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Let the train take the strain... but only down!
The distant large snow fields on Ben Macdui.
Hiking up past a kicker with a view.
Stack of the day in the making... Shame the camera isn't quicker between shots!
H11lly's sliding boots!
Looking back up to the main snowfield from the lower patch.
Jeff hiking back up.
Putting in a turn on approach to the kicker.
Putting in some turns on the granular spring snow.
Those who are keen/mad enough... Gearing up at the top of the patch.
Who need's skis!
Spinning a 360 high above Loch A'an.
Jeff throws a grab off the kicker.
Show off...
Shaping the kicker.
Poised for some more turns near the top of the snow field.
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A bit of haze took the edge of the sun, but with light winds it gave a very pleasant day that was neither too warm or cold for our mid-summer snow pilgrimage on CairnGorm Mountain.
With more and larger snowfields surviving in 2006, we contoured further round the back of the 'Gorm from the Ciste Mhearaidh to return to the patch used in 2005, which offers more sustained gradient - great for carving up the spring snow with almost 350ft of vertical still possible.
A cracking kicker was built, and with the fine weather a great day out had for the 13 keen sliders. Ben Macdui and Meall a' Bhuiridh also sliding action on Saturday, if your desperate to get some sliding there is still some fairly significant snow fields for those prepared to make the effort, particularly on Ben Macdui. CairnGorm Mountain has the advantage of being able to take the Funicular down these days,
Thanks to Caroline for additional photos. There is also pix and reports in the Backcountry reports section from other sliding exploits over the weekend.
