Discussion: Snow!

Awesome to have snow *anywhere* in late April- next time you need skis! did it look like there was anywhere to cross-country ski there?

I knew there was snow I could see it from the plane but I was still shocked when I got to Cairngorm - it was like an Alpine scene! Not sure about XC ski. Don't you need it to be a bit flatter? Only blanket snow on the high bits.

Alan - you been/going up there at all? Really looks good but not sure how long it will last!

Don't think there's anywhere to Cross Country Ski, the snow is all on the tops as far as I can tell.

Don't move there...it'll ruin the magic. There's not actually THAT many mapped areas if you're training every day, (that bit of Glenmore I think you're talking about used to be mapped but I haven't seen any more recent map than the 80s - it kind of segues into Rothiemurchus as you move West and that is still funny for access despite apparent open access agreements) and there are even fewer people to train with. I lived in Aviemore for four months and everyone in our age band is either a transient Aussie (fun) or a local druggie (less fun). Deeside is better people wise for training etc, but you'll still be struggling to find someone to have a pint with. Far better to go somewhere bigger like Edinburgh or Glasgow where you get the good life and those places are within a couple of hours drive. Even so there are bits of Loch Vaa, Cambus O' May and South Inshriach I can now run without a map (granted, still larger bits of it that still befuddle me every time). But then I guess that happens wherever you go, this way you'd just get bored of amazing areas instead of slightly rubbishy ones. Personally, I prefer it down in Edinburgh where the still retain a lot of their magic. Nothing like driving round the A9 at Drumochter and thinking about all the fun you're going to have! The drive back is always a pain in the arse though...

Not been skiing in Scotyland this year, been a bit busy racing n stuff. The main problem with Scotland is when the snow's good everybody who lives in Edinburgh skis on it. Need to go during the week.

Becks - since when is old boy John in your age band?

Yeah fair point - it was fairly busy on the Tuesday we were up there.

Regarding the choice of location it's tuff to get the balance right. Like you say I probs couldn't ever live away from the bright lights as I'd miss the people and the nightlife (altho every time I do get amongst it I regret the over-drinking and under-sleeping - but it's worth it to get your groove on!) and I'd really miss the big gyms of the cities. Then again it's a nightmare to go running on decent terrain - mostly grass/tracks etc. The traffic is a nightmare if you want to drive to decent terrain and the first and last 15mins of any cycle ride is pap too. Driving is never a pain for the Schnitzer (esp on that lovely road you showed me when you were counting airbags!) only wish I could afford to run the beast.

You're in our age band too Alan but don't worry if you're feeling a little out of place - only a few months left hehe.