FATMAP by Strava

Easy Gully

A fantastic north east facing ramp that is surrounded by some of the finest winter climbing in the Highlands!

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
14 km
Ascent
922 m
Descent
922 m
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
272 m
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
62˚
Easy Gully Map

Park at Aberarder and attach your skis & boots to your pack to begin the ascent into the corrie floor through the summer path which leads directly from the road and follows the Allt Coire Ardair up the valley where you will be treated to some fantastic views of Easy Gully and the huge cliffs of the Post Face that surround it.

Description

Break off the summer path and head up towards Lochan a’ Choire, attaching your skis whenever the snow level allows. You’ll then begin to climb up towards Easy Gully.

Be aware that this gully is flanked by steep gullies above that funnel into Easy Gully and so you are always under threat of avalanches, ice or cornice collapse from these gullies above you. Easy Gully may also be littered with debris from these avalanches.

The skiing in Easy Gully is relatively simple, with a truly awesome positioning for this ramp. The gully itself is frequently sculpted by the wind hammering it all season long, so will most likely have a large wind lip cutting down the middle from around half height and below.

Although you are under threat from rock/ice fall from above the gully, be aware that you are also under threat from cliffs below when skiing the large open section above the gully proper - make sure your turns are solid to avoid going over these cliffs.

Climbers also regularly use this couloir to climb up/down so always be considerate of who is above/below you when skiing, being cautious not to knock anything down onto anyone.

If you’ve started early enough, you should have enough time to head over to Raeburn’s Gully, after skiing Easy Gully, so it’s always worthwhile to bag that one alongside Easy Gully after you have made the trek up to this stunning corrie!

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between March and May

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area