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Ciste Gully

Cairngorms National Park

One of Cairngorm's longest descents close to the lift system

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
3 km
Ascent
12 m
Descent
561 m
Low Point
545 m
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
33˚
Ciste Gully Map

Starting from the funicular top station, head east and past the Polar Express Poma and the Ptarmigan T-Bar. Stay as high as you can here, traversing out before dropping into either ‘Number one gully’, ’Number two gully’ or somewhere in between depending on the snow conditions. Continue skiing down, utilising recent wind distribution to access the best snow (normally on the west wall of the gully but be careful of wind slab). Instead of cutting skiers left to pick up the west wall poma, continue down the gully following the old chairlift line, useful as a navigational tool in flat light conditions. Ride as long as you can before hiking out to the Ciste Car Park via the wooden steps next to the old chairlift seats. From here, pick up the shuttle bus or catch a lift back to the top car park to do it again!

Description

NB: If the snow line is high then you can traverse left halfway down the line to catch the West Wall Poma if it's running.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

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 April

Features

  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area