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An Chul-Choire

Ben Nevis

A fantastic way to get way out of the resort boundaries and down into a wild and remote corner of Aonach Mor/Aonach Beag.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
6 km
Ascent
454 m
Descent
879 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
656 m
High Point
1.2 km
Gradient
45˚
An Chul-Choire Map

Dropping over on the northern side of the col between Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag offers some of the best skiing in the area, for up to 450 metres. The extra effort required to get over to and back from this area of Nevis Range also seems to keep the masses away from visiting and tracking this descent out - win win!

Description

Starting from the summit of Aonach Mor, descend in a southerly direction along the broad ridge line towards Aonach Beag. Once the path ahead starts to ascend up to Aonach Beag, you have reached the col and An Col Choire is on the northern side of this col.

Initially starting steeply (and possibly wind-scoured), this wide gully soon mellows out into a very relaxed affair, with the stunning walls of the north face of Aonach Beag following you down on your right hand side.

For the last half of the gully, you can either stay high and right to skirt the base of the north face of Aonach Beag, or ski directly down the fall-line into what is know as the ‘CC Chute’.

The CC chute is a fantastic mellow couloir that finishes off this route in great style, with large rocky walls following down either side of you, before you reach a flat section, allowing you to attach your skis and head back towards Nevis Range which is done by climbing up in a north west direction towards a small col that allows passage back towards Coire an Lochain and a (hopefully) open Braveheart Chairlift for another quick lap or beer at the top station!

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

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between January and May

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area