The North facing Coire an Lochain is clearly visible from Aviemore, and provides some short descents above the often frozen Loch Coire an Lochain. Apart from Derelict Ridge Gully, the lines are generally indistinct, and may be buried altogether in a good snow year. There is much scope for variation in the corrie for descent lines, in particular skiers right of the Waterfall.
The corrie is often used for a sneaky extra steeper descent after returning from the summit of Braeriach, maybe after skiing lines in Garbh Choire Mór. It has the added bonus of being followed up with a descent down The Escalator, a fine ski run in its own right.
Approach
The most obvious approach is from the North, via Gleann Eanaich. There are various options for parking (Whitewell, Loch an Eilien, Coylumbridge), all with their own limitations due to space. A bike is recommended for this approach, and as a result, consider parking a little further away, even in Aviemore itself, to reduce the pressure on these locations. It doesn't add much to your day!
If you can cross the Beanaidh Beag (there are stepping stones), then the best approach is to head uphill following the Allt Buidheannach, which is more commonly know as "The Escalator". This provides as snow sure an ascent line as you can expect (although may be firm in the morning), and a fine descent to finish the day. In its own right, it's a superb descent.
If you don't fancy crossing the Beanaidh Beag, you can follow it up into Coire Beanaidh and over the top of Braeriach to make your way to the corrie. At the end of your day, following the Allt Coire an Lochain will rejoin the Beanaidh Beag. The Allt Coire an Lochain holds snow late, but you may need to walk down from the Lochain to get to the start of it, particularly late season.
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