Sorry folks but I don't have time this evening to post pictures to winterhighland. Here is the link to facebook
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Today was the first day of uplift, not quite as much snow as two weeks ago but it is more uniform top to bottom. The big difference is the staff are now in place and they managed to get the marker poles out and a good pisted run top to bottom.
The runs are thin and not suitable for snow ploughers as they would quickly scrape down to the rock. It was -4.5 in the village and +5 at mid station, major temperature inversion making the snow rather heavy although it did crisp up towards the end of the day.
The guys have done a good job getting the run top to bottom but if you are planning to go up this weekend remember there is no real base and you are going to hit a few rocks. The off piste was variable. We headed down the east lady, quite heavy at the bottom and the burn is not covered. We also made it in to Ryvoan and down skiers right of the day lodge, this was fun but you do have to pick your way.
The best area was skiers left of the cas, this is wide and fresh and got you down on to the zigzags nicely. The main traverse is much thinner than two weeks ago but well pisted. The zigzags are wide but gritty where you would expect. The home road is thin but better than two weeks ago but be careful, there are stones. I preferred using burn side to get down.
If you are looking for your first outing then get on up. If you are looking for deep fresh powder, then no don't go. Touring is nice but you have to pick your routes. The train was running flat out, the train drivers and gate staff were getting the coordination right maximum speed and very little turn around time, thanks guys for that!
Graeme
Got a few pictures!
The Traverse
Top Station
wide zigzags
upper cas, lower cas does not have enough snow yet but fine to zigzags
Home Road, the official way down but I preferred burn side
Edited 2 times. Last edit at 21.46hrs Fri 25 Nov 16 by WindyMiller.
Attachments:
Traverse.JPG (236kB)
Evening.JPG (239kB)
zigzag.JPG (260kB)
upper cas.JPG (236kB)
Home Road.JPG (258kB)