17 m away
Ben Nevis and its 3 giant neighbours
Ski mountaineering & steep skiing on the UK's highest peak and adjacent mountains
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 2.2 km
- Descent
- 2.9 km
South Castle Gully
Ben Nevis
One of the most aesthetic snow gullies on Ben Nevis due to its high walls and positioning on the Castle side of Carn Dearg.
Ski Touring Severe
- Distance
- 3.4 km
- Ascent
- 548 m
- Descent
- 548 m
- Duration
- 2-3 hrs
- Low Point
- 679 m
- High Point
- 1.2 km
- Gradient
- 49˚
This is a popular ski touring route which is generally considered to be severe. It's extremely remote, it features high exposure (e3) and is typically done between March and May. From a low point of 679 m to the maximum altitude of 1.2 km, the route covers 3.4 km, 548 vertical metres of ascent and 548 vertical metres of descent. It's graded 5.1 and Labande grade 4. You'll need rope, skins and crampons to complete it safely.
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Description
One of the most aesthetic snow gullies on Ben Nevis due to its high walls and positioning on the Castle side of Carn Dearg.
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
High Exposure (E3)
In case of a fall, death is highly likely.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
Best time to visit
Features
- Cliffs
Equipment required
- Rope
- Skins
- Crampons
Similar routes nearby
1 km away
Tower Gully
Starting only slightly below the summit of the Ben, you’ve got a fantastic 650 metres of skiing ahead of you all the way down to the CIC Hut through alpine-like scenery
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 1 m
- Descent
- 658 m
1 km away
Number 5 Gully
Stretching down the north face for 350m, Number 5 Gully is the longest of the named Grade I gullies on the north face
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.1 km
- Ascent
- 1 m
- Descent
- 511 m
1 km away
North Castle Gully
A great pairing with South Castle Gully, if steep and extreme is your aim of the day.
Extreme Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Ascent
- 9 m
- Descent
- 367 m
1 km away
South Castle Gully
Deep cut, steep couloir for the entire length - a great tick.
Extreme Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Ascent
- 8 m
- Descent
- 450 m
1.1 km away
Number 4 Gully
A great introduction to skiing on the north face, yet still requiring strong technical abilities
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 486 m
1.1 km away
Number 2 Gully
Technical, narrow and steep, a hidden gem!
Extreme Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Ascent
- 5 m
- Descent
- 604 m
1.1 km away
Number 3 Gully
This is one steep and poker straight gully!
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 544 m
3 km away
An Chul-Choire
A fantastic way to get way out of the resort boundaries and down into a wild and remote corner of Aonach Mor/Aonach Beag.
Difficult Ski Touring
- Distance
- 6 km
- Ascent
- 454 m
- Descent
- 879 m
4.7 km away
CIC Hut Walk-In
The north face of Ben Nevis hosts some of the finest steep skiing in the Highlands, with a huge range of routes accessible straight from the doors of the CIC Hut
Easy Ski Touring
- Distance
- 5.4 km
- Ascent
- 642 m
- Descent
- 16 m
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Guidebooks in this area
5 routes · Ski Touring
Scotland's 5 Finest Adventure Ski Tours
8 routes · Ski Touring
The Definitive Guide to Skiing the Ben Nevis Gullies
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