Glencoe to Host UK’s First On Mountain Ski & Snowboard Festival

27th December 2021

Last modified on January 2nd, 2022

The festival has just been announced.

There will be courses, skills sessions, short tours and social activity with added emphasis on the backcountry scene in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

“Having watched the explosion of interest in backcountry and UK-based snowsport since Covid arrived,we wanted to highlight more of what we can do on the UK hills and snow, and help make it more accessible,” says Neil Dalgleish of Hillside Outside, the Scottish-based events company working with Glencoe Mountain Resort to produce The Mighty Coe.

“You don’t have to be a hardcore mountain expert to enjoy the backcountry, but you do need some knowledge and the right kit – this weekend will help with that too.”

A full list of brands attending, activity and event programme will be announced in January along with ticket information.

The event will run over both days of the weekend and will be hosted at plateau level on the mountain, to give direct access to pistes, lifts and test skin-tracks.

The event village will also feature an expo area, food-stands, music and a bar, with off-hill snow-night entertainment in the evening.

Glencoe – photo © Glencoe Mountain/Ski Scotland

“The aim is to combine snow festival vibes with a major demo and expo opportunity, and some hands-on sessions and opportunities to learn, and try things out,” says Neil, who became convinced it was the right time to create the event during lockdown ski touring in Scotland.

“Don’t expect the Folie Douce, but it should be a great weekend, Glencoe-style.

“There’s never been more need to make the best use of home mountains and home snow.

“Even apart from all the problems of travel due to Covid, it’s only too obvious that international travel has to decrease.

“Climate Change means we can’t all just keep flying everywhere, so I really hope events like this can add something genuinely useful to the UK snowsport scene.

“We want to show what’s possible here, and help people access the fantastic backcountry and on-piste experiences on our doorsteps.”

Glencoe – Glencoe – photo © Glencoe Mountain/Ski Scotland

Andy Meldrum, who heads the team at Glencoe Mountain, says it’s an exciting development.

“Ever since it opened back in 1956, Glencoe has been famed for its steep, challenging terrain and great lift assisted off-piste opportunities,” he says.

“In recent years the resort has seen a real growth in demand for backcountry training and ski touring equipment.

“This led to the introduction six years ago of what at the time was Scotland’s first avalanche transceiver training park.

“Creating a festival to bring the best kit, coaches and brands together in a relaxed environment is something that staff at the resort are very excited about.”

For more information on demo, expo or any other aspect of The Mighty Coe, email info@themightycoe.com