It is Sunday 1st February 2004, the day of the Gordonstoun Ski Marathon. The snow has returned in generous quantity. The trails are freshly pisted, the weather kindly, forty cars in the car park, forty youngsters and at least as many adults having a memorable day. This is the Clash at its best. Yet fickle snows, and other background anxieties, have served to demonstrate how fragile is our hold on this wonderful resource.
| Could there be an opportunity to extend what Clashindarroch has to offer, both in terms of actual snow-holding and in protecting its survival as Scotland’s foremost Nordic ski venue? Possibly … for not far away, on that same Sunday, lay a hidden garland of snow 1km long and as wide as anyone could wish for. Condition report: wide cover of fresh snow, on a firm base up to 1m deep (yes, 100cm). Perfect conditions for hill-touring in the sun, with expansive views to the Cairngorms and all of the Garioch. And all this within earshot of the Haute Route where it contours the slopes of the Mount of Haddoch (see map). |  |
This is Timberline, a wide wreath of wind-packed snow accumulated against the upper edge of the forest – woven into and trapped by the trees – accessible by three rides, themselves delightful in deep powder, tracked only by white hares. Furthermore, with its typical width of 3 - 5 metres, Timberline’s untapped potential for skating is just beginning to be recognised. And from one end, when there’s good snow cover, you can weave among the peat hags on Stargazer to the trig point on the top of the Mount of Haddoch. Then there’s the downhill slope, Snowgoose, unrolling a challenging descent to the Haute Route. Take care – it has a sting in its tail! Yet when the Snowgoose is in friendly mood, it’s a great place to show off those turning skills.
In March 2003, much of Timberline was skiable 6 weeks after the last snowfall. Its aspect and compacted depth protect it from anything except warm winds coupled with driving rain. At their best, Timberline and Snowgoose extend to one hectare (2.5 acres) of snow – something that the downhill centres would give their eye-teeth for in some seasons. This season, by mid-March, Timberline had provided around 70 days of skiing – a resource to be treasured. But all is not well. This key asset is threatened by the windfarm developer’s proposal to fell a 300m strip of the all-important adjacent trees in order to provide the smoothest possible airflow to just two of the turbines. These trees are critical to the creation of the snowfield, as they trap spindrift blowing off the dome of the Mount of Haddoch in winds from any direction from SW round to N. The developer justifies felling in terms of securing maximum output and minimum maintenance and repair costs. Surely there is scope for compromise here? A cost increase for 2 turbines becomes a very minor percentage in terms of the overall proposal for 47. Yet any felling of existing trees could have a major impact on the development, and perhaps even the survival, of Clashindarroch as our pre-eminent venue for Nordic skiing.
If global warming hits as hard as predictions suggest, Timberline may be the one place at the Clash to hold the snow reliably. It’s worth holding onto. And if the cold winters return it’s worth cherishing anyway. Take a look when the snow returns – but remember, Timberline (for now anyway) is not pisted. Some days you need metal edges, and always a sense of adventure. And beware of the Snowgoose!
Colin Miller.