Coronavirus in Scotland: Watch the lengths skiers are going to make the most of Scotland’s 'best' winter conditions

Clicking into skis and taking to slopes has been possible for many in most parts of the country as Scotland experiences the best snowfall it’s seen in the last decade, according to experts.

From the Pentlands near Edinburgh to Ben Nevis in the Highlands, the idyllic, powdery snow and blue skies have glistened across the Scottish regions for months.

While many have enjoyed the rare, decent dollop of snow in the lower parts of the country, some skiers in the north have been going the extra mile, scaling impressive heights without ski lifts in action to make the most of the ideal weather.

“It’s the best conditions I have seen in Scotland,” said Euan Baxter of Snowsport Scotland.

Skiers enjoying the conditions which have been described as the best in the last decade picture: supplied

The 40-year-old, from Aviemore, has been regularly climbing Cairn Gorm – which reaches 1,245m – to get his skiing fix.

Without chair lifts to help him up, the keen snow sportsman has done one week where he topped 5,000m ascent in total hiking up the mountain on his skis.

“There’s normally a road, called ‘Ski Road’, which you can use to drive from Glenmore by Loch Morlich - about 330m - to the Cairngorm Mountain Base Station which is at 635m,” Euan said.

“But with that being closed due to Covid rules, and the lifts not running, it means you have to skin it.”

Lesley Mckenna, tree run on Meall a Bhuachaille in January 2021 when out with Euan Baxter picture: Euan Baxter @euan_

‘Skinning’ is a skill used by skiers who do backcountry skiing, otherwise known as off-piste or alpine touring.

But it’s a technique that everyone who wants to take to the slopes this year has had to learn due to the latest Covid lockdown shutting chair lifts.

It involves skiing up a hill or on a level surface using special bindings on the skis that grip the snow – originally ‘skins’ were made out of seal skin.

“What would normally take ten minutes in the car to get to the base station now takes about an hour skinning,” Euan said.

Andy Stewart flying off Ben Nevis having skinned up the 1,345m mountain picture: Andy Stewart

“Then to skin up to the mountain summit takes probably another two hours depending on ability.

"Your legs get tired.”

All those hours spent trudging up the mountain for the run down to last minutes? It’s totally worth it he said, especially in this year’s conditions.

Ski flying?

Kenneth King's pictures of a day out on the hills with views of Lowther Hill picture: Kenneth King

Andy Stewart, from the Highlands, spent hours skinning up Ben Nevis which reaches a staggering 1,345m, making it Scotland’s highest peak.

The keen adventurer then skied from the summit to the top of one of the mountain's gullies where he unpacked his speedwing – similar to a paraglider – and flew to the bottom with his skis on his back.

"It took me nearly three hours to skin up and just two minutes 20 seconds to get down,” he laughed.

A picture Andy shared with The Scotsman shows a police officer waiting at the bottom of the mountain for the flying skier to land.

“He was driving past when he saw me coming into land,” Andy said.

"He just wanted to check I was within my council borough and once he was satisfied we chatted about the sport of speedfly for 15 mins.”

Katie, from Kinlochleven has been making the most of the mountains in the Highlands where she lives picture: Katie Small

Conditions just as good in Scotland's lowlands

Skiing and snowboarding however has not been limited to residents in the mountainous highlands.

Provided those taking part are staying within their locality and spending time with no more than one other household outdoors at a distance, it’s been a permitted form of exercise to practice this winter during lockdown.

Kenneth King, who normally spends his winters touring the French mountains, has been restricted to Lanarkshire’s hills where he lives.

The former policeman said luckily because of Scotland’s “fantastic” weather conditions, skiing is possible in in most parts of the country.

"We don’t have the mountains in Lanarkshire, but those living in this area have been able to ski on the region’s hills,” he said.

"They might only reach 600 to 700 metres, but this incredible weather has meant that we have great snow lower down.

"Families have been out enjoying the weather, keeping in line with Covid guidelines, which has been great to see."

The 64-year-old, who runs outdoor adventure group Nevis4, said backcountry skiing was already a burgeoning hobby which has only been escalated in lockdown.

"Now with no ski centres open and everyone having to skin up the hills, people are getting into backcountry skiing.”

He hinted some people eager to get onto the slopes have still not quite cottoned on to the need for ‘skins’ making the activity on a hillside without lifts a little frustrating.

"Kit is essential if you want to make the most of it,” he added.

"The price of second hand equipment going up just shows how popular it’s been for so many people this winter, whether you’re in the Highlands or the Lowlands.”

A spokesman from Mountaineering Scotland said: “This weather has been the best we’ve seen in many years.

"While it’s hard for those who are eager to get up into the mountains, the snow has fallen fairly low this year near urban areas allowing a few more to make the most of it this winter.

"It’s good to see people out, but we urge people to avoid traditional beauty spots because they will be busy.

"Whereas for those going up into the higher mountains, there’s a chance you will be the only one up there so we are reminding people to keep within their limits, be aware of the extra challenges of winter conditions.”

A spokesman from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service said: “This snow is the best snow cover we have seen in over a decade.

"We have had fantastic conditions for weeks and people seem to be making the most of them whichever locality they are in.

"From my experience, locals who have been going up into the higher mountains are experienced, know the terrain and have been sticking to the guidelines.”

All the skiers interviewed in this article confirmed they have stuck to the coronavirus guidelines when exercising.

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