Hi all

We are looking to get up to glencoe again around march next year

We were there this year as complete novices and who had never ski'd before so we stuck to the main green run. Plateau run I believe it's called

We have since done lesson 4 at castleford and feel more confident in linking turns, controlling speed etc.

Does anyone know the average degree slopes are for the green and blue runs? I understand the main basin run is average 21degrees, if that's correct. How does this compare to xastleford indoor slope? ( what degree is that btw?)

Thanks in advance for any replies

Chris

Gradient alone doesn't tell you a huge amount about how skiable you will find a given run on a given day - the weather, visibility and snow conditions will have a significant impact.

Specifically with the Main Basin, it's quite varied in gradient and the bottom section is a good bit steeper than the top - whereas Happy Valley over to skiers left is a bit more consistent and avoids the Haggis Trap which can vary from merely this:



To this...



Fanning out from the Plateau try the lower half of the various options on Mugs Alley (from top of the Poma and new Coire Pollach Tow), if you are comfortable on them, next step really is to the Cliffhanger and the full length of Mugs Alley.

If you are comfortable on the steeper corner section of Mugs Alley coming down from the Cliffhanger Chair, then if weather and snow is reasonable you won't find Happy Valley significantly more taxing - but it is more sustained obviously.

If in doubt or not very comfortable going beyond the Plateau on your own, well worth taking a lesson as the instructors can show you around and take you to the best options on the day. A morning lesson, then afternoon to explore on your own would be a good approach.

Hi Al,
Wow! That second image is surely a calendar shot winner!

Thanks for your reply Alan. We were up 1st weekend in February 2016 this year and the snow was a bit patchy in places, especially on one of the runs off the first poma lift. However the longer plateau run back down the the poma start was complete where it split off to go to the cafe on the left; which I believe is old mugs alley. There could have been a chance the mugs alley wasnt open or not complete as cant remember seeing anyone venture down it. We did try the 'low road' or 'Rankins Return' (left off top of the poma however skiing down sheet ice isnt the best of ways to try pick it up haha.

Was kind of just looking for where best to try next after being comfortable on the lower runs, but dont want to try a run and find it to be really steep and ending up going down the majority of it on my bum! ha. All the pictures of the blue runs look nice and gentle, but I can imagine them actually being pretty steep which is why I tried to compare to castleford in terms of the gradiant.

Thanks

For beginners, the drag lifts (usually T-bar and sometimes the button) is as big a challenge as the downhill on main basin. But if you can get up there, it's worth it. I think there is now more beginner terrain on the plateau with the construction of the new lift, but you'd have seen that in February I guess.





Edited 6 times. Last edit at 11.25hrs Sat 5 Nov 16 by IanF.

Attachments: FB_IMG_1478339432296.jpg (63kB)  

If you're up that way carsey, Nevis Range could well be worth a look.

In full snow it's great for beginners/early intermediates. And it never gets very busy.Pleasant cafes at top and bottom too.

And Fort William is as close to a night out in a ski resort as you will get in Scotland (The same would apply to Aviemore too!)

In terms of your original Glencoe question, having been to Castleford a fair few times I'd make the following observations in comparison to there:

- Mugs Alley runs are more gentle - almost like Castleford beginners slope.
- Top two thirds of Main Basin are similar.
- Bottom third a fair bit steeper.
- Happy Valley similar.
- The Wall and Canyon a lot steeper.
- Rannoch Glades similar to slightly steeper at top; steeper at bottom.

You would definitely be comfortable getting down from the top of the hill via Happy Valley and Mugs Alley in normal snow conditions. Go for it!

Where are you travelling up from by the way? (We're in Stockton)





Edited 1 times. Last edit at 10.24hrs Sat 5 Nov 16 by Mountainaddict.

Tows were certainly a experience the first time, even the lifty had a laugh at us when we told him it was our first go, but 90% the time we got to the top. Did get interesting when the ground moved away into the fencing or there were random patches of mud or grass. Did manage the t-bar up to the bottom of main basin though which had some steep sections to it.

We in Durham area, so it's a good 6 hour drive up there's when we go, but it's well worth it. Highlight of glencoe is the on-site accommodation which is great when you want to wake up the next day and stick some ski'S on and go play!

The lower half of the main slope at castleford was a fairly easy slope to go down and felt very comfortable with going down it. Did get a bit daunting from the very top but did slowly become used to it. Would you compare the top 2/3 of the main basin to the lower half of the slope and the last 1/3 to the upper slope at castleford?

The Glencoe Hobbit Homes are great! I always make a point of staying there when I'm on my annual "Scottish Ski Adventure".

I don't think it will tell you the gradients in percentages, but if you use my Google Earth overlays (http://www.my-place.org.uk/skiing/scotland/google-earth-overlays/ ) you can get an impression of the steepness and general profile of the runs. However, as Alan says, conditions on the day can have a huge impact on the difficulty of a run. My advice would be to ask the lift operator on the day if you are worried.

Re Castleford/Glencoe: Top 2/3 of Main Basin is more like the top of Castleford; bottom 1/3 is steeper than Castleford. As mentioned by others, the potential dodgy bit for you is the Haggis Trap gully - as per the earlier photo - if it's not filled with snow.

Anyway, that can be avoided by cutting left higher up and joining Happy Valley.

I guess the haggis trap is at the bottom of the main basin after it forks out into the happy valley run? So be more wise to keep left on main basin and filter into the happy valley run if ventured up that far?

Accommodation. Also check out the new Bunkhouse / Café at Kingshouse. OK a bit far to walk, so a short drive. Big plus is the beer is excellent, and more choice of food. (all down to the talented Architects apparently)