...Yes I think so! Poor Gillian has a streaming cold at the moment so she couldn't go out, which was a shame as this was Scottish skiing at it's early best. I was pleased to discover that despite being a climber first and skier second I could still ski a gully on my first day of the season without wiping out.
Unfortunately it's all temporary and as I write this it's being rinsed out by positive temperatures and filthy drizzle. Looking on the bright side the snow was impressively consolidated, so hopefully a good bit should remain to base the next deposit, which may arrive this week. Perhaps a good set up for winter, but who knows? The long term forecast suggests a pretty average, changeable pattern into December.
If like myself you're a mountaineer and self taught skier, or not a skier at all (Mssrs JB & AH), then maybe we should have a think. Until recently Brit mountaineers were notorious for being crap skiers. This, I think, has changed a bit with some pretty strong performers around these days, but still we're eclipsed by the Euros and their awesome prowess. Is all-mountain skiing not part of the composite mountaineer? I think so. Aside from measuring ourselves against our Alpine neighbours, if you're a winter enthusiast and don't ski, you're missing a trick. It's an amazing and efficient way to travel in snow and guaranteed to make you smile. On the other hand it's really hard to learn, especially when older, so getting help is advisable. That's a hint, by the way. Book some training with Gill for Scottish skiing, or Alison if in Chamonix.
The Aonach Mor plateau.
South Westwards to the Mamores.
Ben Nevis, heavily laden.
Kenny Biggin shredding in the back corrie.
Posted by Rich, 11 Nov.
