The descent from the summit of The Angel's Peak must be one of the finest in the Cairngorms. Standing at the top with the lochan seemingly directly below you, it is an intimidating position. If the snow conditions are good, it's a memorable place to ski.
Locating the start of the route is not without risk, as it involves locating the top of the narrow North East Ridge, which is not obvious until directly above it, and is only 2 or 3 metres wide at the top. Get it wrong, and you are likely to be standing on (or fallen through) a cornice, either above the Northwest face, or the Northeast face.
The start of the route is either over the cornice (if brave enough!), or to descend the North East Ridge of the peak for a couple of metres until it is possible to traverse in skiers right above the rocky outcrop to below the cornice. The first 2 or 3 turns are the steepest, and the angle relents with each turn. On the way down you need to be aware of bare and/or icy patches. The run out should be fine, although there is a large loch to avoid!
Approximate Start Height: 1258m
Approximate Descent: 350m
General Aspect: Northeast
Climbing Grade: I
Notes: Not graded in climbing guides, but the top section is steep enough to be Grade I.
Line of descent by Graeme Gatherer, April 2009
