Black Spout Gully (Left Hand)
Cairngorms National Park
The classic gully line on Lochnagar
Freeride Skiing Severe
- Distance
- 496 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 332 m
- Low Point
- 812 m
- High Point
- 1.1 km
- Gradient
- 62˚
Easy access following the normal walkers path to Lochnagar. Just after Can Carn Mor you find the entrance to the gully on your right.
Description
The gully is a classic grade I winter route and can have a serious cornice. The gully is best skied later in the season in spring conditions when part of the cornice has melted. It holds the snow until late in the season and it contains a classic dogleg halfway down the route. It's sister gully, Black Spout Gully (right hand), is more difficult to come into conditions (a step above the dogleg requires fair amounts of snow ) and maybe a little steeper too.
The line is features in the Scottish Ski Movie Comfort Zones (9:37-10:53).
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Medium Exposure (E2)
As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
Best time to visit
Features
- Couloir
Equipment required
- Skins
- Ice axe
- Crampons