Escalator
21st March 2026
It was a dry, mild and calm day with the cloud base hovering around the tops. The midday summit temperature was +1.7 degrees Celsius. The snow was softening in the mild temperatures and will continue to thaw overnight. However, as the freezing level drops through Sunday daytime, the snow will become increasingly firm and icy.
The North facing coires of Braeriach. Coire Ruadh is on the left and Coire an Lochain on the right.
This long strip of snow is known as the “The Escalator” which follows the Allt Buidheannach in Glen Eanaich. The snow currently starts at 550 metres with continuous snow all the way to 1000 metres. There is then a short gap without snow (around 30 metres of elevation) before snow is reached again, leading up onto the Braeriach plateau.
The upper reaches of “The Escalator” with the Glen Feshie hills of Sgòr Gaoith and Sgòran Dubh Mòr behind. This was before rush hour, when around 20 skiers, snowboarders and dogs were all enjoying this soft spring snow.
The coire rim of Coire an Lochain on Braeriach. There is the potential for any remaining cornices to collapse in the mild temperatures overnight.
Loch Coire an Lochain. There was a reasonable amount of debris around the coire, most of which was suspected cornice collapse.
A few guest photos from a SAIS senior forecaster on their day off. Loch Etchachan with Beinn Mheadhoin behind.
Coire Sputan Dearg. Although the snow was soft today, it will become firm and icy throughout tomorrow as the freezing level drops. With plenty of exposed rocks, run outs remain serious.
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