Ridge Walk

Cairngorms National Park

A short walk from Ptarmigan building to access some of the steepest freeride lines on the map

Also in Moray, United Kingdom

Ski Touring Easy

Distance: 2.5 km
Ascent: 233 m
Descent: 171 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 1.1 km
High Point: 1.2 km
Gradient: 23˚

Description

This hike goes from the Ptarmigan top station building, travelling up to the summit of CairnGorm at 1244 metres, and continues in a westerly direction, accessing the ridge of Coire an t-Sneachda at 1176 metres.

The hike to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes. There is a fence that marks the route, which is usually partly visible in winter. From the summit cairn, you can ride down the Coire Cas headwall, or continue in a westerly direction to access the significantly more challenging terrain in Coire an t-Sneachda, such as Jacob's Ladder and Aladdin's Couloir.

The route can be made in to a loop, by skiing out of Coire an t-Sneachda all the way back over in to lower Coire Cas. If snow conditions allow, it's also possible to ski right out of Coire an t-Sneachda and finish near the Cairngorm base station and car park.