Why More People Are Skiing and Split boarding in the Scottish Backcountry

By Skier & Snowboarder on 19th October 2025

Ross Creber, Senior Instructor at Glenmore Lodge National Outdoor Training Centre looks at how great effort leads to great reward when ski touring in Scotland. With winters changing and primo snow days fewer and farther between, it might seem surprising that more people than ever are venturing into the Scottish backcountry. The answer, in one word, is simple: adventure.

PHOTO: ©EdSmith (@edsmithphoto)

There is always a strong sense of exploration when setting out on a ski tour in Scotland. The weather is often harsh, the snow conditions mixed and clear summits with wide views are a rare luxury before descent. Abroad, remote lines are often handed to us on a plate – effortless, abundant, almost guaranteed. But that’s exactly why Scottish skiing holds such unique appeal: here, every turn must be earned. With great effort comes great reward.

I grew up ski racing in Scotland, and over the years my relationship with the mountains has shifted from competition to exploration. Now, living in Aviemore and working at Glenmore Lodge as an instructor, I’m fortunate to spend countless days skiing – sometimes while delivering courses, sometimes for myself – but always with the same sense of adventure.

PHOTO: ©EdSmith (@edsmithphoto)

Part of the joy lies in the planning. Monitoring the weather, studying SAIS avalanche reports and blogs, scrolling through photos from those who’ve been out, eyeing up lines and weighing options. Every Scottish descent requires effort, and I want that effort to be rewarded. Finding the best snow on the mountain always feels like a triumph.

I often think about Scottish skiing through the lens of the “fun factor” framework:

Type 1 fun – fun at the time, and fun in reflection.
Like standing on the summit of Cairn Lochain, soaking up the views before skiing west, carrying speed into Lurchers Gully, carving big turns on creamy snow, then walking out with skis on the pack, swapping stories with friends.
Type 2 fun – not fun at the time, but fun in reflection.
Like starting in light rain at the Cas car park, threading ribbons of snow, mud and heather to reach Cairngorm’s summit in near-zero visibility. A quick compass bearing, a descent through the murk, retracing the same miserable ribbons of snow and mud – then warming up by the fire, coffee in hand, laughing: “I’m glad we went out. That was good craic.”
Type 3 fun — not fun at the time, and not fun in reflection.
In Scottish skiing, these days simply don’t exist.

PHOTO: ©EdSmith (@edsmithphoto)

Scottish skiing will never be about guaranteed conditions. It’s about embracing uncertainty, committing to effort and finding adventure in whatever the mountains give us. And that’s exactly why more people than ever are heading into the backcountry – because here, the challenge is the reward.

If you’re inspired to venture off the beaten path this winter, check out Glenmore Lodge’s range of backcountry skiing courses to discover the adventures that await you in the Cairngorms and learn from our skilled team of instructors.

Visit glenmorelodge.org.uk

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