Ski Mountaineering in Scotland
Central Highlands
There is more good ski touring in the Central Highlands, Ben More and Stob Binnein by Crianlarich, Drumochter Pass south of Dalwhinnie and the grassy hills of the Ben Lawers range all provide plenty of high and steep terrain for some good skiing. Many skiers start out from the high car park near the old visitor centre on Ben Lawers, or the dam just above. The A9 at or near Drumochter Pass also gives the advantage of starting from a relatively high road.
Crianlarich, Ben More & Stob Binnien area
For neighbouring areas to the north and east see our Cairngorms & Eastern Highlands page.
For skiing in areas west of here see our West Highlands page
Crianlarich, Ben More & Stob Binnien
In the southwest the high peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnien, just south of Crianlarich, give a classic high level tour with some steep options. The northeast face of Stob Binnien is particularly good. One disadvantage here is a very low starting altitude.
Skinning up towards the summit of Ben More in May 2015. Stob Binnien is the peak in the background, with the steep northeast face on the left.
Steep skiing on the southeast side of An Caisteal. This peak lies just to the southwest of Crianlarich and can be skiied in a day in combination with Bheinn a-Chroin.
On the summit of Ben Challum.
Skiing Ben Challum near Crianlarich.
Ben Lawers area
Skiing from the car along the Ben Lawers road, heading for Meall Corranaich and Ben Lawers. Good conditions for practising step turns and kick turns on the way back down.
Splitboarder ascending Meall nan Tarmachan on a perfect day. Tarmachan is one of the most straightforward, popular and simple ski ascents in this area, especially if you are looking for some good turns on the way down.
There are a lot of good steep munro's to ski up the Glen Lyon valley on both the north and south sides of the glen. Access is generally pretty straightforward, although the short road over from Killin (passign Ben Lawers) is not normally passable in winter conditions.
Skiing on Carn Gorm above Glen Lyon, 2014.
Starting out in Glen Lyon.
Winter camping in Glen Lyon. Close to the snow!
On the summit of Sgiath Chuill, Glen Lyon.
Drumochter Pass
The main A9 road at Drumochter allows easy access to some good ski
hills. The group of munros to the west of the road, Geal Charn, and A'Mharconaich
are probably the best tour, with the NE ridge or SE face of
A'Mharconaich giving fine descents. Just a bit south Sgairneach Mor has
a long easy run on the north slopes that maintains itself well into the
spring, a sort of mini version of the more famous
Braeriach
Escalator. For something a bit steeper the NE nose of the Boar of Badenoch provides an exhilarating line, sometimes doubly "corniced". This is the ridge that is very prominently seen from the A9 as you drive south.
Beautiful snow on the southwest flank of Meall Chuaich near Dalwhinnie.
Spring snow skiing on Sgairneach Mor.
On the summit of Sgairneach Mor on a fine warm day in mid-April.
For neighbouring areas to the north and east see our Cairngorms & Eastern Highlands page.
For skiing in areas west of Drumochter see our West Highlands page.
