Wilderness Ski Touring in the Scottish Highlands

On its day, the ski touring in Scotland can be as good as anywhere in the World!

Sophie Nicholson

Images

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Braeriach

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Ascending the Escalator

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Bike/ski adventures are the best adventures

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Burning of the heather

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Time to get back on the bike

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Heading back down Glen Einich

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True wilderness

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At the base of the Escalator

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River crossing - remember to bring spare socks!

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Low water thankfully

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Ready to go

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Glen Einich

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Spring snow coming down from the plateau

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Eyes on the Escalator prize

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Stunning approach up Glen Einich

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The Braeriach plateau

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Heading down from the summit into Glen Einich

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A last look up

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The Escalator

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Arctic Landscape

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Wild skinning

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Fresh tracks

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A truly remote place

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The walk in

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On the summit ridge

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Ben Loyal in the distance

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Wild and free

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Take it all in

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Sunset laps

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The summit of the most northerly Munro

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Hero shot!

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Heading back

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Laid back lapping

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The journey begins

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Another lap

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Ben Hope homies!

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Adventure skiing

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The adventure comes to an end

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Stunning Scotland

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Going back up for more

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Icy drive

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Full of Hope!

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A memorable mountain

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Summit - done!

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Wide open powder face

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The summit ridge

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Epic easy angle powder

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Transition time

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Blue sky vibes

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Fresh tracks!

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Not so big air!

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Coming out of the mist

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Dreamy descent

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The sun sets on a spectacular adventure

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Our work here is done!

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Last lap!

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Heading for home

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Good time crew

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Drifts on the track up to the dam

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Heading towards the summit

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Looking NE from the summit

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Magnificent views towards Slioch

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Summit vibes

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Views to the NW

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North facing powder on New Years Day

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Stunning Slioch

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Cornices on summit ridge

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Bringing in a New Year in the Northwest Highlands

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Some mountain!

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Back on the South side

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Cruising on the upper section

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Playtime back down from the dam

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Obstacle course!

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Happy skier!

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The reward for the walk

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Looking down to the loch from Sgurr nan Clachan Geala

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Steep ski heaven

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Booting back up the ridge to the summit

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Winter's holding on

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Where to begin

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The obvious line from the summit down to the loch - look out for cornice collapse

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The only company you're likely to have all day

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Stunning scenery to take your skis for a walk

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Lochside vibes

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Swim time?

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Soft spring snow - result!

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Happy skier

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Approaching the col

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Skiing off the summit with Sgurr Breac in the background

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The long ascent in towards the col

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Taking the views in

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Powder day!

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Ripping up the SW face

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Windblown powder

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Wide open powder skiing

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Looking south towards Sgurr Nan Each

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A wintry scene

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Lapping in the bowl

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Hero snow!

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Back for another

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Heading back down from the summit with the Cairngorms in the distance

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Summit views

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Snack time

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Easy angle powder skiing

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Fresh track frenzy

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Happy homeward bound skier

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Last light of the day on the walk out

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Smiles for miles!

Description

You’ve heard a million times before that Scottish touring is amazing, right? Well be prepared to hear it again ‘cos it’s absolutely true!

Ski touring in Scotland has become incredibly popular in recent years with increasing numbers of skiers heading out into the mountains seeking
a mix of adrenaline, solitude, fresh tracks and all the other life-affirming rewards that come from earning your turns in a stunning environment.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and keen to explore beyond the obvious popular ‘sidecountry’ accessed terrain around Cairngorm, Glencoe
and Nevis Range, the following routes should provide you with food for thought of where to go for something ‘a little bit different’.

Some are more remote and/or ‘hardcore’ than others, several are becoming noticeably more popular in recent years, but on their day all of these itineraries are guaranteed to put a solid haggis-sized grin on your
face!

The accessible and comparatively benign itineraries of Geal-charn Mòr and Fionn Bheinn are perfect for newbie wilderness seekers and Braeriach via the Escalator is a
cracking option for your first bike/ski adventure.

The remote mountains of Ben Hope, Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr Na Lapaich are far more demanding objectives however, requiring considerably more skills, experience and self-reliance.

Before you head off into the wilds, be sure to choose an itinerary that matches your skills and experience level. Many of these routes have little or no mobile phone reception so you really need to know what
you’re doing and what you’re going to do if things don’t work out as planned. Snow safety, risk management, navigation and good ski skills are all essential.

Be prepared - and have fun.

Adventures

Ben Hope

A Wilderness Ski Adventure Like No Other

Fionn Bheinn

An accessible yet remote ski tour with exceptional Highland views