Ski Mountaineering

Ski Mountaineering Ticket - £10

Enjoy the best of both worlds at CairnGorm Mountain.

The high-level access has been used for years by skiers who have the skill and equipment to take off for the mountains and leave the ski area behind. On many occasions this is the best means of travel across the snowy plateau, and many of the winter pictures on this website were taken during ski traverses.

CairnGorm Mountain offers an uplift ticket to mountaineers with skis or snowboards, which permits use once each of two tows from the following four: Fiacaill Ridge, Car Park, M1 and Coire Cas.

From the top of the Coire Cas tow it is usually possible to access higher ground using skins. The top of the M1 tow gives reliable access using skins to the Summit of Cairn Gorm and, when conditions permit, a long tour is possible via Cnap Coire na Spreidhe and Sron a’Cha-No round to the Ciste car park. Even longer tours via the Saddle are also possible.

On the way back, you are welcome to ski or board down through the pisted ski area and enjoy a drink in the Ptarmigan or Cas Bar.

CairnGorm Mountain only sells the ski-mountaineering ticket when conditions are suitable for the activity, but beyond that takes no responsibility for the activities of users. Please note that CairnGorm Ski Patrol only operates within the Ski Area and ski-mountaineers must make their own arrangements for their safety. You need to have suitable equipment for using the tows and, for snowboards, this includes a leash. The ticket does not cover use of the funicular railway, and access beyond the Ski Area is not available to passengers travelling up the train whatever type of ticket they have.

It is a good idea to call in at the Ranger Base to check out the weather forecast and avalanche report and forecast. If there is a Ranger available you can also have a chat about conditions.