Well I did not lose my memory today so no more imaginary pictures this evening, thought I did get some positive comments for the inventiveness, back to full visual pics.
I was not sure what to expect this morning after the heavy rain yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised. The mountain had returned to white over night filling in the ptarmigan and ciste bowls. The snow was not fluffy, more a wet snow that had hardened but did give a good skiing surface. As the day progressed the snow did get wetter and wetter especially the cas and zig zags. The cross over to the gun barrel was decidedly slushy though you could still ski back to the train if you were careful. The recommendation was to walk the last 100m.
The top of the M2 joining on to the fairway was the best way to the ciste t-bar though there were a few other ways to make your way down. The ptarmigan area was wide and ski mostly anywhere though by the end of the day it too was getting wet.
Around 14:00 the sun was breaking through so it was time to try something more adventurous. We headed past the ptarmigan lift hut and out towards Gully No1. The snow is very thin on the way but once in the gully it was deep and great to ski. We headed down into the ciste gully which was a pleasure but as you got further and further down the snow got heavier and heavier. We stopped where the higher traverse fence line that takes you over to the WWP as the gully had some very large holes in it. I am sure we could have got down to the old board walk area but we thought the risk was too high vs the gain of the extra ski. It is long hard slog to skin back up the gully to the ciste t-bar but most definitely worth it. If you are thinking of doing this take note you are out side the patrolled area and you are very much on your own if something goes wrong, the burn is not far under your feet.
It was sad to see both the old chair lifts now with out their ropes. I suppose it will not be long till the towers start to disappear one by one.
By 16:15 the wind was getting stronger and snow showers were passing through at the top, rain at mid. the runs were getting even wetter if that was at all possible.
Hopefully they will firm up.
Putting a few pictures on face book later
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Graeme
First thing the top bowls were in good condition, they got heavier as the day went on.
The cas area had freshened up with new snow. In the afternoon there were rain showers making the surface rather slow.
Gully No1, a bit difficult to get to but once there was fun. Note this is well outside the patrolled area. You are on your own here.
The Ciste gully a very good ski indeed 3/4 of the way. Had to stop just below the upper traverse to the WWP due to holes down to the fast flowing burn.
They say a sign of getting old (other than loosing your memory) is when policemen look like children, how about ski instructors?
Anna teaching her little brother Campbell to turn for the first time.
Edited 2 times. Last edit at 18.03hrs Sat 18 Mar 17 by WindyMiller.
Attachments:
cas area.JPG (196kB)
Ciste Gully.JPG (269kB)
new ski instructor.JPG (187kB)
Gully No1.JPG (181kB)
Ptarmigan Bowl.JPG (215kB)