Tame the Wild Side

Adventure LEVEL | 2 day(s) | Ratio 1:4

Overview

DETAILED INFO

IS IT FOR ME?

This option is perfect for the skier who has is used to leaving clean carved turns in the wide open slopes and is keen to look into the hidden and dramatic gullies and ski lines that the Cairngorms is famous for. Choose this option if you’re a solid skier used to skiing the whole mountain and is looking to take the next step. For example we would tackle Cairngorm classics such as the March Burn, Coire Domhain, Y Gully. Have a read of our ski grades below and if you see yourself described then this is the Wild session for you.

Ski 4: You really enjoy skiing red and blacks runs with linked turns, confidently varying the width of your corridor to suit the conditions. As part of a normal days skiing you will venture off piste, seeking out powder snow or bumps to test you’re skiing (including slopes up to 300) . In powder you are capable of making linked turns in a constant rhythm, leaving behind clear and uniform tracks. Bumps are still hard work but you managed to ski through them, using the shape of the terrain to help turn but not yet have the ability to fluidly ski the falline. When the slopes go over 300; the snow gets heavy or breakable crust you have some well practised coping strategies, including a downhill kick turn; stem turns and jump turns.

Ski 5: You are now a regular skier and will ski several times a year, mixing piste and off piste trips. You will ski the whole mountain and actively seek out challenging black runs to ski with flow and confidence from top to bottom, in all conditions. When there is fresh snow you are capable of skiing powder varying your turn shape to adjust speed and line. Bumps and steep slopes, up to 35 degrees still require concentration but you manage this type of terrain happily. When things get steeper (up to 400) or the snow becomes crusty you can still cope but will be mixing lots of different techniques together.

Mtn 3 – Uphill kick turns, when touring should be fluid and reliable in both directions on hard snow up to 300. On alpine glacial tours a familiarity with harnesses and crevasse rescue techniques is desirable but not essential. Skiers will be comfortable transitioning between skis/skins and boots independently up to 300.

Mtn 4 – These tours will encounter steep ground and previous experience of ice axe, crampons, harnesses and ropes is essential. Skiers will be expected to walk and climb slopes and mixed ground on foot up to 45 degrees, in both ascent and descent. Previous experience of moving together on a rope and abseiling or being lowered is advisable. Coping ski techniques such as side slipping, down hill kick turns and stem turns are essential and should be well practiced and reliable. Uphill kick turns, when touring should be fluid and reliable in both directions on hard snow up to 350.

Fit 2 – All day skiing, with few stops or breaks. Off piste skiing, top to bottom without the need for intermediate stops. Hiking and skinning for several hours at a time with a height gain of 800 – 1000m and be active for 6 – 8 hours per day. This uphill effort will have no significant detrimental effect on your downhill performance and you will be comfortable carrying a moderately heavy rucksack of 8kgs.

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