To The Top By Randi Hausken
The Huntly Nordic Ski Club (HNSC) is North-East Scotland’s biggest nordic ski club. The club is based around the market town of Huntly which is on the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness. The club is very lucky to have use of the facilities at the Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre which include purpose built tracks for practicing both classic and rollerskiing. In addition just out of the town of Rhynie south of Huntly is located the Clashindarroch forest with forest trails designated for cross country skiing and mountain
biking.
Racing
Racer coming down the inner
HNSC members compete at UK level and above nordic ski racing. The club also organizes events in the GB Rollerski championship and Scottish Rollerski Championships during the summer. On snow race events are organized during the winter in the Clashindarroch Forest. Three club members are qualified to compete in the Cross Country World Cup Series, this is an outstanding acheivement considering the low profile cross country skiing has in the UK.
Clashindarroch Forest
Haute route approaching Leids hill
During the snowier months, the Clashindarroch Forest provides some of the best snow holding trails in the UK and is well pisted by the volunteer trail cutters from the Huntly Nordic Ski Club. The forest averages 45 days of skiing each year although in 2011/12 and 2012/13, the forest had over 100 days of skiing.
The “Haute Route” takes you through the forest on to the path along the top ridge giving you great views over the surrounding hills. The main route is 10k, but there are many short cuts on and off it. Also not to be missed is the “Rollercoaster” which is just that through a forest ride – good fun, but not for those looking for style.
Parking is off the A941 Rhynie to Dufftown road. When travelling to the Clashindarroch Forest, please use the car park opposite the main entrance. Please can 4×4 cars park deeper into the car park, leaving the entrance for smaller vehicles. Please do not park on the road or in the passing spaces on the road as this blocks access for locals and emergency services.
Trail Map
Clashindarroch Trail Map
I will be relocating to Aberdeen UK this fall. I’m an elderly Cross country skier looking for a place to ski this winter.
Thanks
Bruce Stroebe
Bruce,
The main cross-country ski area in Aberdeenshire are the Clashindarroch Forest Trails near Rhynie. They are the only X/C ski area that regularly gets trails groomed for classic & skate. We average 40 skiable days a year in the forest. Of there are many other places to ski when there is snow from low-level to the mountains.
The huntly Nordic SC is very active & we put on low-key events in the forest We have a base at the Huntly Nordic & Outdoor Centre where there is 300m of artificial mat, a 40m downhill slope & 800m rollerski track. The club meets every Thurs 7;30pm at the Centre & you are most welcome to join to find out more about the club.
Regards, Peter.
Sitting watching the team sprint from the Nordic World Championships in Oslo on the telly. Think its fantastic to see athletes from Huntly Nordic Ski Club compete, well done!!
Live in Värmland region, Sweden myself. Have been here ten years and have understandably learnt to love nordic skiing. Just amazing to see the top athletes.
Was wondering if the ski club is ever in Scandinavia to train? Have some contacts if its of interest.
HI,
I am trying to find a contact for the club to discuss getting your help please. I am new to the area and keen to pick up some useful skills for winter fieldwork- but have never skied before! I am also wanting to spread the word amongst your members about some exciting wildlife fieldwork going on in Clashindarroch forest over the next 5 years. Please get in touch: 07733308002. Many thanks Emma