ski-touring in the Cairngorm Hills





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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

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This hill lies to the W of the A9, just inside Highland region. It is easily accessible making for a good ski tour when there is snow 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 this route is described here this way.

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. Here there are a fantastic view over to the west with Ben Alder and the surrounding hills. Now ski up the ridge north to the summit. There are many rocks around the summit and should be avoided to preserve you ski bases. (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 snow can hold on the east side of 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. On a good day the descent will be to the track in the valley bottom. Walk back to the car park. (3km. 0m. 480m. 1hr.0min)