13 members assembled at Mill Cottage, Feshiebrige, for the annual Burns Supper meet. Catriona and Nigel arrived mid-afternoon on Friday  for a ski on local forest tracks. Leaving the Feshie airfield along the forest road, conditions were icy and fast. There was water ice in the vehicle ruts and the rest was frozen spring snow. Not much grip but lots of glide. There were bare patches, so some sections had to be walked.

Saturday morning dawned with a shower of rain onto a frosted road. With the cloud down on the hill, and reports of recent  icy conditions on Carn Ban More, a lesser objective was chosen. Driving on black ice to Kingussie, we parked at the golf club. Making for Beinn Bhreac north of Pitmain Lodge, we could ski uninterruped on leaving the trees. The track disappeared under the snow, and snow cover was more extensive with height gained. Nearing the top in whiteout conditions, the driving sleet and snow was less than pleasant, and no place to linger. On reaching the cairn, west of the summit, we turned back. The first half kilometre was very difficult for the leading skier, with no point of reference to tell where the slope went, or how fast he was going, or where the snow was hard or soft. Tumbles were inevitable. Out of the cloud, conditions improved, and following down the east side of Bad Each ridge was good down to the trees. The drying room was full of wet gear that night.

Sunday morning revealed 2 cm fresh snow on the road down Glen Feshie to the Auchlean car park. Skinning up through the trees from the forest fence, a party of 6 made for Coire Arcain and the col above. The cloud lifted during the ascent, revealling great views all round. The surface on the ridge summit at 783m was wind eroded ice, and nasty for skiing. However, the descent from the col was excellent.  With the fresh snow on the firm bas, and the gentle gradient, it was ideal for linking turns. It was so good we skinned back up for a second go.