Snowsport touring code relaunched for 2022

As we look forward to a somewhat belated winter, Mountaineering Scotland has relaunched the Scottish Snowsports Touring and Managed Ski Resorts Code.

Snowsports touring (using skis or snow boards) is one of Scotland’s fastest growing mountain activities. More people than ever are moving away from managed resorts, skinning uphill and accessing more remote areas by ski or board.

Many snowsports tourers set off on their adventures from one of Scotland’s five managed ski areas: Nevis Range, Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee and The Lecht.

Under access legislation, snowsports tourers only have access rights within managed resorts if they do not interfere with the primary recreational activities – hence the need for the snowsports touring access code, which has been developed with our partners and the endorsement of resort managers and users to raise awareness of tourers’ rights and responsibilities and help everyone enjoy their day out on the hill.

Basic advice includes:

    Pay attention to warning signs and stay out of roped areas

    Avoid travelling across or up pistes on foot or ski

    Be aware of downhill skiers/boarders who have right of way

    Stay clear of grooming machines – they operate 24 hrs and can have very long cables attached

    Keep dogs under control and in sight at all times

However it is best that the code be read fully to get a proper understanding of rights and responsibilities for both tourers and resorts.

This Code has been produced by Mountaineering Scotland and endorsed by: The Association of Scottish Ski Areas,     Snowsports Scotland, British Association of Snowsports Instructors, British Association of Ski Patrollers