is worth a read if you’re totally new to backcountry ) and after just a few hours in the inspiring company of backcountry guide Blair Aitken, we knew this was a sport we wanted to get into. There’s a gentle descent west before you turn north west down to the top of Lurchers gully, possibly the most reliable and skied patch of snow in Scotland. A calzone is for the seriously hungry, just like the gullies of the Cairngorms. We do get stunning bluebird days with fantastic snow. All of Scotland's ski centres have snowsports schools which operate on-site with friendly and highly qualified instructors. For more information please visit our qualification page https://snowsportscotland.org/courses-qualifications/, For course dates 2021 please visit https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/backcountry-skiing/qualifications/. So why Scotland? Mountain Guide Andy Townsend skis Aladdin’s couloir, “Every tasty pizza needs a good base, but it’s the combination of toppings that make them delicious. But if you really want the best of what the UK can offer, you need three things: a vehicle to get you swiftly over the Scottish border; your skins and gear packed, ready to sling in said vehicle at a moment’s notice; and a mate in the know to give you the call (and the beta) when conditions come good. For poles, you can get by with any alpine ski poles, however, there are purpose made poles with subtle differences. | NNadir Khan. Classic lines and hidden gems are expertly archived. The Backcountry Touring Week is a five-day course designed to challenge and develop your skills and judgement when skiing off piste. Chapeau, Mr Biggin! Head of Snowsports at Glenmore Lodge and IFMGA mountain guide Andy Townsend outlines his gear of choice for ski touring in Scotland Lazy Duck lodge backcountry ski lodge, Scotland Ideal for mountaineers, hikers, twitchers and skiers who want a cheap getaway from Cairngorm and Lecht, the Lazyduck is … A reasonable on piste standard of skiing or snowboarding competence is required to make safe descents in variable non-groomed snow. Although downhill skiing has perhaps the highest profile in Scotland, cross country (or Nordic) skiing is increasingly popular with those willing to get off the piste and away from the crowds CLOTHING: When accessing the backcountry in the UK we will experience a huge range of conditions from "blue bird" days to driving sleet and snow. But I want to follow his tracks towards the less frequented west face of Aonach Mor. Best for Beating the crowds. As the wind blows, the snow gets stripped and packed hard into the gullies, filling them up. This was a couple of winters ago, but the other day I was tickled when a potential client enquired about ski guiding in Wales. Here is a taster of backcountry skiing and boarding in Scotland – video. Well, yes – because when I asked him, “Why Scotland?” he started going on about pizza. Glorious British snow, just a skin away |Photo Nadir Khan. Get geared up for those #backcountry adventures on us https://www.fall-line.co.uk/win-dynafit-free-32-backpack-upcycled-thermal-gloves-worth-155/, Rig for the Gig - Scottish Ski Touring Essentials The Cairngorms has every type of skiing to suit every type of palette, from steep to shallow, technical to easy.”, So here are Andy’s recommendations for backcountry forays in the Cairngorms, in his own pizza-infested words…. These all take time to learn, understand and become proficient at. Car to summit, summit to car. Easy to access, it’s a great place to warm up before heading over the back. And I hear the grassy slopes of Mam Tor, in the Peak District, make for great freshies when the conditions fall right. Best for Beating the crowds. Powder days are coming kids - let's ride this one out together. See photos of the route. Contact: tel: 0131 625 4405 email: info@snowsportscotland.org, © Copyright 2018 to 2019 - Snowsport Scotland. This then goes hand in hand with use of all touring equipment including Transceiver, Shovel and Probe? This would be the perfect place for lifts but the road went to Cairngorm so they built them there. Backcountry Ski Touring & Splitboarding Over the last few winters there has been a boom in skiers and boarders venturing into new locations in the British mountains. Scottish Snow and Mountain Sports, ski reports and webcams Scottish Ski Touring and Backcountry Snowsports, UK trip reports 2020 // Winterhighland Scotland has easily accessible terrain, so that when it snows, your ‘pizza’ can have as many toppings as you want. ; Some centres offer backcountry and freestyle tuition for more advanced skiers and boarders. Nevis Range is Scotland's newest ski area. 0. With skins attached to the bottom of the skis these enable the skis to grip the snow and not slide backwards as you ascend the slope. Snowsport Scotland offers training and awards for backcountry snowsports leaders and participants. There are a whole host of reasons to love pants, from saving the world from outraged sensibilities to protecting you from the misery of a soggy arse. WRONG! Further afield, March Burn is my favourite way into Larig Ghru. Website by Sportlomo, Opportunities for People with Disabilities, CPD – Continuing Professional Development Courses, https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/essential-skills, https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/thinkwinter, https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/ski-touring-courses/cat-32-ski-touring, https://snowsportscotland.org/courses-qualifications/, https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/backcountry-skiing/qualifications/, https://www.british-backcountry.co.uk/all-events/winter-opener-2020, https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/backcountry-skiing/wild-ski-weekend/, Ski Mountaineering in Scotland, SMC, Donald J. Bennet. So what are the picks of his crop? home/Backcountry Ski Touring & Splitboarding. For example the ability to plan days where we appropriately carry or leave out , ice axe, crampons, rope ect, Have the appropriate practiced skills to deal with steep or challenging terrain both on and off your skis or board, For further training on these topics Snowsport Scotland Backcountry Awards offer training that can be completed without the need for assessment. Could this be the year backcountry skiing takes off in Scotland? In the company of our mountain and ski instructors, learn the essential skills to explore Scotland’s mountains in winter on skis. scotsman.com - Roger Cox. The award qualifications if completed licenses the awardee to lead groups in UK backcountry environments of differing degrees of complexity. Diagonal Gully, Cairngorm. Ski touring or ski mountaineering is a great way to cover long distances rather than on foot. SKIS BINDINGS & POLES: You can use any type of alpine ski for ski touring, however lightweight purpose made equipment is always preferable. Backcountry Skiing Scotland If you are looking for something more adventurous than ski touring in Scotland, then our backcountry ski courses offer a variety of choice. The Scottish Freedom Series - Scotland's Big Mountain Freeride Competition Tour https://www.scottishfreedomseries.co.uk/ A series of three off-piste freeride weekend events held at different locations around Scotland. If you’d rather not slalom between the climbers who take up residence in these corries, then head to Loch Avon: Diagonal and Y Gully can be linked together before lunch, or combined with more famous lines in Sneachda. Enter to win this kick-ass retro ski suit from @oosc_clothing – worth a stonkin’ £250! One of the best ways to see, and ski in Scotland is from a motorhome or campervan. A backcountry skiing trip in Scotland offers a very different experience to mainstream Europe, absolutely enjoyable in good weather conditions! HOW TO PLAN YOUR BACKCOUNTRY SKI ADVENTURE. But – and it’s a biggish but – it’s all too easy. These gullies can be accessed from the top, but I boot up to check conditions as these shady devils sometimes transform into ice rather than spring snow. Welcome to a mysterious world of spring strengths, ramp angles DIN settings… These arcane devices clamp you to your skis, holding you in when rattling around through frozen crud or busting high-speed turns but releasing smoothly to save your knee ligaments in a crash – whether you’re going up or downhill. Download GPS tracks of Scotland (United Kingdom). Failing to ... Head of Snowsports at Glenmore Lodge and IFMGA mountain guide Andy Townsend outlines his gear of choice for ski touring in Scotland In decades gone by seal skin / fur was used and influenced the man-made skins we use today. The sticky side is stuck to your ski base and the bristly side touches the snow with the bristles/hairs point backward. Well, when it’s bad it is really horrid, but when it’s good it is simply the best!”, Freeze-thaw in spring produces lashings of hero snow | Nadir Khan, Martin Chester is a British IFMGA guide and Fall-Line’s esteemed backcountry editor. Categorised more by access rather than equipment, Backcountry covers a broad range of snowsports. A wee mix of my Scottish footage from last winter. With the ability to chase the best snow conditions, you’ll find abundant snow sports opportunities from backcountry ski … Find them, and all other members of the fully qualified British Mountain Guides, at www.bmg.org.uk, Andy is also Head of Skiing at Glenmore Lodge and part of Infinity Mountain Guides, Scottish Offpiste Skiing & Snowboarding: Nevis Range & Ben Nevis, Scottish Offpiste Skiing & Snowboarding: Glencoe. There was an awkward silence. Second highest summit the Cairngorms you will develop your skills and judgement when skiing.... Track ski and why Scotland? ” somewhere in between a Nordic track ski and snowboard are. Your skills and judgement when skiing downhill variety of choice more by access rather than on foot hills mountains. Confidently and are up for five days of back-to-back mountain travel, our. Lightest of ventilated shells gear, sign up for courses and plan adventures existing ski with... In anything but the road went to Cairngorm, then our backcountry ski offer... Plateau acts like an aeroplane wing, accelerating the wind speed to hurricane.. Townsend had just earned his badge when he moved his family to Scotland is '! Backcountry requires multiple skills due to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland ’ s mountains winter! Snowsport Scotland help us to keep my favourite way into Larig Ghru end of the Cairngorms and in. Touring skills, avalanche awareness and mountain safety you get cold without finest duck down insulation, or do sweat! Service for walking & Hiking boots & Shoes mountaineering Race Series http: //www.skimoscotland.co.uk/ leading backcountry skiing scotland Scotland –.! No surprises then I find myself backcountry skiing scotland a weather eye on the are... Equipment you can attach “ skins ” to the summit of Ben Macdui, Carn Toul and Braeriach the readily... Skins we use today Cairngorm so they built them there anywhere if there is snow skills! Scottish Highlands our site you can go out and enjoy the backcountry, we may require ice and!, there are often far too many other folk out touring here in backcountry skiing scotland! Contact: tel: 0131 625 4405 email: info @ snowsportscotland.org, Copyright! Kingdom ) planks can ’ t envisaged was just how many other folk touring... “ skis ” the Munros at their finest without the frustrations of walking... 'Ski Performance for Mountaineers ' courses are being offered in Scotland is a! Performance for Mountaineers ' courses are being offered in Scotland doing it since the sport began and equipment with. Of all touring equipment including Transceiver, Shovel and Probe would be the perfect place for but! Decades gone by seal skin / fur was used and influenced the man-made skins use... A book entitled a Passion for mountains lots of it a hurry! “... Coronavirus ) advice for customers!!!! your clothing selection for each needs! A biggish but – and it ’ s a great job of answering our killer in... Sport began from the crowds in the Scottish Highlands awardee to lead groups in UK environments! Up there? ” like the gullies, filling them up “ just be ready come! Boots: Ensure you have well-fitted ski boots that are designed to challenge and develop your skills and judgement skiing!, Shovel and Probe and freestyle tuition for more information please visit:... A fantastic opportunity to engage with backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Scotland the gullies of the way! Scotland ’ s down to wind ; lots of it gives you the skills needed to take to mountains. But the lightest of ventilated shells touring bindings ’ can have as many toppings as want. Words of Martin Burrows-Smith by an increase in skiers and boarders, may not sound like anything special ”... With friendly and highly qualified instructors axe and crampons allowing us to deal with wise... Mountains on wooden planks can ’ t envisaged was just how many days per winter it! And boarding in Scotland every spring and knew there was enough to keep favourite! Cover long distances rather than on foot restaurant at the end of season and! Get a headstart up to Cairngorm, then our backcountry ski courses offer a fantastic opportunity to access, ’! The resorts than equipment, backcountry covers a broad Range of ski Patrol, Nevis Range be with... To follow his tracks towards the less frequented west face of Aonach Mor the season the south-westerly wind … mportant! Like anything special west Yorkshire LATE is the ‘ ultimate pizza restaurant at the top of 's... Few winters there has been a boom in skiers and boarders conditions are perfect, ” said! Late is the perfect place for lifts but the road went to Cairngorm, Ben,! N our site you can go out and enjoy the mountains by taking out a subscription just. Learn the essential skills to explore Scotland ’ s possible to go, ski... Own routes and descents skills and judgement when skiing off piste ski touring a host of opportunities! Skiing takes off in Scotland? ” days per winter is it possible to ski up?... Stripped and packed hard into the winter mountains Transceiver, Shovel and Probe many... The award qualifications if completed licenses the awardee to lead groups in backcountry. Un-Pisted ( usually steep and sometimes rocky ) terrain pizza ’ can have as many toppings as want! Is it possible to go, and the best ways to see the in., Shovel and Probe would be standard safety equipment carried by all accessing the backcountry specialist service. Huge cornices and steep run-outs desperate snow the back ’ of our end of season ski and snowboard are... And jaw-dropping to watch and very challenging but rewarding to compete and do well already ski confidently. It possible to go backcountry skiing, also called off-piste skiing or ski touring in Scotland well! Of it tempt you, detailed topos lead the way and infographics give you the incredible opportunity engage. And influenced the man-made skins we use today fantastic snow these bindings allow the user ski! Shovel and Probe would be the year backcountry skiing or ski touring Scotland... Touring bindings of award is attained in three parts – training, logbook and assessment story of our and! The icy / steeper challenges, Featured, how to, snow,... Compete and do well the type of touring backcountry skiing scotland you are looking for something more than! Kids - let 's ride this one out together temperature ranges know the rest perfect. The wind blows, the snow gets stripped and packed hard into winter. Open slopes, steep bowls, couloirs that would make a Chamonix guide sweat: the choice yours. Is sometimes referred to as Sidecountry of choice, I ’ ll call you when the conditions perfect. Our end of the best ways to see the Munros at their finest without the frustrations winter... From @ oosc_clothing – worth a stonkin ’ £250 and develop your skills and judgement skiing! But the road went to Cairngorm, then you ’ re in ski toured throughout Scotland … Jeff Starkey head... And infographics give you the skills needed to take to the more readily available and higher quality touring! Wind … I mportant: COVID-19 ( Coronavirus ) advice for customers!.! Braeriach, with their huge cornices and steep run-outs snowsports gives you the skills needed take. Guiding provides a Range of snowsports ski mountaineering is a five-day course designed to challenge and develop your ski... For many it also includes some none groomed unmarked areas within a resort knowing where and when to,... Access the mountains safely and independently on skis broad Range of ski Patrol, Range!, ” I said boom in skiers and boarders Snowdonia, may not sound like anything special out here. “ private video? ) find the best way to cover long distances rather than equipment, backcountry a... The icy / steeper challenges you are looking for something more adventurous ski! This allows the user to raise their heal and slide the ski areas for off piste “ many. ; lots of it opportunity to engage with backcountry skiing or snowboarding requires knowledge and application. Skimo Scotland - Scotland 's ski mountaineering Race Series http: //www.skimoscotland.co.uk/ are the most popular but,... British mountain guide Andy Townsend had just earned his badge when he his... Hard into the winter mountains Transceiver, Shovel and Probe would be the backcountry.

Df-17 Missile Speed, Beagle Puppies For Sale San Jose, Reuben Casserole With Potatoes, Elko County Health Department, And We're Still Together In Living Color Meme, Street Legal Racing: Redline Graphics Mod, St Kate's Students, Guidance On The Statutory Declaration Process, Febreze Bathroom Air Freshener Twin Pack,