SFS Round 2 of 3 THE CORRIE CHALLENGE Continues the 2021 Scottish Freedom Series TIMETABLE + INFO (Updated 04/03/22) OVERVIEW: The Corrie Challenge can be an epic event! With the backdrop offered by venues such as Cascade, G&T or Summit Gully (all of which have hosted the competition before) it offers an awesome location for freeride competition. If you're coming for the weekend get yourselves ready for a big one… Here’s everything you need to know. EVENT ON/OFF DECISION: ON/OFF decisions are taken at 2 points in the lead up to the event in conjunction with ski patrol at the Nevis Range:- EVENT ON/OFF DECISION: ON/OFF decisions are normally taken at 2 points in the lead up to the event:- ON THE WEEKEND BEFORE THE EVENT an ON/OFF decision will be taken based on current snow cover and forecasted snowfall for the week leading into the event. THURSDAY BEFORE THE EVENT a further ON/OFF decision will be taken and, if ON, then a confirmation of which day of the weekend the competition will run. The decision is based on 5 criteria:-
ON/OFF ANNOUNCEMENTS: All announcements are posted on the SFS facebook page which also feeds to the website. Please note that even if we have called “ON” and chosen what looks like the best day of the weekend the Scottish weather is notoriously unpredictable and on a few occasions we have been forced to abandon the due to deteriorated conditions. Please be understanding. PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE: Applies to either Saturday or Sunday. 0830-0900 - PINEMARTEN CAFE - Rider Check-In + Bib Collection 1000-1029 - SNOWGOOSE CAFE - Rider Briefing 1030-1200 - Rider ascent to top of competition face, face inspection and loop back to top 1200-1400 - Judged competition runs start (see the rules and the scoring guide for tips) 1615-1730 - PINEMARTEN CAFE - Bib Return + Prize Giving THE COMPETITION FACE Whilst we will have an idea of possible competition faces a few days before, the final decision can only be confirmed once snowpack, surface conditions, wind exposure and visibility have been assessed in the 24hours leading up to the competition. It will be announced at the rider briefing.
Over the years we have determined that the best freeride competition locations in Back Corries include:- SUMMIT GULLY - The upper section pictured below is steep and quite extreme (>45degrees) in places with a series of gullies. Don’t be fooled by this photo - it looks far smaller than it is. As a guide the big rock in the centre of the gully offers a full 6-8metre drop for the brave (once successfully hit by Matt Pavitt in 2016 securing him a podium). The slope is also just over 45degrees at the top.
ACCESS TO SUMMIT GULLY: On a couple of occasions Nevis Ski Patrol have very kindly laid on a skidoo towing service from the top of the summit poma, across the plateau, to the top of summit gully. This method of towing up to 12 competitors on a trailing rope saves a huge amount of time to access the start. The skidoo will be waiting just beyond the ski patrol hut at the top of thw summit tow. CASCADE & G&T GULLY AREA has hosted the competition on at least two occasions and provides a band of large features at the top and the a further band of smaller features lower down depending upon snowcover. Access is along the nid ridge from the summit tow. Both faces have slightly different heights but similar aspects. The final choice will hinge upon the 5 decision making criteria listed above. For information on how to max out your score on your competition run click here SAFETY The Scottish Freedom Series has a great record for safety, with 10 years of events successfully run with only a handful of minor injuries. For that reason we ask that you ensure you are fit, fully prepared, adhere to any advice and guidelines given by the organisers and most importantly, on your descent you choose a line that permits you to ride with panache and style but well within your limits remembering that a major incident can significantly impact the day for all riders as well as the victim. A full competitor safety briefing will be given on the morning of the event providing location weather a format details specific to the conditions encountered on the day. HERE TO HELP If you have a question just ask one of the crew. Their easy east to spot! PREPARATION BACKCOUNTRY KNOWLEDGE & PREPARATION: You should already be well briefed in backcountry safety – if you are relatively new to this please let the organisers know and we will ensure you have another competitor as a “buddy” for the day.
RECOMMENDED SAFETY KIT
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL AT NEVIS We are in the safe and experienced hands of Nevis Ski Patrol when it somes to avalanche or injury response. As a registered Scottish Freedom Series competitor, you do however have a duty of care to not only yourself but also to fellow riders. That means that in the event of any incident you should be willing to assist if requested to do so. That’s it! Ride safe and the very best of luck with your competition run. We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions about this series please email info@scottishfreedomseries.info |
