Overview
My Cairngorms Backcountry Ski Course builds a foundation of essential skills over 2 days in Scotland’s wild Cairngorms National Park. Day 1 involves learning the basics of backcountry gear. Day 2 however, is your chance to put knowledge into practise as we explore one of the finest ski touring regions of Scotland.
Typically variable conditions mean we could be lapping Scottish pow under bluebird skies, or skiing ribbons in gale force winds! But years of experience here mean I can usually find us good training locations, even in bad weather.
The Cairngorms Backcountry Ski Course aims to give you a good foundation and therefore focuses on the following topics:
- Route planning and avalanche forecasts
- Avalanche awareness on the move
- Alpine ski touring equipment
- Developing skinning techniques
- Developing off-piste ski skills
Backcountry skiing demands good judgement, so having 2 days to practise is invaluable. The Cairngorms’ varied weather and terrain provide great learning opportunities and in addition, you don’t need to acclimitise to altitude!
Whether you plan to ski tour in Scotland or abroad, the Backcountry Ski Course delivers good training in the basics. At the end, we aim to review your learning and provide advice for your next steps. With a flexible attitude and a sense of adventure, you will discover the challenges and rewards of ‘earning your turns’!
Splitboard friendly Leave No Trace
Luis Angel-Lalanne (verified owner) –
Malcolm organized a terrific two days for my daughter and me. He went above and beyond by researching where we normally ski (the northeast in the US) and tailored his instruction for what will be useful for us when we are home. He planned each day to give us the best experience, given the weather and our fitness. The mountains are unforgettable and we learned many skills and principles which we will use as our foundation going forward. It was truly memorable.
m2ateusz –
Fantastic 2 days of introduction to ski touring. Had to postpone the dates, as the weather was playing up. Malcolm made it easy to rearrange to suitable dates. Had a great 1st day, learning basics and then a little exploration on the day 2. Malcolm was very patient with me. Always stayed safe and vigilant regarding avalanche risk. Will be back soon
Richard Ive –
I enjoyed a brilliant two days ski touring with Malcolm in the Cairngorms. As well as imparting lots of knowledge and skills, the course was fun. Highlights included skiing from the top of Cairngorm down to the Coire na Ciste car park, navigating across the Plateau – on skis – in a whiteout, and some wind-assisted skiing down the Lurcher’s Ridge! If you are keen to learn, Malc is your guide.
Chris Hey –
We had a great weekend ski touring. Malcolm was a great guide and we would definitely recommend.
T. W and A. CK (verified owner) –
Thanks for today, we both learned loads.
A.K. –
Thank you for the guiding today. The conditions weren’t the best but that’s Scotland for you 🙂