Northlands: Ski touring in the Scottish Highlands is a short film by Kev Neal, who claims he is not a filmmaker, but a ski bum. Through interviews, voiceover, and years of footage, Neal takes us on a tour through the classic and hidden Scottish ski spots. Although weather, infrastructure, lockdowns, and bogs sometimes frustrate his cheery group, his footage celebrates skiing despite less-than-perfect conditions.
Internationally, Scotland does not have a reputation as a ski destination. But in fact, it’s far snowier in the Highlands than in the rest of the UK, with wide slopes and prominent peaks. Good skiing can be found, as Neal is about to show us. But there are, he admits, some challenges.
In the Highlands, snow often comes with fierce winds, leading to frequent road closures. They don’t usually get days of lightweight powder. Instead, they usually get “three days of heavy snow, and a lot of wind, and the roads shut.” But still, there is skiing to be had.
A tour of Scottish ski spots
He first takes us to Morven, at 706m, the highest point in the low-lying Caithness region. There’s excellent skiing there, he explains. However, a nearby bog makes it hard to access unless the right conditions freeze it and cover it in snow.
Neal on Morven with friends. Photo: Screenshot
Next, he takes us to Kintail, a mountainous area on the road to Skye. Here he met his friends, on the eve of entering another lockdown, to take advantage of the rare good weather while they could.
“Conditions weren’t perfect, but they were good enough.” He stops and considers this. “Good enough in Scotland is basically not hitting any rocks.”
The best skiing he’s had, however, is at An Teallach. A mountain group west of Dundonnell Forest, its name means “The Forge,” or “The Anvil,” in Scots Gaelic. He documents a series of trips there with friends. They attempt new lines when they aren’t in the car, sheltering from showers of hail.
This is a charming, earnestly direct short film that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Neal skiing a new line on An Teallach. Photo: Screenshot
