Steeps & Gullies
Two days seeking out challenging steep skiing oportunities in the Northern Cairngorms.
This course will only run in safe and stable conditions. You will need to meet the course prerequisites and also should first have attended our skills for steeps course or something that covers similar content.
Over the two days the aim would be to ski some of the famous gullies accessed from the Cairngorm plateau as well as some of the steeper open faces that descend into the various Coires. The descents will only be made in stable, grippy snow and coaching will be given throughout our journey. The descents will be connected by several ski touring ascents and boot packs. This makes for a physically challenging but rewarding day. There may also be some long approaches to access the snow.
You should have your own ski touring equipment, ice axe and crampons, and avalanche safety equipment and know how to use them. We do not rent out equipment for this course as it is important you are familiar with all the equipment you are carrying.
Please read the prerequisites below. If you are in any doubt please book onto the introduction to steeps course instead as it offers a good refresher while still accessing interesting terrain.
Please also ensure you have read the course prerequisites.
OVERVIEW
• £350 PER PERSON
• Maximum 4 per instructor
• Dates (conditions dependant): This course only runs when conditions are suitable. Please note interest using the form below and we will contact you if it looks possible.
PRE-REQUISITES
You would need to be an experienced black run and off piste skier who has experience dealing with all the types of snow we might come across (ice, windslab, sustruggi, neve, powder). You should have completed at least ten days of ski touring.
Some slopes may be around 45 degrees but we will only venture onto steeper terrain in safe, grippy snow conditions.
You Should have a very good level of fitness (around 1500 metres ascent of vertical on skis). You should have experience using ice axe and crampons.
If you have not used Ice axe and crampons you should book in to our skills for steeps course.
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.
