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Ciste Mhearaidh

Cairngorms National Park

A snow sure descent with stunning scenery

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
2.9 km
Ascent
408 m
Descent
408 m
Low Point
753 m
High Point
1.2 km
Gradient
39˚
Ciste Mhearaidh Map

Despite its south-easterly aspect, this slope holds its snow well into the season and gives a prolonged descent down towards Loch Avon. Coming out of the funicular station, take the Polar Express Poma then the Ptarmigan T-Bar (if it's running) before hiking up and over the rocks on the plateau to get to the top of the line. Click in and drop down towards the east side of Loch Avon below, following your nose to the best snow stashes and enjoying some amazing views across towards Beinn Mheadhoin. Take care of a few stream lines that can appear in spring time and be aware that the slope steepens slightly at the bottom. When finished, you can choose to hike back up towards the ski area or traverse along the northern edge of the loch to check out some of the amazing gullies that descend from above. Skins not needed for the approach but they will be to get back!

Difficulty

Difficult

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

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area