Ski Mountaineering in Scotland
Lochaber & Western Highlands
For the Crianlarich area that lies farther south see the Central Highlands page.
For neighbouring areas to the north see our Northwest Highlands page.
There is often better and deeper snow cover in the west highlands of Scotland than towards the east... although this can be highly variable. The downside is that the weather is often worse... milder, wetter and cloudier. The west does also tend to be more prone to rapid thaws due to the proximity of the sea and the (relatively) warm gulf stream. Ben Nevis, 1345m, the highest peak in Scotland and highest peak on the whole island of Great Britain, is located just a few kilometres from the sea.
One of the best areas for touring in Scotland are the high peaks of the Mamores range, just near Fort William. The summit of Aonach Mor in particular makes a very easy day out due to the presence of a gondola uplift (telecabine). The gullies and couloirs on the east face of Aonach Mor above the Braveheart chairlift are very popular with those that enjoy steep skiing. A longer option is to ski round from Aonach Mor over Carn Mor Dearg and onto the summit of Ben Nevis. Some of this tour is on pretty steep terrain, and along the Carn Mor Dearg arete skis will need to be carried.
There are ski resorts at Aonach Mor and Glencoe on the flanks of Meall a'Bhuiridh.
Ben Nevis
Very popular in spring when the easier gullies are regularly skiied. Number 3 and number 4 are the two easiest, Tower gully is much more challenging. All of these lie on the north face above the CIC hut. Normally , by the time the gullies are nice to ski you'll need to carry your skis and boots up the path at least as far as the CIC hut.
A more amenable option for many is the ascent of Ben Nevis from the CIC hut by Coire Leis and the southesat ridge
Skiing down the southeast ridge of Ben Nevis towards Coire Leis, May 2015.
Climbing the headwall on Coire Leis on the way up to the summit of Ben Nevis, May 2015.
Grey Corries
The range fo hills to the east of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor are known as the Grey Corries, though in winter they are usually white. These very high munros hold snow exceptionally well, and there are several access points on the north side (the south side of these peaks is much more remote).
Traversing the Grey Corries Ridge, Mamore mountains, Scotland.
Grey Corries ski descent.
Skiing the peak of Stob Choire Sgriodain in Lochaber, spring conditions.
Southern Mamores
Further south and lying just north of Kinlochleven are the southern ridge of the Mamores. Peaks on this ridge can be accessed form Kinlochleven to the south (quite close... but at sea level) or from Glen Nevis to the north. These are big hills with plenty of steep skiing options.
Passing Sgurr Eilde Mor on the way up Binnien Mor.
Climbing the eastern slopes of Binnien Mor. The summit is in the background.
Skiing down the south ridge of Binnien Mor in spring conitions. The peaks of Glencoe are in the background
Glencoe & Bridge of Orchy area
The ski resort on the northern side of Meall a'Bhuiridh gives access to some good steep backcountry skiing off the south side, as well as being one of the best ski areas in Scotland in its own right. From her a tour south can be made over several munros, even as far as Stob Gabhar, though a second car would be needed to get back to the start.
Further south Stob Gabhar and the peaks around Bridge of Orchy (such as Beinn Achaladair and Beinn Dorain make really nice ski hills, with steep grassy slopes on various aspects.
I've skiied quite a few of these peaks but seem to have no photos!!
Buachaille Etive Mor and Meall a'Bhuiridh from the southern Mamores.
The Grade I climb of Central Gully on Ben Lui is a sought after steep ski descent... not too narrow and not too steep. It is the big wide gully partly hidden by the cloud in this photo taken form Ben Challum.
For the Crianlarich area that lies farther south see the Central Highlands page.
