Glencoe 29 January 2012

Having missed some sunny days midweek Sunday was the only day I could do. There was a chance of sunny spells but as daylight broke it was clear the clouds were here to stay.
Winds were light and temperature just below zero.
We went straight up as lower slopes were scoured. The main basin had great snow but viz was down to nothing. You must use the force and feel your way down. A few runs up top and we decided to swap snow conditions for visibility instead. Hard in places but complete, we spent the rest if the day on Mugs Alley with its dirty knuckles and fresh grass sections which you could even smell as you skipped over the vegetation. This was compensated for with a rest on the Cliffy chairlift.
Lifts closed and everyone converged on the Plateau Run. My holiday, a week from now, passed before my eyes as I heard ski turns closing in on me from behind. Skis appeared either side of my right leg. The skier spun around, grabbing me and as I tried to keep both of us upright I could feel my thigh muscle pulling and burning. We keeled over together and he ended up on top of me. Pride dented and board scratched but no one hurt permanently.
A good day all in all and the staff did a grand job as usual despite conditions.

Glencoe 15th January 2012

Stayed in Cardross Saturday night, nearly slept in and didn't leave till 8.30, but the morning was crisp and the road was clear. Blue skies until the top of Loch Lomond then a few clouds trapped amongst the peaks. Driving up Rannoch Moor, the top of the resort looked cloud bound while it's surroundings we're bathed in sunlight. This didn't last all day though as the wind, light though it was moved the mist onward.
Conditions were hard. No fresh snow for a while and the mountain was looking bare. Main Basin was ok when there was visibility, but very noisy and hard on the edges.
Tested out the ContourHD camera and different mounts. Will check results when I get home. Fresh but not too cold. -3 to -5 maybe. It was about zero at the carpark. Unfortunately it's still too early in the year for the sun to bathe the north facing slopes but better than sitting in the house on a Sunday.

To shred or not to shred?

Maybe Glencoe snowboard on Sunday?