Nevis Range Blog

The latest gossip from the hill

Back Corries … Improved but still Not Patrolled

Jan-29-2010 Posted under Back Corrie, Nevis Range, Snowsports

Freeze … thaw … and now colder temperatures bringing fresh snow have left the back corrie with mixed conditions today (29 Jan 2010). Wind blown, hard and icy on some aspects and others sliding great on fresh soft snow. Around the whole corrie soft cornices have formed that were readily collapsing with the weight of someone sliding past. The Nid Ridge itself remaining mainly scoured, firm but grippy. Chancers continues to have the best slide, but still with some rocks, with a steeper but still twisting rounded entrance. Rocks continue to make Back Track and Yellowbelly less attractive options. The traverse out can be achieved without walking but is still very rocky. Rob Roys traverse is complete back to Alpha Tow and the top station though slightly narrower from thawing conditions.

In summary the back has improved over the last few days with mixed conditions. It has some good sliding for those suitably experienced and equipped but is likely to remain Not Patrolled and therefore at your own risk.

Check the website for more info on the Back Corries, including definitions of the 3 status … Open, Closed, or Not Patrolled.

SKI PATROL

Back Corrie Update Mon 18 Jan

Jan-18-2010 Posted under Back Corrie, Nevis Range

The recent freeze, thaw, fresh and wind blown snow deposits have resulted in little change generally in the back. Cover remains limited with lots of rocks mainly below Yellow Belly and Back Track entrances. Chancer’s is complete and remains the best ski within the corrie on soft snow, still with a friendly twisting roll in and limited rocks. Winger’s has less cover and no obvious skiable run though Cascade is improved and looks like a more viable option. Traversing out is certainly possible on a higher line though rocks are easily found and may require some walking to pass. The end of the Nid Ridge has better cover making access to Rob Roy’s Return easier.

The corrie remains beyond the limit of patroller area but has some good sliding for experienced and equipped off piste skiers happy to take responsibility for themselves.

Park progress

Jan-13-2010 Posted under Nevis Range, Snowsports, Summit Park

Work in the park began on Boxing Day as we started pushing snow from the Aonach Mor summit down to the Spectre run. This area in the past has been the location for the very large kickers. It takes weeks of pushing snow to build it up, but it’s getting there.

The main terrain park area by then had a very good filling of snow, benefiting from the improved fencing from the summer. We set the first of the rails up (jump on box) at the same time as the smallish kicker on the 7th, quickly followed by the rookie rail. The double “C” was set up next half way down the park, but many be repositioned. The rainbow box had to go down to the garage for some TLC but was quickly back up and in position in the park a few days later.

The remaining rails will be set up soon once we get some settled weather, along with one or two other new features. The dog box is to get new sheeting and will be a couple of weeks yet.

Also, we are currently developing a new addition to the park, which many of you have been asking for … watch this space ;-)

CHRIS

track builders blog

The helicopter drops were a success, the red run has been smoothened out in places and will be smoothed further lower down, to make it a bit easier and flow beter which is awesome.

The heli drops on the downhil track have also gone good some bits have been smoothed out with holes filled in and rocks have been added else where, we also have lots of imported rock and lije to build some new stuff, which will be comencing from tomorow. My self and James also rebuilt the hip jump on the motorway yesterday so it is now a  few meters longer which will hopefully stop the overshooting of it and make it ride a bit nicer and faster.

On another note, the endurance downhill was a success and was enjoyed by all despite the rain and sore arms and sore bikes.

The overall winner was James Shirley. Veteran winner was Alistair Maclennan who was also third overall behind James and Chris Hutchens who took the overall 2nd. Junior winner was James Scott, with local rider Rory Maclennan in 2nd. Female winner was Naomi Williamson, while Jesse Wigman took the hardtail win in an amazing 10th place overall.

Full results can bee found at http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/userfiles/File/resultsv09.xls

The Bike Tracks

Jul-10-2009 Posted under Downhill, Nevis Range, Red Route

The downhill track packed down nicely with the rain and the water troughs that formed with the heavy rain on tuesday/wednesday have been filled in and smoothed over and lots of the braking bumps were fixed this morning so the track is looking awesome.

The red is roughening up a bit and we are getting the helicopter back to get materials up to the corners up top.

There have been a few injurys in the past week so get well soon to those people, and everyone else please try to stay on and have good times!

Liam and Calum