A brief visit to the Clash today — did not linger too long because of drifting on the roads. 2 other vehicles (4WDs) in car park. Report based on Main trail/Short Cut/Leids Leap.

Clash — Sunday 31 Jan 2010, 1200hrs:

Temp minus 1; snow showers and long sunny intervals; fresh NW wind; drifting in exposed areas.

Off-piste snow depth 60cm, including 15cm fresh powder. The powder is variably distributed on top of the packed trails. Wonderful smooth skiing!

Haute Route heavily drifted (one drift on Leids leap is 1 metre deep).

Car park useable, minor drifting. A941 ploughed but several areas of drifting. A97 and Craighall road also subject to drifting.

Safe from the drift risk, I stopped off at Christskirk Forest on the way back (parking area one mile out of Insch on the Kennethmont road). Snow depth 15-30cm, varying from sticky to powder. Tough ascents, good long descents, great views. Accessible by bus and train too (you can ski almost all the way from the Station, thanks to trail in woodland west of the road, starting at 30mph limit). 2 other skiers were there today, one of whom (a JDS parent) had skied from Insch on aforementioned trail. A worthwhile alternative when the roads are bad.