Cairn Gorm

In clear, calm weather, the ascent of Cairn Gorm is a straightforward hike via the alpine ski area on the northern slopes. But when the mountain is stormbound, particularly in winter during blizzard and high avalanche risk conditions, any ascent or descent can be potentially lethal - particularly during white-outs when it is easy to lose one's bearings near the barren, featureless summit which is ringed in many directions by precipitous drops. In common with all the highest Cairngorm summits, ascents during winter conditions (which can and usually do extend well into springtime) will often require good navigation skills and winter climbing equipment such as crampons and ice-axes. The Windy Ridge path on Sròn an Aonaich lying to the northeast of Coire Cas is a steep and direct route, and is generally recommended by local Rangers, guides and guidebooks.[4] Another route to the summit is the access road up the centre of Coire Cas, however this route is a track used by the railway operator's vehicles, and gives an indirect route with several steep sections. It is not recommended as an ascent route, especially during the skiing season, though it gives good views of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway in its lower sections. Also in Coire Cas, Fiacaill a' Choire Chais offers a good walking route to Cairn Gorm and the adjacent plateau. A circuit of the cliff tops overlooking the Northern Corries of Cairn Gorm is highly recommended in many guide books and publications, giving one of the finest views in Scotland.[5] Walkers are advised to consult the local map[6] and call in at the Ranger Base at the car park.

There are many climbing routes at the head of Coire an t-Sneachda[7] and Coire an Lochain,[8] and in winter these corries form one of Scotland's major ice climbing areas.

Cairn Gorm has a tundra climate (Köppen ET) climate. The Met Office weather station only publishes temperature and frost data. Winter temperatures are not extreme when compared with other stations' record low temperatures in the UK, but the severity of the climate is illustrated by its cool summers. Cairn Gorm averages 194.4 frost days per annum, making it the coldest weather station in the United Kingdom[20]

The highest temperature since 1985 is 25.5 °C (77.9 °F), recorded on 23 May 1989.[21] Conversely, the coldest temperature is −26.9 °C (−16.4 °F) on 6 March 2007.[22] Daytime temperatures staying below 0 °C (32 °F) all day occur most frequently between October and May but have been observed during every month of the year. Daytime maximum temperatures below −10 °C (14 °F) and night-time temperature above 15 °C (59 °F) are uncommon. However, the highest minimum temperature on record was 20.8 °C (69.4 °F) on 4 July 2004.[23] Whereas, the lowest daytime maximum was −12.7 °C (9.1 °F) on 28 February 2018.[24] The Foehn wind can affect the area, particularly so during late autumn and winter. This phenomenon resulted in the November record high.[25]

The warmest month on record is July 2006, with a mean temperature of 9.9 °C (49.8 °F).[26] Conversely, the coldest month on record is March 2013, with a mean temperature of −6.7 °C (19.9 °F).[27]

The mountain is home to a number of bird species, including dotterel and ring ouzel (in the spring and summer) and snow bunting and ptarmigan (also known as rock ptarmigan) (all year round). Mammals inhabiting the mountain include mountain hare and red deer. Wildflowers found on the mountain include dwarf cornel, cloudberry and butterwort. For many of these species of flora and fauna, Cairn Gorm is one of their key strongholds.[32]

A locomotive operated by Caledonian Sleeper, a train operator that offers sleeper trains from London Euston to Scotland. The locomotive is the only Class 67 locomotive to be operated by Caledonian Sleeper. The locomotive is the subject of a Hornby model with TTS Sound, in 00 Gauge.

• Computer generated summit panoramas North South here
• Cairn Gorm Weather Station
• CairnGorm Mountain Ltd.