Our winter season is coming to a close but actually the climbing conditions in the remaining gullies is really good, One has to take care for loose rocks but watch the weather forecast, make sure its freezing on the summits and start nice and early with the aim of getting finished by early afternoon before the snow softens in the spring like temperatures... there is still some good winter experiences to be had. Its worth checking the Scottish Avalanche Information Services avalanche reports and blog. Just a touch of fresh snow on the tops and with some wind can transport the new snow where it will gain depth and build unstable windslab onto wind sheltered coire rims and scarp slopes which even at this time of year can be a danger to climbers as they exit the tops of the climbs onto the plateau.
Tuesday 4 April 2023
Mountain Guiding in the Cairn Gorms
Coire an t- Snechda a glacier cirque or coire landform in the Cairngorm.
Gullies are narrow with firm and stable snow.
No snow no the approach walk, so there is not much trail breaking at this time of year.
I was guiding Luke, it was a cold wild on the tops with the snow firm and stable.
Up to the North-West of Scotland - Beinn Alligin
A wonderful day was enjoyed at the weekend;
There is not much snow remaining for snow studies but its always worth checking the Scottish Avalanche Information Services (SAIS)web site, last report for this season are on the 16th April.
Rock Ptarmigan- are changing their feather from white to brown a sure sign that winter must be almost over.
Beinn Alligin 986 m (translates to Jewelled Hill). It has two summits of Munro status, Tom na Gruagaich 922m and Sgurr Mhor at 986m .
Monday 27 March 2023
A fine ski-touring day on Cairn Gorm
Wonderful weather, chilly but sunny on the tops.
Skinning up above the ski area
Alma at the Cairn Gorm
Wonderfull vies over the corries
The was some nice snow as we skied off the summit back towards the piste
Friday 24 March 2023
Family day on the e-bikes
Even mountain guides take the occasional day off... a super day with Alma, Cara and Dave on the local forrest trails;
The occasional showers of rain on our nice 37 km round trip and light lunch at the Boathouse restaurant, Loch Insh.
Tuesday 21 March 2023
Chamonix off piste and ski mountaineering
A wonderful few days in the mountains.
The Midi Arete
Christophe and I discussing when we were younger with dark hair...
Descending the arete
Outstandingly fine conditions
Happy days indeed
Tuesday 14 March 2023
Spiral Gully variation - winter climbing in the Cairngorms National Park
There was lots of fresh snow last week with high winds and low temperatures. The granite rocks were plastered with rime ice.
Me topping out, thanks for the photo Keith
Keith in the gully section
Crafty product placement, thanks Gore-tex Eu
From Beallach na Ba to Applecross to Torridon
Some fresh snow.
The buttresses are looking a bit more wintry
View to the sea
Beinn Alligin, at 986m, one of the classic mountains of the Torridon Region. Translates from Gaelic to "Mountain of Beauty" or "Jeweled Mountain'
This is Liathach shrouded in mist and snow showers, its 957 m or 6461 feet. the gaelic translates to 'the hoary place'. Freezing frost and coldness
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