Skiing Number 4 gully on Ben Nevis

March 2023, just before it started snowing again. Absolutely perfect conditions... For climbing! We parked at the North Face Car Park and walked up the path to the CIC Hut on the north side of Ben Nevis. Climbing up Number 4 gave us a real idea of what to expect on the way down. The moral of the story? Turn up your DINs before you ski névé in the shade!
Thank you very much to all the climbers we met on the way up - your encouragement got us over the edge! Special thanks to the extremely friendly chap in the blue helmet for a) your confidence in our skiing (@ 03:42), and b) the great videos from your POV.
Lastly, thank you Alistair for planning and leading a QMD.
#skiingnumber4 #skiingnumberfour

[@peterpozman6972]

Way gnarly! Perfect nevé. Ideal for climbing. A real test on skis.

[@willsonj]

Beautiful stuff. I climbed it for the first time the other day and immediately wanted to ski down. Once I’ve got more experience skiing off piste I’ll definitely give it a go.

[@SamMead]

It's a great experience and there are lots and lots of options to get back down again! Good luck

[@markthomasson5077]

Wow.
Apparently the ‘easiest’ ski gully on Nevis.
Boy that was a bit sketchy, crusty hard snow, full of post holes. Looked like you only just made the first turn.
Then you both take a tumble at the bottom. If had taken a slip at the top you would have taken a big slide (don’t ask how I know). Carry an axe, or better a whippet pole.
I see your ski went a fair way down the hill, shows just how useful ski brakes are! Get leashes.
I will give it a shot sometime…but when the snow is nice n soft.

[@alistairshep]

Great day out Sammy!

[@SamMead]

It will live long in the memory

[@thomasmarsden-jc7kw]

😂 bonkers

[@blisseferrari9405]

P r o m o S M