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Back Corries - Back Track

Ben Nevis

Back Track is a great way to get into Coire Dubh and get the full length run down to the base of Braveheart!

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
1.5 km
Ascent
18 m
Descent
440 m
Low Point
740 m
High Point
1.2 km
Gradient
44˚
Back Corries - Back Track Map

The famous Back Corries of Nevis Range are the go-to spot for all backcountry enthusiasts visiting the area, if conditions are stable.

Description

With different entrances across the whole corie rim that vary in steepness (steepest on the skier’s right hand side), the Back Corries caters for all ranges of skill levels from intermediate - expert skiers.

The welcoming staff in the Ski Patrol hut at the top of the Summit Button tow will be more than happy to give you advice on the most recent conditions in the Back Corries and advise you on anywhere that’s worth avoiding before you head down into them, so pop your head in and say ‘hi’ once off the Summit Button.

From the ski patrol hut, follow the fence line in a northerly direction via the ‘Lemming Ridge’ (patrol will close the Back Corries if they deem it too unsafe) to then reach the Nid ridge that gives access to the Back Corries on its right hand side. You’re free to drop into any area you wish along this ridgeline, depending on your ability level and the conditions on the day.

There’s normally an easy traverse track into the main drop in areas of the Back Track that allow skiers access who may usually not be able to drop off the large cornices into the fantastic powder bowl below and rip up some turns all the way down the Coire Dubh.

Depending on the snow level, you’ll be able to ski underneath the Braveheart Chairlift to the base of Coire Dubh, to then take the chairlift back up which gives you enough height to then traverse around the Nid Ridge to access Rob Roy’s Return which leads back to the Gondola top station.

Please be aware that you will need to traverse high and skier’s left, keeping enough height to return back to resort via Rob Roy’s Return if the Braveheart Chairlift isn’t open. You can of course head down to Braveheart and skin back out, but this requires the use of ski touring equipment.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Bowl
  • Face

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area