Glencoe Off Piste

In the right conditions Glencoe ski area can offer some great off piste ski routes - that not many people are aware of.
Here is the completely unofficial "danger team guide" to some of our favorite spots...
All these runs are unpatrolled, uncontrolled and completly "at yer own risk!". Have fun & please play safe.
If in any doubt ask at the ski patrol hut before you go.

• Baillies Gully
• Back of Meall A Bhuiridh
• East Ridge
• Creag Dhu Chute
• Sron Na Cresie & Clach Leathad

Baillies Gully

Access From top of the spring run
Aspect Gully faces NE
Vertical Descent Approx 850ft, from summit to foot of the flypaper
Dangers Access to start of Baillies can be tricky and rocky - especially in the mist, or poor snow conditions. Gully and entrance both known to avalanche.

Route Description
From the top of the spring run head due east, cutting around the top of the Flypaper.
Baillies gully is situated on "skiers right" of the Flypaper.
The gully holds snow well - but access can be tricky, especially in poor visibility or bad snow conditions.
If in doubt then tend right, a series of large rock bluff's divide the Flypaper from Baillies.

Notes
Named after legendary rescue party member 'Big Bad' Alan Baillie.
This run is skied so often that it perhaps deserves inclusion on the official piste map?

Pop up route map Baillies Photo


Back of Meall A Bhuridh

Access From top of Main Basin T-Bar - or alternatively hike to the true summit
Aspect Due South - these slopes catch alot of sun!
Vertical Descent Approx 1000ft - dependent on prevalent snow conditions
Dangers Difficult route finding, potential for a long walk out, remote from main ski area, lots of rocks

Route Description
The back side of Meall A Bhuridh occasionally offers some steep, and remote slopes that are seldom skied.
Its best to pick a line from the A82 before committing.
There are 3 natural snow fields over the back of Meall A Bhuridh to pick from

• DOON RA BA - Directly over the back of the top t-bar
• MONUMNET - Starts from the monument on the spring run traverse
• WAGON WHEEL - Cuts off from top of the spring run. Watch out for yellow snow at the top!

The southerly aspect means these slopes are rarely in condition.
Care needs to be taken to avoid the numerous rocks and scree that can lurk below the surface.

Notes
'Doon ra ba' means 'down to Ba Cottage', the Doss of Glencoe's original skiers in the 1930's.
'Monument' refers to the Charlie Kennedy monument - a former rescue party member who spent a summer building
the natural traverse over to the spring run.
'Wagon Wheel' is a reference to the way snow often cart wheels down this south facing sunny slope in large balls.

Glencoe Back Map Wagonwheel Photo


East Ridge

Access From top of the Spring Run
Aspect Due East
Vertical Descent Approx 1000ft, can occasionaly be skied all the way to the road in good snow conditions
Dangers Picking a ski-able line between through the boulder field is all part of the fun!

Route Description
An airy and atmospheric arete that runs down Meall A Bhuiridh's east flank.
The location, and views to either side, are superb.

Notes
Skiing all the way to the road is only possible in excellent snow conditions.
Or perhaps pole out along the West Highland way!

East Ridge Map East Ridge Photo


Creag Dhu Chute

Access From foot of the Etive Glades hike 10 minutes to the top of Creag Dhu.
Aspect NE
Vertical Descent 200ft in the gulley - then 800ft back to the car park if snow will allow
Dangers Very steep (approx 50+ degree's)

Route Description
A short but very serious chute that can be seen from the bottom car park. Creag dhu is the craggy hill to the right of the access chair.
Very steep at the top, no falling! Ice axe may be useful.

Notes
According to Blyth Wrights 'Chance In A Million' skiers were avalanched out of this chute in 1986.
Top of chute is only at 2400ft - so its not always in condition. Timing to make this worthwhile is crucial.

Creag Dhu Map Creag Dhu Chute Photo


Sron Na Cresie & Clach Leathad

Access Alot of hiking required - get an OS map!
30 mins out and at least an hour back
Aspect E thru to S
Vertical Descent Approx 1500ft
Dangers A long way from the main ski area - your on your own.

Route Description
Sron Na Creise & Clach Leathad offer some lovely wide open bowls & great skiing.
However you really need to earn these turns... Alot of hiking required, in both directions.
To reach these slopes head over the obvious ridge from Meall A Bhuridh to Sron Na Creise
Ice Axe and Crampons may be useful for the top section of the ridge.

Notes
Allow half a day - its a long way there, and back! Ski touring kit may be useful!

Clach Leathad Route Map Sron Na Creise Route Map Sron Na Creise Photo

FOOTNOTE : no aplogies are made for basing the format of this "wee photo guide" on the excellent Vamos off piste books