ski-touring in the Cairngorm Hills



From cairngormhills.co.uk

Ascent of Geal-charn

Ascent of Geal-charn
OS map : 36
start : Balsporran Cottages
gridref : NN628791
 There is a large carpark just off the A9. Access to the car park may be difficult just after a fall of snow.
hills: Geal-charn
summary : Balsporran Cottages - Geal-charn - Balsporran Cottages
distance : 8.5km.
ascent : 480m.
descent : 480m.
time : 3hrs. 40mins.
Skinning to the top of Geal-charn

Skinning to the top of Geal-charn

© cairngormhills.co.uk

This hill lies on the W of the A9, just inside Highland region. It is easily accessible making for a good ski tour when the snow is around. Interesting route with some excellent views. This route can be carried out either way around. The hill is visible from the road and if the main north east ridge is snowy this is probably best for descent and the way the rout is described here.

Follow the track beside the Allt Caire Fhar. At some stage you will meet the snow, time to put on skis. Continue to the bealach at NN595770. Then ski up the ridge north to the summit. There can be some rocks at the summit. (5.5km. 480m. 0m. 2hr.50min)

Return by the NE ridge of Geal-charn. The crest of the ridge can often be blown clear of snow but show can hold on the east side if the ridge. Pick the best snow to ski down. The slopes get steeper and you descent and many zig-zags may need to be put in towards the bottom. (3km. 0m. 480m. 1hr.0min)