After a poor winter how things can change! I’d packed my ski gear away (shoved it in the garage anyway) weeks ago and turned my attention to scrambling in Torridon on a couple of occasions but the recent snow falls were too much to ignore. After continual snow on Friday 11th Cairngorm ski centre was open for business today, 12th May, packed with snow starved skiers. It was too busy for me so I stuck the skins on and headed over Cairngorm for Coire Raibert. There were more off piste skiers and ski tourers than I’ve ever seen over the back there but there’s plenty of space.
A ski tourer admires the view over the Loch Avon Basin, Beinn Mheadhoin and Ben Macdui
Below, the view from my lunch spot across the Loch Avon basin to Beinn Mheadhoin, Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui from Stac an Fharaidh. A group had made some lovely tracks over the other side of the loch down from Beinn Mheadhoin into Coire Bhuidhe above Loch Avon, a very nice effort.
A stunning view over the Loch Avon basin to Beinn Mheadhoin, Loch Etchachan and Ben Macdui from Stac an Fharaidh
After a couple of runs south from Cairngorm I plodded round the northern corries and descended from Coire Lochan to Lurcher’s Gully, taking the view below through the Lairig Ghru to Cairn Toul. Avalanche debris was prominent on Sron na Lairige. The warm sun was affecting the snow conditions lower down but it is May after all.
Through the Lairig Ghru from the slopes of Cairn Lochan. Cairn Toul straight ahead. Fresh avalanche debris is prominent on the slopes of Sron na Lairige on the right
There’s a deep low coming tomorrow and perhaps further snow fall in the next few days so this might not be quite the end of the season.
Jason Bonniface, 12/05/2012
