Since in 2021 we have been recording Fastest Known Times (FKT’s) for historical purposes and Skimo inspiration.

If you have any thoughts on this, on what should be included for example, just drop us an email at skimo@skimoscotland.co.uk

Cairngorm 4000er's

In 2021 we started recording FKT's for the Cairngorm 4000'ers. Due to COVID-19 the conventional starting point of the Cas Car Park proved illogical since the snow gates were closed at Glenmore. James Thacker was the first to register his time on the 27th February 2021 with a time of 07:50:56, starting and finishing at the snow gates. Nathan White quickly followed suit on the 3rd March 2021 with a time of 06:15:16, also from the snow gates at Glenmore. Both of these times saw them run the lower section until possible to transition to skis at the Cas Car park. There was also a foot section crossing the Lairig Ghru and once again a run out from various points.

A couple of days later on the 5th March 2021, Finlay Wild recorded a time of 04:46:00 from the snow gates at Glenmore.

Following this on 1st April 2021 Emma Holgate and Nathan White registered a time of 07:02:51.  It was this round which was the catalyst for the future recording of a Skimo rounds of the Cairngorm 4000'ers. Despite the fact that this was an outstanding round, Skimo Scotland questioned whether it was a genuine Skimo round or an amazing day out on the hill. The reason was that a third of the round was not done on ski with long sections snow free. After deliberating for many days, if people wish to register a FKT for the Cairngorm 4000er's the following guidelines must be adhered to:

Start and finish: Cairn Gorm summit.
Following summits must be reached:  Ben MacDui, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Braeriach.
There must be at least 80% snow cover.

For recording FKT's, we will only record the fastest time done by one individual.

By introducing these guidelines, we are distinguishing between genuine Skimo rounds and all individuals skiing the 4000er's, which will still remain the ultimate ski mountaineering adventure for most individuals.