Feel the STAG

By Ian Sherrington
(IFMGA Guide; BASI & Snowsport Scotland Tutor; Chief Instructor, Glenmore Lodge)

The improved snow cover of the last couple of winters has been a positive and welcomed treat for many who thrive on a snowy habitat. Of the numerous species in our winter mountains, it seems that one more than most (and often quite literally) is on the up. Yes we’re talking about that hither-to shy and elusive creature, the Ski Mountaineer

It would appear they migrate from a variety of backgrounds; hill walkers who want to travel more easily in snow, piste skiers who gravitate towards the untracked fields beyond the patrolled area, mountaineers who seek the big day out, and thrill seekers on boards and planks who are looking for something new to test their metal.

Whatever the draw, when conditions are favourable they bloom all over the Scottish hills. They have been spotted from Arthur’s seat to the Summit of Ben Nevis.

Although in recent years there has been a boom in their population, it has been somewhat of a mystery as to how and why this has happened. Sightings of this shy creature displaying in “schools” (the collective noun being yet to be agreed by the Oxford Press) on the Cairngorm plateau have led many to speculate that, breeding may take place shortly after. This researcher has no evidence of this and feels that some myths are better left undisturbed.

Importantly the MCofS, the sports National Governing Body, along with Snowsport Scotland and The British Association of Snowsport Instructors have formed an advisory group to ensure the future success of these elegant and often colourful creatures. The group is called STAG, and whilst there has been some debate as to its meaning I understand the agreed acronym is the Snowsport Touring Advisory Group. This seems cover all sub-species and be inclusive.

The Attraction and Accessibility
The British desire for adventure is renowned the world over, and Ski Mountaineering is something of which we have a tradition. Last year saw the centenary of the Alpine Ski Club, the first and therefore oldest ski mountaineering club in Britain, and probably the world.

For those lucky enough to have toured on ski they will tell you that it is the most complete and satisfying way to travel in the mountains.

You still earn your turns, needing some hill fitness to help you glide your skis to the more remote summits. You also need all the skill of the winter mountaineer. The Scottish mountains in winter can, as we know, be wild and we need to be able to navigate, avoid avalanche, and survive.

For those hardy teams of tourers, these challenges just add to the satisfaction, knowing they have used their skill and guile to engineer a great day out. The reward for our efforts being hopefully stunning views and thrilling first tracks in a remote amphitheatre.

As Arnold Lunn on of the founders of the modern sport observed:
“The night was cloudless and the full moon had risen, revealing a delicacy of tone and texture in the snows which tends to vanish under the glare of the sun. Our tracks down the pass stood out against the shimmering background. The snow thrown up by the ski showed as a faint blur beside the dark line etched by the ski”

The attraction remains the same but now this sport is more accessible than ever. Modern shaped skis and boards have helped many to learn how to make effortless turns on piste. Boards as we know are at home in the off-piste, coping often more easily with variable snow than skis.

Our modern ski shape has been adapted for use in the off-piste and is the basic shape of most modern touring skis. As a result we are able to venture off-piste earlier. There is no reason why someone who skis competent parallel on intermediate runs should not make fledgling tracks beyond the groomed slopes.

The trick is to go with a competent team who can introduce you progressively and within your capabilities. For those who are not mountaineers, then again you should go with those who are; friends, courses or clubs who can help make your first experience one that’ll have you hooked for life.

So How Does It Work?
Skiers usually have equipment which is adapted to meet the needs of both winter walking & skiing. Our boots are like a downhill ski boot, but with a mountain boot sole, and the ability to be made flexible for walking.

To walk uphill our ski binding has the ability to release at the heel and flex at the toe. We apply a re-usable skin to the ski, which slides forward but not backwards. Then we’re off, leaving tramlines up the hill and gliding close to the surface where walkers are wading through deep hollows.

When we get to the summit we remove the skins; lock down the heel of the binding; tighten up our boots and we’re in ski mode again.

Boarders usually walk, with or without snow shoes and carry their boards, but there are a number of variations. This means that they have the limitations of the footwear they ride in. So for those going into more icy, steep terrain they will often ride in hard boots or boots very similar to ski mountaineering boots so that they too can have a vibram sole and the ability to wear crampons.

For uphill travel some prefer to use short skis with a skin attached. They can be stashed in the pack for riding. Whilst others prefer a “split board”, which literally comes in half along it’s length and can be used like a touring ski for walking uphill.

Where’s Good?
Of course if you have the talent and the desire just about anywhere that holds snow is skiable these days. That said, for most of us we look at our mountains in a particular way as a ski tourer.

As I drove up the A9 yesterday stuck behind a Tesco lorry, I found myself gazing at the Dromochter hills and imagining myself leaving perfect tracks, straight down an easy gulley.

My home area of the Cairngorms provides a fantastic combination of features that make it a regular favourite with tourers. Accessed from Aviemore via the ski road our starting point for a tour is already at 650 meters and therefore likely to hold snow through the winter.

The high plateau of the National Park is the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK. They have given consistent touring possibilities even through the challenging times of the last decade.

A classic tour from the ski area car park will see you onto the plateau in a little over an hour. As the views to the south reveal themselves you will gaze across Loch Avon to the granite tors of Beinn Mheadhoin, and beyond to Deeside and Lochnager.

The hard work being done, you can choose from a variety of routes; the big day out being to get across to Ben Macdui (Scotland’s second highest peak) and ski some of her slopes.

These mountains are well shaped for skiing. Although vast, many of their flanks are rounded with open slopes at good skiing angles. There are open gullies facing a variety of directions ensuring that somewhere will be filled with fresh, stable snow. The trick is to work out where?

For those of you that make it to Ben Macdui you will have reached the heart of the Cairngorms. Although a popular venue, during the week you can still find yourself sharing the plateau with just a handful of adventurers.

How to Get Going
A number of well known folk in the sport were self taught, and survived the process. Having mentioned this I now feel duty bound to point out a couple of negatives with this approach.

The first is just how quickly it is possible to get into a very serious situation particularly sliding downhill on snow. Fun turns and a little speed are so addictive that you can easily find yourself misplaced in the mist.

The second issue is one of learning in isolation. It is very special to feel part of a select group of folk doing their thing in the mountains, but learning from books and DVDs can be a long slow process.

Joining clubs or organised course makes much more sense. Club information is available on the MCofS website. Member clubs that declare they organise skiing trips include: Glasgow ski touring Club, Edinburgh Ski Touring Club, Caithness Mountaineering & Ski Club, Tayside Nordic Ski Club, Inverness Nordic Ski Club & Kyle Mountain Club.

Additionally the Eagle Ski Mountaineering Club is has a national remit and calendar of events. Why not contact the Scottish Meets Secretary scotsec@eagleskiclub.org.uk or check out the website http://www.eagleskiclub.org.uk/

I work at Glenmore Lodge, the Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre. It is our remit to support the work of the MCofS. In this role we run a range of ski mountaineering courses, from introductory level through to advanced and abroad.

I should draw your attention to our Ski Mountain Surgery weekend in January 2010 (23rd -24th). It is a collection of like-minded people, focused around a selection of one-day courses. It’s a wonderful way to meet other backcountry deviants and we try to offer something for everyone. http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/

If you are concerned about your ski ability and how well you will adapt to the off-piste, then why not consider a few lessons. Most ski schools will have instructors who love to ski off piste. They can help you try it out without having to carry a rucksack. Your progression will be a lot quicker and more positive!

You will also get good advice on equipment from your local retailers. Ours is a small sport so seek out the specialists for good advice. I can personally recommend Mountain Spirit http://www.mountainspirit.co.uk/