Posts for December, 2021

Every year since 1984, mushers from the UK have gathered in the forests around Aviemore for the biggest event in the British sled dog racing calendar, The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Aviemore Sled Dog Rally January 29th-30th will return after a year out due to the covid pandemic.

Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain in conjunction with Forestry and Land Scotland and sponsored by CSJ specialist canine feeds, Leucillin, and Photizo Light Therapy .The race is run on forest trails around the beautiful Loch Morlich, in the shadows of the Cairngorm mountains.

From an original of only 12 teams, the race is now one of the most prestigious sled dog races in the UK . The race features teams of between two and eight dogs pulling their musher on a sled around a four to seven mile trail. If there’s no snow at ground level for the event, the races still go on with mushers using a three-wheeled or four wheeled rigs. There are eight adult classes and two children’s classes and mushers range from just 8 years old to over 60. Along with the Siberian Huskies, race dogs include Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs – the pedigree breeds of dogs first bred to pull sleds in Arctic conditions hundreds of years ago

The trail is a designated cross-country ski course and is clearly defined. The Start lies just over the wooden bridge from the car park and runs parallel to the ski road for a short distance before entering the forest. The first part of the trail is quite demanding, but then runs along the loch side to the Finish without great problem.

There will be available viewing areas for public viewing but please be aware of any covid restrictions that may be in force during that time.

We are renowned for delivering unforgettable fitness experiences in unforgettable locations. Over the last few years, we have developed a great reputation for our accessible, personal and friendly events in stunning locations. Our Loch Morlich Running Festival has been an event growing in popularity for the last four years now, and we are delighted to say, IT’S BACK!

The Loch Morlich Running Festival takes place on Sunday 2nd January 2021, making it a unique event! This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your 2022 with friends and family whilst pushing yourself to one of the most stunning finish lines in the UK, Loch Morlich beach. The event is very welcoming, and we will support you if you decide to walk the course or chase a personal best.

Both courses are all on forest tracks (running trainers and trail shoes are suitable). The exact distances are 5.6KM and 11.2KM. The system includes stunning views as you make your way through the Glenmore Forest to Loch Morlich beach. The course will be well marshalled, with first-aiders on-site throughout the event.

Registration and the Start area at the Hayfield, Glenmore.

To get here, follow directions for Cairngorm Mountain. Before you go through the orange snow gates at the bottom of the ski road, you will see the Hayfield on the right-hand side. Please use Forestry Scotland car parks situated around the start area. Toilets will be available on site. From the finish, you will have a five-minute walk back to the start, hopefully with a big smile on your face!

What’s included?
-Warm-up with all runners with Fitnessat58degrees instructor Sam Cairns.
-Handmade wooden medal made by The Workshop Aberfeldy, who help give disadvantaged young people an employment opportunity.
-Tasty home baking at the finish created by the incredible @makesbymegs.
-Prizes for the top three men and women in the 5K and the 10K.
-Family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
-Chip timing and results sent out on the day.
-Photos are taken for you to keep.
-A stunning course, with the Cairngorm Mountains as your backdrop.
Costs:
5K: £25.
10K: £30.
U16S: Free (Message us on Facebook with their name).
*PLEASE NOTE REFUNDS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ANY CASE.
Schedule:
Registration, 10 am.
Warm Up and Brief, 11.45 am.
5K AND 10K (Mass start), 12pm.
If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on Instagram or Facebook (@fitnessat58degrees) or by email, samcairns@fitnessat58.com.
We look forward to seeing you there! Let’s kickstart our 2022 in the best way possible.

Sam and the team, Fitnessat58degrees.

I undersigned declare that I am medically fit to compete and do so at my own risk. I hereby absolve the organisers from any claim for injury or illness incurred during or as a result of the event or for any loss or damage to property. I understand that the organisers reserve the right to refuse entry and that entry fees are non refundable. I agree that my picture may be included in any photographs, which may be published from the race. I confirm that the information I have provided on this form is accurate.

Let’s celebrate together the community spirit that has seen the return of an ice rink to Aviemore
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Join us Friday 10th December at the Aviemore Ice Rink, Aviemore 3 pm-7 pm for some family festive Winter Chill Fun
There will be BBQ, festive refreshments, winter activities and plenty of Christmas music.

Santa Skate from 5 pm to 6 pm (how many Santas, Elves, Elsas, Cindy Lous, Olafs and Kristoff’s can we get on the ice) 🎅 and to round off the evening, there will be an ice hockey exhibition game from 6.30 pm

Enjoy a burger from the BBQ, grab some Ghluwein or Hot Chocolate and Mince Pies from the Bothy Box. Toast a marshmallow on the Fire Pit🔥 write your name with Sparklers
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Entry to Winter Chill Fest is Free. BBQ and Refreshments are donation-based, and funds raised will support BSSSA (Badenoch and Strathspey Snowsports Association) and Aviemore Ice Rink

Join us in festive fancy dress for the Santa Skate and skate for £3. For all other skate sessions, usual session fees apply.

Looking to make the move from summer to winter hiking? Our guided Cairngorm winter walking weekends are all about having amazing experiences in spectacular places. Join us and a bunch of other enthusiastic walkers for a memorable weekend in the mountains.

This two day guided experience will take place in the Cairngorms National Park. On the first day we will look at planning a day out (weather and avalanche forecasts, route choices, equipment selection), before heading out on the hills for a refresher on the skills required to travel in the mountains in winter. On our second day we will aim to tackle one of the larger peaks in the park, such as Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK.

Looking to make the move from summer to winter hiking? Our guided Cairngorm winter walking weekends are all about having amazing experiences in spectacular places. Join us and a bunch of other enthusiastic walkers for a memorable weekend in the mountains.

This two day guided experience will take place in the Cairngorms National Park. On the first day we will look at planning a day out (weather and avalanche forecasts, route choices, equipment selection), before heading out on the hills for a refresher on the skills required to travel in the mountains in winter. On our second day we will aim to tackle one of the larger peaks in the park, such as Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK.

Our guided Highland winter walking week is a great way of experiencing some of the best Scottish Munros.

The week starts in the Cairngorms with a day of winter skills training, looking at winter planning, equipment and practical skills such as crampon and ice axe use and ice axe arresting. On the second and third day we will attempt to tackle some of the highest mountains in the UK, such as Ben Macdui and Cairngorm itself.

On the fourth day we have a scheduled rest day on which people can spend time traveling from the Cairngorms to Lochaber/Fort William. Along the way there are various tourist attractions and tours which can be used to rest and relax, such as a distillery tour.

The final part of the week starts with an attempt to climb Ben Nevis, at 1345m the highest mountain in the UK, then on the last day a shorter mountain walk to round off the week before everyone travels home.

Day 1 Cairngorms Skills

Day 2 Cairngorm Summit

Day 3 Cairngorm Summit

Day 4 Rest/Travel Day

Day 5 West Coast Summit

Day 6 West Coast Summit

A degree of flexibility is important in winter, so this plan is subject to change based on weather and conditions during the week.

Trick or treat around our Halloween Zipline course, win prizes, and fill your boots with candy this October! This spooktacular challenge involves no tricks, only treats for all involved including the fact all funds raised by participants will help provide vital services for families impacted by Huntington’s disease across Scotland!



Come together with your friends and family to do something different this Halloween! Dress up is optional, but the 14 fantastic ziplines are a must! Zipping through the air through the trees over a stunning Scottish gorge is THE best reason to scream on Halloween. We guarantee it!



After your safety briefing and triple safety checks your guide will lead you to the start of the course and your Trick or Treat adventure! Starting gently, the wires increase in length and height as you move through the course collecting Halloween tokens to earn your big bag of treats at the end! Your trip will last approx 2 1/2 hours.



Note

• Suitable for 8 years old and over, anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult

• There is a weight limit of 19 stone for this event



Fundraising



Not only will you have an unforgettable day, you’ll also be helping SHA to support families all over Scotland impacted by Huntington’s disease (HD). Our mission is to empower families, ensure they are better connected to support and services, enhance their quality of life and raise awareness about the impact HD has on the people who live with the condition. Every penny raised by #TeamSHA helps to provide HD Specialists, Financial Wellbeing Officers and Youth Advisors to help families cope with the challenges of today, and prepare for what’s to come.

Raise a minimum of £99 to take part if you’re a big kid (18+) or £60 if you’re a wee kid (aged 8-17)!

Families of two big kids and up to three wee kids can sign up with a fundraising target of £350!

All participants will be supported by your own Fundraising Officers at SHA, to help you smash the challenge for Scottish Huntington’s Association and the families we serve.

We are excited to let you know the DSUK Santa Run will be making a return to Aviemore on Saturday 11th December 2021. The event is open to everyone and anyone who is willing to have some fun outside, while supporting Disability Snowsports UK. The event is family friendly, adaptive, and offers a great way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas season in the picturesque surrounding of Aviemore.

Participants can choose between a 1mile route or a 5mile route through the Aviemore High Street. We all want to become Santas (or elfs!) for a day, so bring your family, friends, pets and join us for a day full of Christmas fun!
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Tickets will be on sale soon.

The annual Cairngorm Ski Club Snowsports Equipment Sale offers snowsports fans an excellent opportunity to buy and sell second hand and new ski and snowboard equipment and clothing. Here you can find a wide range of competitively priced equipment to suit all budgets. Goods can be closely inspected and boots tried for fit with ski club members and coaches are available for advice.

We do not accept for sale old skinny skis, boots with obviously heavily worn toe and heel pieces nor skis with obviously broken edges, unrepaired full thickness base damage or very loose bindings. The sale, run entirely by volunteers, is on Saturday 13th November 2021 at Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore PH22 1ST.

BUYERS

The sale takes place between 3:30pm and 5:30pm and a queue develops before doors open at 3:30pm. Entrance is 50 pence per adult and children are free.There is an opportunity to closely inspect goods but please do not hoard items you do not intend to buy. Ski Club members will be available for advice. Payment is by cash or cheque with only limited potential for bank transfer.In the past there has been a large queue to pay but an increased number of sales desks now means the queue moves quickly.

SELLERS

You can sell second hand and new ski and snowboard equipment and clothing and some try their luck with other outdoor gear. When deciding what to sell it’s worth asking yourself, “Would I buy this?” It’s not the Antique Road Show! Everyone who wishes to mount a pair of old skinny skis on a bar or bedroom wall already seems to have a pair, therefore we don’t accept “old skinny” skis. We also won’t accept boots with obviously heavily worn toe and heel pieces nor skis with obviously broken edges, unrepaired full thickness base damage or obviously very loose bindings, and a club member will quickly check equipment at check in. Other than these restrictions you can try your hand at selling anything as long as you pick it up if it’s not sold. If you are intending to sell more than 80 items please contact John, the organiser, by email (sale@cairngormskiclub.co.uk), to discuss in advance, otherwise we can’t guarantee to accept all the items on the day. Goods for sale should be dropped in between 9 am and 1:30 pm. Items are detailed, listed and tagged then placed on the sale floor by helpers. It costs £3.00 to enter each 20 items or less. The minimum price for goods is £6, less than this and we’ll accept the item as a donation.

Between 7:15 and 8:30 pm sellers can pick up their unsold items and collect their money. Changes introduced recently should ensure payout is quicker than before, and on arrival sellers will be given a list of their sold and unsold goods. Unsold items not picked up will be disposed of. 15% of sale price is retained by Cairngorm Ski Club to cover the cost of the sale and subsidise the club’s ski training programme.

Sellers can choose not to attend payout but have a cheque sent to them or a bank transfer for items sold provided they are happy to donate unsold items to Cairngorm Ski Club.

DONATIONS

The club accepts donations of ski or snowboard equipment or clothing. These should be handed in between 9am and 1:30 pm. Donations are sold with all proceeds going to the club and if donations do not sell the club disposes of them. We reserve the right to decline donations we think are very unlikely to sell but will accept almost any equipment.

Ballater Business Association (BBA) & Ballater (Royal Deeside) Limited SC026254 (BRD), in conjunction
with Ballater Films and the V&A Halls, are delighted to announce our 1st Mountain Bike Festival. We intend that this will become an annual event.

We are especially delighted to be the chosen Scottish venue for the premiere of ‘The Big Bike Film Night’ at 7 pm on Saturday 11th September at the Halls.

Our action-packed programme kicks off on Friday 10th September with ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ Film Night at the V&A Halls.

Continuing over the weekend of the 11th and 12th September, there are various activities provided by

‘Ride In Peace’, ‘E-Guides’ and ‘Live Life Aberdeenshire’.

There is also the added attraction of the ‘Tour of Britain’ coming through the Village on Sunday 12th September between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.

And after all that exercise, we have plenty of options for being ‘fed and watered. There are a wide
range of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and hotels in the village and we will also have several takeaways
stalls on the Church Green throughout the day, along with some of our artisan local food producers.

When you’ve had your fill, take the time to explore our unique shops.

Further afield, to the east of Ballater, we have a baker, cheesemaker and café at Cambus O’May & a
hotel at Dinnet. To the West, there is the well known Bakehouse and Ptarmigan café in Crathie.
Look out for posts of our ‘Trails’ of Food & Drink Offers, Retail outlets, and Mountain Bike Trails.
To find all the current information go to www.visitballater.com/event/mountain-bike-festival/.
Thank you to North East Adventure Tourism (NEAT) and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland for their support.