Ski Mountaineering - a nice tour

Today we were out on our local Cairngorm National park. Conditions are still very good and we found some nice snow for the descent. It was bad visibility on the main higher summits but on Meal a Bhuachaille to Creagan Gorm and Craiggowrie it was very good. It did feel cold in the wind but the snow cover is good. The descent down the NW aspect of Craiggowrie was superb, until the forrest,which is always a bit survial-ish but still we were able to keep our skis on all the way from the road side.

Bob in fine form!

Rick and Bob

                                                        Bob with Craiggowrie behind

Some great snow cover here

Some nice snow above 400 m

Liathach looking fine

Loch Claire

 

Still good snow cover in our Scottish Hills...

 There was a thaw a few days ago but since then its turned much colder with some heavy snow showers. Its very nice here. I take this opportunity to remind you that because of Covid-19 we have to keep to the following guidance

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to Scottish Government guidance and safe route choices for exercise. For further guidance please refer to the following information for hillwalkers and climbers and snowsports on ski and board.

By mid February we may well all be able to enjoy the hills again. At the moment we are permitted to exercise and enjoy our local hills - please stay safe and stay local.

Liathach, Torridon today.

View down towards loch Clair.

A local ski tour on Cairngorm

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to current Coronavirus guidance. Please refer to the following information for hillwalkers and climbers and snowsports on ski and board

A ski tour on Cairngorm today. The gate on the ski road is closed by the Hay field,never the less even with the extra hour or so i takes to ski or walk up the icy road there were a few locals out and about on the hill today. Its impressive that it is local people as I feel it shows that or outdoor community are really trying to fit in their exercise yet keep to the guidance. Stay local/ stay safe.

Ski conditions are not as fine as they were but its still very good. There is some crust and wind blown snow and today the light became a bit flat as the hours passed visibility remained pretty good.

View down through the ski area towards Loch Morlich an Aviemore from around  point 1141.

and view further to the North-East

 There is plenty snow at the Hayfield.

 

Its rather miserable in the hills just now after such fine days last week.

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to Scottish Government guidance and safe route choices for exercise. For further guidance please refer to the following information for hillwalkers and climbers and snowsports on ski and board.

Dampish and wet conditions in the hills just now.

There has been a short lived one day thaw in the North West but its turning colder tonight, we can expect frost down to low levels and the roads could be slippy tonight. Look out for Red Deer. Stay local, please keep safe!

 

Industrial Rope Access / work at height.

 A busy IRATA rope access training and assessment day with Applus. Everyone passed, with two candidates gaining excellent. Well done chaps.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions we use Manakins for rescue

and everyone keeps at lest two meters apart.

Some of the training centres in the Scotland's central belt are closing for several weeks but many of the guys are essentially employees in the Oil business or using Industrial rope access skills on steep embankments, clearing landslides, making embankments safe with rock stabilisation and netting. There is a strict regime of re-training every three years to keep us all up to date and well versed in new techniques and developments.  

Glenmore Forrest

Skiing around with my pal Rick

Its the best snow cover we have had in the forest for a while.

 

Ben Wyvis on Skis

 

Poor visibility on top

Rick and Mark

Selfie Time!!!!

 

Wonderful hill days here in Scotland

On Newtonmore Golf Course

Dan and Nessa in Torridon

                                                            Liathach