G2 Outdoor - Rafting, Canyoning, Ski School and Outdoor Adventure Activities Aviemore, Scotland

Rafting Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000Z

With the rafting season under way with our first few groups braving the cold weather thanks go to Mark and Olly our brave Guides for taking the group.

We run regular trips through summer usually Thursday and Saturday's however we can run bespoke trips whenever you fancy and where ever you fancy on the Spey, Findhorn, Roy, Gary, Moriston if it's got water we'll have it!

For more information visit our dedicated rafting page:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/white-water-rafting

Or for stag and hen groups visit our dedicated stag and hen pages:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends/white-water-rafting

Or give us a call on 01479 811008

Winter can be stunning when it happens this year!!

2012-01-26T18:01:00.001Z

Some pics from winter when it has occasionally happened this year!

Stag and Hen Rafting, Canyoning and Outdoor Activities Season Aviemore is nearly here!!

2012-01-25T17:28:00.000Z

Well for those about to tie the knot it's coming up to that time when your best man or woman should be organising your last night of freedom and your last blast of adrenaline fueled activities before you become under the thumb! At G2 Outdoor we have been providing stag and hen outdoor activities for over ten years, from our base in Aviemore we can take you to the best rafting or canyoning in Scotland, these being the most popular outdoor activities for stag and hen groups, however if you are after something different then have a look through our web site for all the different activities we do and take your pick!

Click on picture below:-

New for this year we are running and operating the UK's first dedicated Zip adventure park which is a great morning or afternoon activity for those who don't want to get wet:-

For more information on our stag and hen outdoor activities then visit our webpages:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends

or email on info@g2outdoor.co.uk or call on 01479 811008

Telemark Tips - How long and low do you go?

2011-12-20T22:13:00.000Z

An Efficient Stance

So who knows what is an efficient stance? We've no idea either but this is our view on what is efficient.

One of the great things about telemark is the fact that we don't care too much as long as we enjoy it, there are various shaps and forms of telemark out there from wedge telemarks to long rider telemark skiers, however if you want to become more efficient then these tips should help you enjoy more of the mountain!

Below are a few pictures of inefficient stances and an efficient stance, please note these are not static positions as a good efficient telemarker should be fluid and constantly moving, the pictures try to highlight bad practice that is common in some telemarkers.

Low Knee Telemark Stance Rider

Ideally the rear knee should not drop below the rear ankle as the rear leg muscles become weak and it is a lot harder to stand up from. A is as far as you should go down B is way too far. This is not only harder to stand up from it is harder to quickly lead change especially in the bumps but it also puts strain on the binding in a forward direction which causes tip dive in deep powder. "Don't let the rear knee drop below the rear ankle"

Long Telemark Stance Rider

When the rear knee drops behind the hips then the rear leg becomes weak and it is harder to put any pressure on the back foot. A is ideal B is way too far back. Note in this position that the rear foot is on tip toes and also cranking the binding in a forward direction which will cause tip dive in powder and a good face full of snow!. "Don't let the rear knee drop behind the hip"

Efficient Telemark Stance Rider

The Rear Knee is in it's ideal lowest position before it starts getting weak, in this position the rear leg can apply pressure effectively to the rear ski in it's "sweet spot" position. Note that the body position C is ideally balanced between both feet which will apply equal pressure on both skis. We have mentioned about the back foot a lot but the front foot can be problematic with new telemarkers leaning the lower leg back beyond B, ideally the front knee should be over the the toes. As mentioned before this is not a static position and as seen in the video below the telemarker is fluid with continuous movement.

Another Telemark video cheesy sponsor plug!

2011-12-19T22:54:00.000Z

Managed to get Nick "Etherbeast" Etheridge back onto his telemark skis eventually and there is still life in the old dog but he did struggle to keep up with Mike!

This video was powered by G3, Haglofs, Mountain Spirit, Wigwam and Scarpa

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities

Nicks first ski mountaineering Vlog of the season

2011-12-12T19:04:00.000Z

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities/ski-touring-and-mountaineering

Stag and Hen Activities Aviemore

2011-12-11T00:30:00.000Z

Stuck for idea's for your stag or hen do? Want to try some adventure in the Scottish Highlands?

Then you have hit the jackpot for mad adventures in the Outdoors, G2 Outdoor provide awesome stag or hen activities tailored to the group, from rafting on one of the UK's best rivers to overnight snow hole expeditions!

For more information visit our stag and hen activities web page:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends

Zip Trek Park Gift Vouchers for Xmas Presents?

2011-12-10T20:29:00.001Z

Struggling for an Xmas present? If you need a stocking filler this Xmas then snap up our gift vouchers at £25 per voucher. With over 1km of zipping through some of Scotland's best scenery finishing off on the last zip which is 900 foot long and 200 foot high

For a gift voucher just email us on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/zip-line-park-aviemore

POC Helmets - Thanks Ang and Rob Mountain Spirit

2011-12-08T14:15:00.001Z

Mountain spirit have got in this year possibly the best helmets you'll ever wear.

Receptor+ POC helmet comes with Cragganmore Whisky stand!!

Poc's write up:-

Our Receptor+ is developed for multidisciplinary activities for those who are tired of storing various helmets around their home. The Receptor+ can be used on snow, bike, skateboard or in water and has the appropriate certifcations for all three different environments. When it comes to safety and versatility the Receptor+ is unique. This is due to the patented VDSAP system with double overlapping shells and state of the art materials such as our in-molded aramid barrier together with a multi-impact SEPP liner. The included kit makes it easy to switch mode depending on the sport for the day. Sizes: S – XL

http://www2.pocsports.com/products/showproduct.asp?category=10-Ski&id=10220

New Scarpa NTN TX Comp Boots are here!

2011-12-08T14:07:00.001Z

Possibly the best Telemark boots in the world the NTN TX Comp, I skied all last season on these puppies and we have just been sent through our new ones this year and they have actually improved them! Didn't think it was possible to improve on perfection!

Telemark and Ski mountaineering

2011-12-03T12:15:00.001Z

Well we have broken out the skis for the first time this season with a short tour to the top of Cairngorm to see how the snow build up is getting on and we where pleasantly surprised! We walked to the dog leg on the day lodge poma then skins on all the way to the weather station at the top of Cairngorm.

Nick putting on his G3 skins on his G3 Tonic Skis with G3 Onyx bindings!

There is a good build up along the fences from just above mid station up with more to come Mountain Weather Information Service is saying upto a 1 metre of snowfall over the next week!

Mike on His G3 Zen Oxides with NTN bindings and Scarpa TX Comps

So that's the G2 winter machine ready for action just add more snow and away we all go for our winter dates on ski mountaineering visit our webpage:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities/ski-touring-and-mountaineering

A last chuck of the fluff...

2011-12-01T20:10:00.001Z

Neil fires out a long line at G2's favourite swff venue

So the first snows of winter are upon us and G2's fly-fishing season draws to a close... And what a season we had!

A feisty pollack from the far NW

Big fish, great fun and stunning locations... What's more, we got to savour the fruits of our efforts:

Mackerel fillet on sauteed potatoes

A couple of monster pollack fillets cooked in the field

Kayak fishing, along with salt-water fly fishing (swff), is the fastest growing field in fishing. Here at G2 we've been using our kayaking skills to access some remote and seldom-fished areas:

Another hard-fighting pollack on the fly

So, if you fancy trying something new, why not give us a call? We can teach you new skills, show you new tactics and techniques and take you to some amazing locations! Who knows, you may even get to eat well, too...

Once we've finished skiing, of course!

This year we will mainly be wearing green!

2011-12-01T15:29:00.001Z

New Haglofs stuff for this year, Thanks haglofs

Nevluk Jacket and trousers sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet

Telemark Tips - A Telemark Start

2011-11-30T17:51:00.001Z

Telemark? Is it easy? some people would say it's a life time of learning, some would say you have to use the positive energy of zen........................ yeah a load of crap!

Like any sport you have to put in the time to get the rewards, some people maybe quicker learners because:-

a) they have good cordination and balance b) they do a lot of sport c) they are not scared of falling on there arse d) they have the right equipment! e) they have the right technical input/good instruction f) and they are just damn right jammy gits!

So where do you start?

Get yourself a decent setup, leather boots and skinny skis are ok if you have 150 years free to learn and no other life outside telemark, however for those of us that like to drink beer and make things easy for ourselves then plastic boots and proper skis are the way forward:-

You Don't have to go this beefy but if your a control freak go for it!

So now you've got the kit, what next?

Usually lots of falling over, but hey that's telemark if you don't like falling go back to your alpine ski's.

Most beginer telemarker's have come from an alpine background and we are going to base these tips on people that can alpine ski reasonably well.

First thing to do is to have a ski and see how easy it is to ski alpine on these babies, most people that try a freeheel set up for the first time are amazed that you can ski "normally" on them!

There is a couple of ways to tackle the telemark turn but the main thing is to get a good solid "Telemark Power Stance", the telemark turn is a two footed turn or stance this means that you need to weight/pressure the front and back ski evenly throughout the turn.

A common mistake by alpine converters is to ski the front foot and just lift the heel of the back foot and not have any weight/pressure on it.

An Alpine skier just lifting the heel to try form a telemark stance this is unstable

A much better stance both skis are equally weighted/pressured forming a solid "Telemark Power Stance"

A good drill is to practice straight line telemark lead changes:-

Telemark lead change involves simply going from one telemark stance to another this involves lots of up and down movement flexing the leg joints but keeping equal weight on both feet, you may have a wobble on the rear ski this just means that there is an unequal weight issue, try just focusing on the rear ski if you are a competent alpine skier as the front foot will take care of it's self. Try and squeeze the rear ball of the foot into the snow, a few tips:-

a) Push the front foot forward and push the rear foot back

b) Keep your body upright

c) Equal weight over both feet

d) keep your body or mass between your feet as they go forward and backwards

e) Keep moving no pauses or stopping (keep it flowing)

Once you've mastered straight running lead changing then it's time to put some rotation into it, do exactly the same as straight running lead change but add a small amount of turning, not too much, keep the skis flat ish to start off with to avoid too much edge.

As you turn to the left it's the left foot that goes back, start the turn as you begin to drop into your tele stance.

To get this right involves a lot of practice but this will give you a great grounding to getting your telemark up and running.

A gaggle of Telemarkers trying to learn, they are only smiling as the de-brief is in the Doo Bar!

remember enjoy it!

End of Summer Activities Season

2011-11-28T10:38:00.001Z

Another awesome summer season

Has it been a good season?

Damn right

Although a very different year from last year when it came to numbers of people distributed throughout the year the summer holidays were still as mental as always despite the amount of competition out there.

The biggest thanks must go to our Staff as always we couldn't do it without them so cheers to Charlie, Sarah, Mark, Roy, Jerry, Nash and Martin.

As always each year we try and do something different and this years project was our Zip Trek / Park course which we have set up on Alvie Estate, this was an awesome project and has given us and the area another great activity to offer to clients. Alvie Estate have been amazing with their great open laid back approach, so thanks to all at Alvie for making the Zip Park possible.

Martin fallen asleep whilst being rescued

Also we have been developing our canyoning sessions with new areas and different techniques which has made us more versatile making the experience much better for clients. We made an exploritary journey down to the Falls of Bruar in March and can't quite believe why we never used this 10 years ago, this is a fantastic area for canyoning giving a range of choices from full on canyoning to easy "I'm a bit scared" canyoning!

Canyoning at the Falls of Bruar

So the future is looking good, what next?

Back to what we Love..............Snow

New Zip Park Aviemore Gift Vouchers

2011-11-08T17:30:00.000Z

Gift Vouchers now available for our zip park at £25 pounds per person this is a great stocking filler or birthday present. email us on info@g2outdoor.co.uk for more information or to book your voucher.

Ski School and advanced skier development courses Cairngorms

2011-11-02T19:00:00.000Z

New for this year - Advanced Skier/Boarder development sessions

If you are like most people and are happy skiing on most pistes but have trouble with a few technique issues that have been niggling for a few years, then our Advanced skier development sessions and courses could solve your problems and take you onto the next level.

Our sessions are tailored to your level and can be carving skills, bumps, steeps and variables/off-piste. We will use video as it is an awesome source of feedback and give you an action plan following your session.

Whatever your choice of sliding either skiing, telemark or snowboard then we have the best instructors in the business for you.

Sessions start when you are free to make them, you can do either a morning or afternoon session or a full day. Half day session is £100 Full day is £200 this price is up to a maximum of 5 people per session.

So if you're ready to head to the next level then give us a call on 01479 811008 or email us on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

Stag activities Aviemore, Inverness, Grantown, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore and Scotland

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000+01:00

Another summer season of stag and hen activities nearly comes to an end with some great groups rafting, canyoning and zip treking, working with local accommodation providers and other activity providers we are still the no.1 in for stag and hen outdoor activities in Aviemore and the Cairngorms however during our ten years of operation we are increasingly having to compete against more and more competition which I suppose is a form of flattery!

However just because summer is over doesn't mean that we have stopped our stag and hen activities we still run our rafting and zip park through winter we just wrap up a bit warmer! Or if you are after some winter sports then visit our winter pages on our website:-
http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities

So if you fancy some stag or hen action then give us a call on 01479 811008 or email on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

Great Reviews on TripAdvisor for our Zip Park

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000+01:00

Zip Park and Zip Trek going awesome

We are well chuffed with our new zip park and zip trek course with some awesome reviews from our clients on tripadvisor here are a few:-

We now have over 1km of zip wires set up with a few more ideas for next year, but at the moment we are really chuffed with how the Zip Park has been performing. It is one of the best value for money activities that you will do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms at only £25, it is also one of the closest activities to get to from our base being only 10minutes away.

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/zip-line-park-aviemore

Thanks to Haglofs G2 Outdoor goes Green!

2011-10-18T16:21:00.000+01:00

Well we've eventually done it and gone green check out Nick's awards and he also has green sallopette's to match, with a big thanks to Haglof's for sponsoring us again this year we will be mainly wearing green! In true G2 fashion now most of the ski schools seem to be sporting red we have changed to green!

We have gone for Hagflof's Nevluk Jacket and Pants which are a Gore-tex insulated layer and is ideal for Scotland Wet and Cold. Check out some of the other G2 uniform stuff for this year, this is seriously great kit with a huge range of kit at Mountain Spirit in Aviemore

TELEMARK - It's all in the back foot!

2011-10-18T10:51:00.000+01:00

Well maybe it's not all in the back foot but we could just ride around on the front foot all day and call ourselves alpine skiers! It's a reasonably common mistake that telemarkers make by just riding around on the front foot whilst the back foot just acts as an outrigger at the back making them look like a cool telemarker but not actually being an effective cool telemarker?

So what does it matter if we ride around on the front foot?

A) Your legs will get knackered
B) You will face plant in the bumps
C) You will catch the back ski in powder and face plant
D) You will spin out on ice and face plant at some point
E) You will end up flipping over the front on steeps and taking a huge tumble and then face plant!
F) In the park and pipe you will just face plant!

Is this just a beginers Problem?

No is the simple answer, as we start off in our telemark path to enlitenment we tend to have common faults that stay with us throughout our telemark journey although they maybe very subtle in our performance they are lurking somewhere under the surface ready to pounce on us when we get in tricky situations for example:-

In sticky/lumpy horrible powder the back foot may get caught and taken away from us thus performing headplantusmaximus!

This is a common problem in advanced telemarkers who can perform well on most terrain but when the situation gets a bit sticky the back foot issue comes to the fore. A lot of people get confused at this point and it is common for people to say to me "I'm pressing as hard as I can on the back foot but still keep faceplanting"! And they would be right they are pressing as hard as they can but they are not pressing equally throughout the lead change?

Secret cause to the problem:-

During the lead change as soon as the back foot slides back past the front foot it is common that people go light on the back foot at this point but only for a miniscule amount of time and then they will put the weight back onto the back foot, however this is enough in tricky conditions to cause headplantusmaximus!
The video below shows a classic example of an awesome telemarker but has a light spot moment just before a head plant! time is between 0.24 to 0.31:-

How to fix the problem

Just don't have a light spot on the back foot!

There are numerous drills to fixing this problem, I'm sure you can work it out however here are a few drills:-

A) Straight line lead changing nice and slow and try and feel for the light spot.

B) Try leathers and skinny skis you need to get the light spot sorted on these babies or you will be in head plant terrain!

C) During tele turns try and concentrate on the back foot crushing the snow into the ground as soon as it separates from the front foot.

Good luck and don't tell anyone as this is one of the subtle secrets to becoming awesome!!

Cheers

Mike Gale

Ski Mountaineering Ski Touring Cairngorm and Scotland Course dates

2011-10-15T11:01:00.000+01:00

Ski mountaineering courses dates have been posted on our website:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/course-dates

Dates are:-

Winter course dates 2011/2012

Introduction to ski mountaineering (IS1)
Introduction to backcountry skiing (IB)
Intermediate ski mountaineering (IS2)
Alpine ski mountaineering prep (AP)
Spring touring (ST)
1 Day avalanche awareness for skiers (AA)

January 2012

28th-29th | IS1
28th-29th | IB

February 2012

March 2012

3rd-4th | AP
10th-11th | IS1
26th-28th | IS2

April 2012

2nd-4th | ST
7th-8th | ST

Telemark Telemark Telemark does it matter about Technique?

2011-09-23T17:28:00.000+01:00

Telemark Technique does it matter?

Basically No! (BUT!)

"The beauty of telemark is the fact that we telemarkers aren't as hung up on technique as those alpiners and we can do what the heck we want?"

A quote by some famous telemark dude!!

To some extent this is great telemark philosophy and thats where it ends if we actually want to improve and become better.

I like to think of the process of good technique and bad technique as efficient and not efficient skiing this kinda fit's in with the Telemark philosophy but doesn't overly mention technique?

So what's wrong with mentioning technique?

This may come from various sources:-

those that want to escape the ridgedness of Alpine
those that have bad technique and live in denial
those that don't care
those that ski telemark zen (don't think just let it flow)

So does it matter?

No if you don't want to improve or improve quickly and Yes if you want to improve or become more efficient!

So whether you ride your telemarks in a long or a short stance it really doesn't matter but if you want to become more efficient then it's worth learning some technique.

I will post more blogs through the season on technique and if your not bothered in becoming more effcient then don't read the blogs!!

Here's hoping for an awesome season

cheers

Mike

Awesome Mountain Biking on Rothiemurchus Estate

2011-09-18T17:04:00.000+01:00

What a stunning place to go Mountain Biking, we love Rothiemurchus for Mountain Biking, with great easy trails for family mountain biking and stunning scenery this is the must do place for mountain biking with great access from Aviemore.

With easy to get hires from Bothy Bikes it's 5min from Loch an Eilein and then another 30 minutes to Loch Morlich. Check out some of the stunning scenery:-

Check out the Video of the Lairig Ghru path

Stag and Hen Activities Aviemore

2011-09-14T22:10:00.000+01:00

Stag and Hen Outdoor Activities

G2 Outdoor is the original and still the best provider of outdoor activities based in Aviemore if not Scotland for Stag and Hen groups, the most popular outdoor activities for stag and hen groups are white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking or gorge walking although we will tailor the activity to your group so if you want a full on experience or an easy trip then we will provide the best activity and the right amount of adrenaline to suit the groups needs.

“Just back from Gorge walking on a hen weekend and had an amazing time! Instructor was great and the activity itself is probably the best hangover cure I've had. Refreshing doesn't quite cover it... Already back in touch for next activity!
Kirsty x Enjoy!”

To help make your best man or best woman's job easier leave the organising to us. All you need to do is to tell us how many people you have joining you and let us deal with transport, lunch and the day's activities.

If you want help in finding the best accommodation or the best pubs then get in touch

For more information or help call 01479 811008 or go to our contacts page click here

Stag & Hen Weekends - White Water Rafting in Scotland

White Water rafting is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Scotland; from our base in Aviemore we can access exciting sections of the river Spey to sections of one of the best white water rivers in Britain, the mighty Findhorn. A stag and hen favourite!
Rafting Trips will usually start at 10am and finish about 4pm however if you want to start earlier or later we can run a bespoke trip to suit your needs, when the weather is favourable we will stop for lunch on the way down the river so bring a pack lunch with you or we can provide you with a pack lunch for a small cost.
All you will need to bring is a spare pair of trainers and a towel we will provide you with wetsuit, wetsuit socks, splash suit and all other safety equipment.
Costs £55 per person for standard day white water rafting trip.
Please note summer river levels can be low so we can use the mini-rafts or go canyoning if your after a full on experience.
If you are in Aviemore for a few days why not try a few of our other activities such as Canyoning, gorge walking, mini rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling or skiing

Recent Trip Review

“Great fun - experienced and friendly guides”

I really enjoyed the upper Findhorn trip - despite falling out of the raft after only two minutes! Some big rapids as well as some more sedate sections which allowed us to enjoy the scenery. The section through the gorge was particularly memorable. I organised the trip as part of a stag weekend and would recommend it to any future stag party

Danny
Glasgow

Stag Canyoning Aviemore

For the more adventurous Stag and Hen groups Canyoning draws skills from gorge walking and rock climbing, to give you an adrenaline rush you’ll remember. With longer water rock shoots, higher cliff jumps and an abseil off a waterfall you’ll want to come back again and again. It’s been a favourite of teambuilding groups and stag 'n' hens. Leaving Aviemore 10am back for 2pm. Cost £55 per person (NOT including lunch and transport).

Most groups will take the transport option as it takes the worry out of the morning after drink driving, we will organise mini-buses which will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off again, for prices please contact us on 01479 811008 or visit our contacts page click here

Recent Trip Review

14 lads with wetsuits and crash helmets mounted g2's canyoning route on Saturday. Expertly guided by Nick and Roy. Two personable chaps with extensive experience of throwing themselves bodily into and off waterfalls. The river had been low due to the great weather, so the programmed rafting expedition had been replaced by canyoning. A brilliant substitution! I had never even thought of flinging myself down rapids and off ledges before. But after the first few chicanes I was hooked! I highly recommend to any stag parties/bestmen to seriously consider throwing caution, and your thoughts of self preservation to the wind and take a trip down river with g2 and their boys. A great day.
thanks lads we'll be back!
Scott Ironside
Aberdeen

Stag and Hen Accommodation Aviemore and The Cairngorms National Park

Getting accommodation in and around Aviemore National Park can be difficult for stag and hen groups as a lot of accommodation owners are scared of big groups trashing their place which is understandable! So here is a list of stag and hen friendly accommodation providers in and around Aviemore and the Cairngorms that we know and work closely with:-
Aviemore Bunkhouse – says it all really, bunkhouse accommodation has a great pub next door awesome food and great live music:-
Aviemore Bunkhouse
Dalfaber Road
Aviemore
Inverness-Shire
PH22 1PU
Tel: +44 (0)1479 811181
Fax: +44 (0)1479 810270
www.aviemore-bunkhouse.com
Abernethy Bunkhouses
Affordable Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park
Exclusive Use on a budget but charging by the bed! Groups of 8 or more. 10% off bed for G2 Outdoor clients
“Our philosophy is to encourage groups to book without financial risk to club or individual”
1 'Exclusive Use' but pay only for beds used
2 One night or one week - the same price per head
3 Provisional booking period
4 Ideal for Groups - no sharing
Dedicated to groups - ideal for family gatherings, field trips, club outings, an unusual wedding reception - use your imagination! Only 15 minutes from Aviemore and on the Speyside Way.
Contact:-
www.nethy.org/0/en-GB
Pine Bank Chalets
Self catering accommodation in Aviemore
Aviemore Lodges. Self-catering log cabins, chalets & apartments in Aviemore.

Contact:

Pine Bank Chalets
Dalfaber Road
Aviemore
PH22 1PX
tel: +44 (1479) 810 000
e-mail: info@pinebankchalets.co.uk
www.pinebankchalets.co.uk
For other types of accommodation go to our friends page click here

A Riders View of the our Zip Park

2011-09-12T19:50:00.000+01:00

8 Zip lines of pure zip fun

The Zip course from a riders view

Ski Mountaineering and Ski Touring Courses coming up soon at G2

2011-09-07T23:48:00.000+01:00

Lot's of snow forecast this winter bring on the ski mountaineering courses

Hopefully all the predictions for an awesome winter come true because all the G2 ski mountaineering nuts are mad for some snow and breaking out the ski mountaineering and telemark skis.

Our Course dates are not confirmed yet but we will work on them as soon as we stop playing at summer stuff!

So if you fancy a bit of extreme ski mountaineering:-

Or a bit of easy sunshine ski mountaineering on the Cairngorms:-

So if you fancy learning the skills to get into some of these awesome places then give us a call on 01479 811008 or email on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

Or visit our dedicated web page:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities/ski-touring-and-mountaineering

A wee bit of Footage from the mighty Dundonnell Canyon

2011-09-05T09:16:00.000+01:00

Dundonnell Canyon with a bit too much flow

Mad for a bit of the mighty Dundonnell Canyon?

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning/dundonnell-canyon

G2's Latest addition to the fleet. Surely Nick can't get stuck in this!!

2011-08-31T20:34:00.002+01:00

Our New company Vehicle a BV206!!!!

Zip Zip Zip Zzzzzzzzzzzzzip We love Zipping

2011-08-29T15:19:00.002+01:00

What an awesome first year for G2 Outdoors Zip Adventure Park

What a project and what a great new activity to add to our range of awesome activities, it's been great designing and constructing our zip park and it hasn't let us down when it comes to excitement for our clients.

So if you are up for some zip action give us a call on 01479 811008 or visit our webpage where we have a video of the zip course with the cheesiest of music!:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/zip-line-park-aviemore

We can smell winter bring on the Haglof's

2011-08-25T22:16:00.004+01:00

With winter just round the corner and it's looking like it's going to be a cracking one let's break out the Haglof's

Let's hope we get some stunning views like this one

Mike always knows his way to the pub!

Haglof's Atom Bibs and Ratio jacket ooooow suits you sir ish!

Nick get's distracted by his huge ego thinking he looks like a ski god off one of those cheesy ski movies until he suddenly realises he's about to ski off a huge cliff, check out his face!!

Anyway, we love Haglof's and can't wait to get this seasons order, we have been with Haglof's for nearly 5 years and we still find it the best gear on the market.

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities/ski-touring-and-mountaineering

Bring on The Dundonnell Canyon have you got the balls!

2011-08-24T21:42:00.001+01:00

Have you got the balls? (metaphorically speaking for you PC types!)

We still have a few spaces left on our Dundonnell Canyon trip on the 2nd of September if your mad enough. This canyon has been voted the UK's best canyon by the UKCG (UK Canyon Guides) because it has some great jumps, abseil's and stunning scenery check out the video below produced by our friend s at Vertical Descents (who are nearly as awesome as G2 Outdoor!)

So if you are mad enough then give us a call on 01479 811008 or visit our dedicated webpage:-
http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning/dundonnell-canyon

Bonkers week for Aviemore Rafting

2011-08-14T22:09:00.000+01:00

Awesome water, Awesome groups = Awesome Rafting

Mega rafting on the River Findhorn

With the river levels being awesome all week we cancelled our gorge walking and canyoning trips and took all our clients rafting on the Findhorn with two groups of 25 every day it's been a pretty busy week, check out one of our clients TripAdvisor reviews:-

“Superb White Water Rafting!”

Reviewed August 12, 2011NEW

Despite being a little nervous at first I had a superb time! The drive from Aviemore to the river was beautiful and we saw some deer and birds of prey. On arrival we had a very detailed intro and safety guidance. Once in the water the rapids were great fun and the guide ensured we stayed safe at all time. There was a section of calmer river where we could jump into the water - great fun! We were lucky that the previous days constant raining had swollen the river making it faster and more exciting. Only downside was when it finished!! G2 also forwarded photos taken during the trip

So Fancy some raft action ?

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/white-water-rafting

G2 official Zip line Adventure Park Aviemore Cheesy video

2011-08-08T22:00:00.000+01:00

Zip Line Adventure Park Aviemore

for more zipping call G2 on 01479 811008

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/zip-line-park-aviemore

Tayside Police - Police Warn of Dangers of 'Canyoning'

2011-08-04T20:39:00.000+01:00

Tayside Police - Police Warn of Dangers of 'Canyoning'

Tayside Police is warning of the dangers of jumping into unknown waters after a 23-year-old man fractured his femur and pelvis having jumped 20ft into a river pool from a ledge at Killiecrankie on Saturday 30 July 2011.

The man had been one of a group of four who were 'canyoning' when the incident happened. He was airlifted to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

The men were not part of an organised 'canyoning' group and this incident highlights the dangers involved in entering unknown waters from a height.

There is a similar activity called 'tombstoning' which is the practice of jumping into water from bridges, rocks or other structures.

Police warn that this is clearly very dangerous as you do not know what lurks under the surface and the sudden impact of cold water and strong currents may make swimming very difficult.

There are local groups which specialise in 'canyoning' trips and have all the necessary training and equipment to ensure that it is undertaken in the safest way possible.

Check out the cheesy Telemarkers

2011-08-04T20:06:00.002+01:00

Awesome footage of some cheesy telemarkers and Aladins Couloir!

Warren Miller, Scotland from Doug Bryce on Vimeo.

The sun is out at last we love Canyoning in this weather

2011-07-27T18:10:00.000+01:00

Awesome weather for Canyoning

Amazing weather yesterday in the falls of Bruar Canyon site with blue skies and crystal clear water we love our office. Can you think of a better job?

The sump section just below the lower bridge on the lower(standard) section of the Bruar:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning/laggan-and-bruar-standard-trips

The top section of the Bruar has an awesome 70 foot ish waterfall to negotiate:-
http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning/upper-bruar

A great day was had by all, thanks fella's for getting me out of the office into the office!!

Zip Park opens on Tuesday

2011-07-24T09:52:00.000+01:00

Zip Park near Aviemore opens on Tuesday

At last we have the go ahead for the Zip park so if anyone is keen for a blast then we will be running our first sessions on Tuesday.

So if your mad for some zipping give G2 a call on 01479 811008 or visit our website:-
www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/zip-line-park-aviemore

Stag Accommodation Aviemore

2011-07-17T22:17:00.000+01:00

AccommodationAviemore and The Cairngorms National Park

AviemoreBunkhouse – says it allreally, bunkhouse accommodation has a great pub next door awesome food andgreat live music:-

Aviemore Bunkhouse
Dalfaber Road
Aviemore
Inverness-Shire
PH22 1PU

Tel: +44 (0)1479811181
Fax: +44 (0)1479 810270

www.aviemore-bunkhouse.com

AbernethyBunkhouses

AffordableAccommodation in the Cairngorms National Park

Exclusive Use on a budget but charging by the bed! Groups of8 or more. 10% off bed for G2 Outdoor clients

“Ourphilosophy is to encourage groups to book without financial risk to club orindividual”

1 'ExclusiveUse' but pay only for beds used
2 One night or one week - the same price perhead
3 Provisional booking period
4 Ideal for Groups - no sharing
Dedicated to groups - ideal for family gatherings,field trips, club outings, an unusual wedding reception - use your imagination!Only 15 minutes from Aviemore and on the Speyside Way.
Contact:-
www.nethy.org/0/en-GB
Pine BankChalets

Self catering accommodation inAviemore

Aviemore Lodges. Self-cateringlog cabins, chalets & apartments in Aviemore.

Contact:

Pine Bank Chalets
Dalfaber Road
Aviemore
PH22 1PX
tel: +44 (1479) 810 000
e-mail: info{at}pinebankchalets.co.uk
www.pinebankchalets.co.uk/
For other types of accommodation go to our friends page click here

The Sun is out lets get wet!!

2011-07-12T18:33:00.000+01:00

Splosh splish glug glug lets get wet !

Summer at last lets get in those canyons and gorges and get wet, we have some great gorge walking and canyoning near Aviemore to cool yourself down in, with some stunning clear water at the moment to jump in and swim through this is definitely the best way to get wet.

Got a Hangover Canyoning will sort it out:-

Canyoning at our Laggan site

We have 4 main canyoning trips that we do:-

1) Laggan standard trip

2) Bruar standard trip

3) Bruar full including Upper trip

4) The mighty dundonnell

G2 Outdoor trips are the real deal canyoning trips with abseils, jumps, water slides and a lot of messing about watch out for those that call it canyoning and are only gorge walking.

Gorge Walking is the little brother of canyoning with smaller waterslides and jumps but no abseiling this is still a great activity for all the family without freaking mum out too much!

We have two gorge sites that we do:-

1) Bridge of Brown

2) Alvie Gorge (Exclusive to G2)

And if the water levels are too high? What do we do?

Rafting

We have varying levels of rafting near Aviemore:-

Easy float trip near Aviemore

Standard Easy River Spey bouncy water trip!

Standard River Findhorn white water trip

Hard River Findhorn white water trip

These trips are all subject to water levels but we will try and get you on the best that suits your group, through summer levels can be low however we can always take you Canyoning! (which is much better!)

Either way lets get wet!!

For more information on trips call G2 Outdoor on 01479 811008 or visit our main website for details:-

www.g2outdoor.co.uk

Stag and Hen Activities Aviemore, Inverness, Glenmore, Grantown, kingussie, Rothiemurchus, Scotland

2011-07-02T15:21:00.000+01:00

Need ideas for Stag and Hen Groups?

Click below for things to do:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends

Sexy new Camera

2011-06-30T15:52:00.000+01:00

I wonder how long it will take to break this one! after 10 years and 6 waterproof cameras hopefully this will be the one.

Rafting and Canyoning Aviemore

2011-06-23T22:13:00.000+01:00

Rafting and Canyoning Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

White Water Rafting in Scotland is awesome with some mega rivers such as the Findhorn near Aviemore giving not only good white water rapids at grade 3 and 4 but the scenery is stunning as well with a unique view from your raft thats if you've got yours eyes open! Click below for our rafting webpage:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/white-water-rafting

Rivers are very dependant on water levels so if the rivers are too low then an awesome alternative is Canyon

Canyoning is the latest must do activity with jumps, abseils and natural rock flumes, starting at the top of a steep stream/river you will have to negotiate all the above obsticles with the help of our guides

Click below for our canyoning webpages:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning

For more info give us a call on 01479 811008

Those magnificent men in those Flying machines - The Insider Festival

2011-06-22T23:36:00.000+01:00

The Insider Festival

Those Magnificent men in those flying machines

G2 Outdoors zip wire made an appearance at the Insider festival and in keeping with the theme of victorians we had some wannabe flying machines! Nuts yes, but we loved it.

Family Outdoor Activities Aviemore, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore, Kingussie, Grantown and Cairngorms National Park

2011-06-22T11:52:00.001+01:00

Family Outdoor Activities Aviemore

If it's family outdoor activities you are after then you have hit the jackpot with G2 Outdoor, our instructors are brilliant at relating to kids as they are way more childish than the kids in fact the kids usually tell the instructors to grow up!

For younger families our gorge walking and easy float/rafting trips are perfect and for older families our canyoning and rafting are excellent activities.

read one of our Tripadvisor reviews below:-

For more Information on our activities and our weekly programme of activities call the girls and boys of G2 Outdoor on:-

01479 811008

See Below our weekly programme of activities:-

Are play boats getting too small these days!

2011-06-16T21:48:00.000+01:00

Big Roger Palin in his latest Play boat!!

Summer is here time for some serious outdoor activities

2011-06-13T23:23:00.000+01:00

Based in Aviemore near Inverness in the Cairngorm National Park, we are ideally placed to access a wide range of outdoor activities for all the family.

Our highly experienced team of outdoor instructors cater for all ages from families, stag & hen groups, corporate groups to individual guiding & coaching skills.

Our range includes white water rafting & mini rafting, canoeing & kayaking, hill walking & rock climbing, mountain biking, gorge walking & canyoning together with a full winter programme from Telemark & alpine skiing & winter ski touring to winter skills, snow & ice climbing & more.

New logo design for Hoodie's

2011-06-11T18:26:00.000+01:00

New design and new colour

Check the small print!

Mega Zip Park, Might Have to build one of these.

2011-06-08T21:54:00.002+01:00

Check out this Zip Park in Costa Rico

We want to build one of these, hmmmmmm 20 zip lines?

Check out the new Canyoning webpages on our website

2011-06-06T23:08:00.001+01:00

Canyoning near Aviemore, Scotland

Canyoning is probably the best Outdoor Adventure Activity you will ever do!! With fantastic pool jumps, natural water flumes, abseils through waterfalls and stunning scenery this is fast becoming Scotland and the UK’s must do outdoor activity. Based from our HQ in Aviemore near Inverness we can access some of Scotland’s best Canyons from great Stag and Hen venues through to the mighty Dundonnell Canyon for those clients who have experienced Canyons before or know what they are letting themselves in for!

G2 Outdoor is the specialist canyoning and gorge walking provider in the area and we have a few different venues to choose from so we will tailor the venue to your ability.

All you will need to bring is a spare pair of trainers and a towel we will provide you with wet suit, wet suit socks, splash suits and all safety equipment.

Minimum recommended age is 13 (however if you think your child is competent enough then we can consider younger, 9 is the youngest so far in the Laggan Canyon, for kids younger than 13 Gorge Walking is recommended)

We have 4 choices of venue to choose from:-

Laggan Standard Stag, Hen, Family and Corporate trips
Bruar Canyon Standard Stag, Hen, Family and Corporate trips
Upper Bruar For those with experience or “balls of steel”!
Dundonnell Canyon This is the full on real deal Canyon for those with Canyon experience or “balls of steel”!!

Price per person is £55 for our standard Laggan and Bruar trips CLICK HERE
Price per person for our advanced “Upper Bruar” trip is £75 per person CLICK HERE
Price for our advanced “Mighty Dundonnell” trip is £90 per person CLICK HERE
For a Taste of Canyoning check out our Laggan video below this shows a standard trip.

A Few Rafting Pics from the River Gary

2011-06-04T22:35:00.000+01:00

River Garry on the West Coast near Fort William

Another great TripAdvisor review for G2

2011-06-01T11:13:00.001+01:00

G2 Outdoor given Top-rated by TripAdvisor

Another great review from one of our clients which has helped make us the No.1 for things to do in Aviemore and No.3 in the UK (According to TripAdvisor). With 46 amazing reviews for our outdoor activities this has helped us become one of the best providers of activities in the area, providing awesome activities such as canyoning, rafting and gorge walking for groups such as Stag and hen, military, families, kids, corporate through to individual private guiding days.

Cheers for the review

Zip Line No. 2 is bonkers

2011-06-01T09:43:00.001+01:00

Zip Line No.2 is Awesome

Stag and Hen Activities Aviemore, Inverness, Glenmore, Grantown, kingussie, Rothiemurchus, Scotland

2011-05-24T10:44:00.000+01:00

Stag and Hen outdoor Activities Aviemore, Scotland well under way.

Well, as always the Stag and Hen season is going well with the most popular activities being white water rafting or canyoning/gorge walking with the addition of our new Canyoning site down at Bruar falls.

Or check out the video of the Bruar Canyon:-

For more Stag and hen activities in and around Scotland check out our web page:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends

Or you can go to our TripAdvisor reviews and check out why we are no.1 in the Scottish Highlands for things to do click here

Or for more information about stag and hen activities call us on 01479 811008

Canyon Cairn Abseil

2011-05-20T13:02:00.005+01:00

Abseiling Off a Pile of Stones!!!
Andy Spink demonstrates abseiling off a Cairn Anchor whilst on the UKCG canyoning fast track course.

A an open tape sling was wrapped around and girth hitched off a large ish stone with rocks piled on top and friction added by the tape sling extended over the rock edge, this provided adequate protection and could not be destroyed by pulling as hard as possible on the rope, although not standard practice in the UK this is quite commonly used in America where they struggle for anchors.

Rich Carlson from the American Canyoning Asssociation is over in the UK helping to set up the UK Canyoning Guides showing us different ways of anchoring and this was certainly food for thought!!

Zip wire test, think we need it steeper!!

2011-05-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

Setting up the Zip Wire

Check out the video below of one of our zip lines being tested.

Our newest Canyon Site at Bruar falls

2011-05-09T17:47:00.000+01:00

Bruar Canyon Sweeeeeeeeeeet!

We are now running the Bruar Falls Canyoning site which is an awesome place to canyon with a fantastic abseil about 25m tall and some awesome slides and pool jumps. We sent a G2 expeditionary party last friday to check it out and the results were very favourable. Check out the video below:-

If you have been to our Laggan site before then this is a definite one to try with a much bigger abseil with some stunning scenery, this is fine for most groups as it has a section on the lower area for stag and hen groups and also a more full on section for those wanting to be a bit more adventurous on the upper section.

So...... if your up for it call us on 01479 811008 or visit our website:- www.g2outdoor.co.uk

Rafting! But there's no water! Canyon Canyon Canyon

2011-05-06T12:11:00.001+01:00

Rafting near Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park but there's no water!!! Nae worries we have Canyoning :-)

Well the water is mega low at the moment for rafting with only the Spey to raft on which is a pleasant trip but not for those that want excitement, our normal river of choice is the Findhorn however it's a dry ditch at the moment and the rafts just get stuck on every rock.

So whats the alternative?

CANYON CANYON CANYON. All groups that book in for rafting we will tell them that there maybe low water conditions and if they are after excitement then the canyon is a great alternative, with all of the groups saying they wished they had booked for canyoning after doing it.

We have a few canyon sites with our main site at laggan which is our busiest group canyon site, we have also our new Alvie gorge/canyon site which is for groups after something not as extreme and we have also the Dundonell Canyon which is the full on real deal Canyon for small groups of up to 6, this canyon is probably the best canyon in the UK (as voted by the UK Canyon Guides).

Laggan Canyon Pictures:-

Summer Haglofs Sponosr kit is here.

2011-05-06T09:49:00.000+01:00

Summer is here our Haglof's summer stuff has arrived

Flexable™A durabele Soft Shell fabric with excellent 4-way stretch, uniquely developed by Haglöfs.

AMFIBIE SHORTS

Fast drying lightweight shorts in 2-way stretch perfect for water and land activities.

Weight: 230 g

Jørgen AamotExtreme skier

Great matchesZANDO SS SHIRT

Lightweight check pattern shirt in a technical fabric.

Weight: 140 g

LIZARD SHORTS

Technical versatile 4-way stretch knee length short.

Secure hand pockets and laminated thigh pocket

Flat waist belt with laminated loop tunnel construction

Zippered fly

Gusseted crotch for maximum comfort and ease of movement

Weight: 260 g (size L)

Sizes: S / M / L / XL / XXL (Size chart) Colors

blackFabricsFlexable ™ 1561, BLUESIGN®

A lightweight and wind resistant 4-way stretch fabric with a PFOS /PFOA and FLUOROCARBON free DWR treated face and wicking function to create a comfortable fabric that is suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Great wind resistance and excellent breathability and comfort.

SHIST PANT

Technical, all-performance 4-way stretch pant with reinforced knees.

Zippered front, back and thigh pockets.

Flat waist belt with laminated loop tunnel construction.

Zippered fly.

Offset inner leg seams at cuff for increased durability.

Articulated knees.

PFOS/PFOA and FLUOROCARBON free DWR treatment.

Weight: 440 g (size L)

Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL / XXXL (Size chart) Colors

blackblack shortblack longbrackenFabricsFlexable™ 1557 BLUESIGN®

A lightweight and wind resistant 4-way stretch fabric with superior abrasion resistance. PFOS/PFOA and LUOROCARBON-free DWR treated face. Wicking function to create a comfortable fabric that is suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Great wind resistance and excellent breathability and comfort.

well thats all the technical speak, we've no idea what it means but we do know that the kit is awesome!

It's been a good winter season on the Cairngorms again

2011-05-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

Another Awesome Season Ski Touring / Mountaineering

Well the winter season has well and truely come to an abrupt end with summer smashing it's way into 2011 almost a month earlier than last year, although we did start almost a month earlier this season with mid-November snow fall.

We've not counted the days that Nick did yet Ski Mountaineering but we reckon he's close to last years record of 42 days on the trot! Nick Etheridge is without a shadow of a doubt the busiest UK ski mountaineering instructor based working and living in Scotland running our classic 2 day introduction courses to running our 5 day intermediate courses.

Nick Etheridge Smashes his way down the March Burn

A big thanks must go to Rob and Ang at Mountian Spirit for supporting us with G3 skis and gear and passing on clients.

Also a huge thanks goes to Gus, Maria and the rest of the gang at Haglofs for the sponsorship deal over the last 4 years.

Mike Gale near to tears after being dragged up another moutain by Nick!

Ski, Snowboard and Telemark School has another great season

The guys and girls of G2 have been flat out agian delivering quality lessons to our clients with our new Telemark clinics being a smash hit mainly because they are free! with a good turn out every wednesday we have had some great conditions:-

A big thanks must go to Mark Ker, Sarah Swallow, Jerry Craig, Neil Campbell, Nick Etheridge and Mike Gale for providing our instuction.

Right thats it season over lets smash summer...................................

Check out our summer programme:-

Stag and hen outdoor activities Aviemore, Grantown, Kingussie, Rothiemurchus and Inverness

2011-04-26T23:06:00.000+01:00

Stag and Hen Outdoor Activities

If you want help in finding the best accommodation or the best pubs then get in touch

For more information or help call 01479 811008 or go to our contacts page click here

New Gorge via-ferrata site on Alvie estate up and running wooooohoooo!

2011-04-23T19:46:00.000+01:00

New Gorge via ferrata on Alvie Estate

At last we have our new gorge walking site on Alvie Estate up and running with our first clients in there today having a blast check out the video below of what it's all about:-

The site includes a via-ferrata course past the waterfall with the usual jumps and slides this site is another step up from our bridge of brown site which is also a family friendly site but not as full on as the Alvie gorge.

so if your mad for it then give the G2 gang a shout on 01479 811008

Low water for Rafting near Aviemore so lets Canyon Yessssshhhh!

2011-04-23T16:31:00.000+01:00

Bring on the Canyoning and Gorge walking

With the rivers being a little too low for full on exciting rafting we are telling all our crazy clients who want something a bit more exciting to go Canyoning or gorge walking, Canyoning being the grown up version of gorge walking which involves ropes for abseiling and generally canyoning starts at the top and finishes at the bottom, however we have just discovered our new gorge/canyoning site at Alvie which is awesome although not quite a canyon falls into the category of gorge walking but feels like a canyon!?!

Our exciting rafting is normally on the River Findhorn however at the moment it is a dry ditch, with the readings on the graph of less than 150cm of depth in the river!!! very low!

For more information on rafting, canyoning or gorge walking call G2 on 01479 811008 or visit our website:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/

G2 goes kayak fishing!

2011-04-11T21:44:00.009+01:00

Yep, we do fashin' too!! Fishing from a kayak is one of the fastest growing scenes in both kayaking AND fishing. to find out why, hop in your boat and join us one evening.

not sure where to start? no problem.. we can provide boats, tackle and experienced guides. give it a try and add a whole new dimension to your wilderness experience.

(no trout were harmed during the making of this commercial, mostly because we didn't catch very many this time....)

kayak kayak kayak kayak play play play play play river gary play play on the gary play hole

2011-04-11T21:06:00.000+01:00

River Gary Dam releasing for Summer

The River Gary is doing it's usual releasing agin most Thursdays and a few Saturdays Summer is here at last after what seems a very long summer it's definately time to bring out the Kayaks.

The Below footage is Mike in his element Playing on the Gary play hole

If your keen to get into kayaking or fancy moving on to the next level then give Nick or Mike a call at G2 as they are looking for guinea pigs for their level 5 Assessments.

Call 01479 811008 or visit our webpage:-
http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/kayaking

Stag and Hen Rafting season in Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park well under way

2011-04-06T12:05:00.001+01:00

Stag and Hen Season well under way

Well it's that time of year again when the pre-marriage celebrations are well under way with the usual last night/weekend of freedom based in Aviemore and the stag and hen groups are looking for more than just a drink fueled celebration so most of the groups are booking on white water rafting or canyoning trips.

A Stag group negotiate the "Wall of Death" on the middle Findhorn on the 2nd April

Canyoning is also fast becoming the must do activity with great natural rock flumes/slides, pool jumps abseiling, zip slide and a stunning location all groups come away from the canyon with a huge grin on their faces. See the below video of what it's all about:-

For more stag and hen outdoor activities ideas visit our main website page:-
http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/hen-and-stag-weekends/white-water-rafting

Or call the girls and boys at G2 Outdoor on 01479 811008

New Gorge errrrr Canyon?!?

2011-04-04T23:12:00.000+01:00

Is it a Gorge or a Canyon?

Hmmmmmmm what is it? well it's wet, it's rocky and new to us so who cares but it certainly ticks the box as a gorge but does it have the highly coveted title of a canyon? Well it has a nice big waterfall in it that needs some ropework so I suppose it ticks the canyon box but should a canyon site have more than one waterfall?!?

Who knows the rules but we reckon soon as you need a rope then hey presto it's a canyon.

Gorge walking = Non Technical

Non-Technical in our eyes means no ropes just a sling or wee hand line

Canyoning = Technical

Technical to us means use of ropes and a harness to Abseil or Climb whilst in the Canyon in normal conditions or in case of an escape.

So if your keen to try our new Canyon or gorge walking site then we should hopefully have it up and running before Summer so give us a call on 01479 811008 or visit our website:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/canyoning

summer outdoor activities aviemore

2011-03-27T22:05:00.000+01:00

Outdoor Activities Aviemore

Well here we go again winter is coming to a close and the summer is fast approaching for outdoor activities, this is our 11th year delivering outdoor activities in and around Aviemore and Scotland.

With a big thanks to all our winter instructors for providing yet again an amazing service, lets hope the summer is just as successful as the winter, we will be running our usual summer programme:-

And we will be adding a few new outdoor adventure activities hopefully!

For more information call 01479 811008

or visit our website:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/

Trip Advisor - Friend or Foe?

2011-03-26T21:03:00.000Z

TripAdvisor shows it can be a friend but also an enemy!

Well it had to happen! With 41 5 star reviews on tripadvisor G2 have been the no.1 top rated for things to do in Aviemore for over 3 years and we have occasionally been No.1 in Scotland.

However we have just received our first negative review which is a 1 star review?

Confused? well we are! As:-

a) We don't call our inflatables Duckies we call them mini-rafts or canoes.
b) We've never had anyone complain?
c) The Instructors are the management and we received no complaints.

So our Conclusion?

We have been fake reviewed or the reviewer got the wrong company (there is another company in the area that calls them duckies).

The word "Duckie" tends to be an inside industry name hence the reviewer maybe a rival company or the reviewer has genuinely got the wrong company.

The Instructors are the management and and at no point has anyone complained ever! never mind about something specific as being put in rafts rather than duckies.

So why would another company do this?

TripAdvisor is linked to google rankings and those companies with good tripadvisor reviews will be ranked higher than those with fewer reviews and at the end of the day google is the king of advertising.

Most travelers are getting pretty savvy with checking out reviews before they go on holiday and by giving companies bad reviews this will put people off.

I suppose Jealousy is a form of flattery!

Raft raft raft raft raft raft raft raft lets have some rafting near Aviemore, Kingussie, Grantown, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore,

2011-03-24T13:40:00.000Z

Rafting in Aviemore, Scotland

Rafting Trips will usually start at 10am and finish about 4pm however if you want to start earlier or later we can run a bespoke trip to suit your needs, when the weather is favourable we will stop for lunch on the way down the river so bring a pack lunch with you or we can provide you with a pack lunch for a small cost.

White Water rafting Aviemore, Scotland All you will need to bring is a spare pair of trainers and a towel we will provide you with wetsuit, wetsuit socks, splash suit and all other safety equipment.

Standard price is £40 per person for half day easy rafting trip or £55 per person for standard day white water rafting trip, large group discount available depending on group size please contact for details.

If you are in Aviemore for a few days why not try a few of our other activities such as Canyoning, gorge walking, mini rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling or skiing.

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/white-water-rafting

Or Call 01479 811008

We live for Bumps on the White Lady

2011-03-23T16:18:00.002Z

Oh big slushy bump zip line on the lady

That could possibly be a song title "oh big slushy bump zip line on the lady"! Sorry losing it after a great morning smashing the zip line on Cairngorm Mountain on the White Lady just like the Old days except the legs don't last as long!

Check out the video footage of old timer Mike in the Zip line, after which he collapsed in a heap and is currently having reconstructive surgery on his knees as he's old and past it!!

Thanks to the usual suspects for turning out for the G2 telemark drop-in clinics Paul, June, Sarah, Martin and new member all the way from the snowy mecca of Nottingham Arne (Norwegian name, think thats why he was awesome at Telemarking)

cheers

Mike

Great day Ski Mountaineering to Ben Macdui

2011-03-23T15:51:00.000Z

Ski Mountaineering course Monday and Tuesday

What a great couple of days touring on a 2-day introduction to ski mountaineering course, Monday the weather was not the best with the wind being typically Cairngorm, but we managed to get over to Lurchers and only got blown over six times between us!

Tuesday however turned out to be a real treat, with the weather blowing a gentle 50mph and raining! However the forecast was to clear at 12 ish and hey ho come 12 and somebody turned off the bad weather switch and on with the nice weather switch.

Haglofs, Scarpa, G3 (Genuine Guide Gear), Mountain Spirit

2011-03-21T22:05:00.000Z

A big thanks must go to our sponsors for powering us:-

Scarpa
These guys have been sponsoring us on and off for nearly ten years, starting off with Scarpa's legendary T1 terminator telemark boots through to Scarpa's rock climbing boots, our latest additions are the TX comps the TX pro's and the Skookums. Scarpa have always produced consistently awesome boots which not only give a precise fit but can match and beat any other boot on the market.

Haglofs
Haglofs have been supporting us for 5ish years now keeping us warm and dry which is no mean feat for the Scottish Highlands in full winter flow! The kit is awesome from thermals through to full 3 layer Gore-tex, some of our kit has lasted more than two seasons of use as one season is usually max in scotland.

G3 Genuine Guide Gear
G3 are our latest sponsor and we are loving the kit, Nick is currently riding their new Tonic ski with Onyx bindings and Mike is on their new Zen Oxide ski.

Mountain Spirit
A big thanks must go to Rob and Ang from Mountain Spirit for supporting us.

G2 International

2011-03-20T13:42:00.003Z

Just arrived in Courchevel to run a level 1 telemark course for New Generation. Great chance to ski with the the isia gap students and catch up with G2's very own Roy Henderson. Above is the view from my bedroom window. Great!

Looking like the Basi Level 2 telemark course in Hintertux the frist 2 weeks in May is booking up so I'll be heading out there to run that. If anyone if interested in the curse get your self booked on it. What a way to finish a great season thrashing the spring bumps with the level 2 and 3's.

What a day on Cairngorm mountain for our drop in telemark clinics

2011-03-17T09:52:00.003Z

Great conditions for our drop in clinics

G2 Outdoor's wednesday drop in clinic this week was attended by local experts Paul Masson And June Masson showing the young dude's how to smash the powder on the east wall of the white lady, whilst the young dude' Robin Kinaird, Martin Coulthard, Paul Jones, Dave Boffey and Mike Gale watch on in amazement!!

The conditions couldn't have been better with a fresh 10cm already on top of a fresh 70cm of windblown powder hmmmmmmm nice, needless to say not much talking and teaching went on so we just decided to smash the powder on the Aonach, Lady, the triangle and in Sneachda.

Thanks for a great day guys.

cheers

Mike

Tough day on the hill

2011-03-14T18:36:00.008Z

Well we have the snow back with avengance and it's not stopped snowing for days. Sent the avalanche forecast through the roof but we still managed to make clients happy. The snow as usual has come in on gale force winds making progress slow going.

These guy have come all the way from all over Europe and as far as Morocco just to go touring with G2. Well touring in Scotland anyway. Difficult day Yesterday touring from Glenmore level to the top of the Fiacail Poma was as far as we got. Skiing down in over knee deep fresh snow. So heavy you couldn't turn or you would stop.

Better day today after getting the mini bus stuck on the way up Glenfeshie. Bit of shovel work and worry about it at the end of the day. Following the red burn path towards Meal old Toenail in a snow storm that would not give up. Bailed off the top of there down the south east face to find some quite nice snow. The euros loved it in typical style !!

We even finished with a little tree skiing on the way home. Now for the usual quandary where to go tomorrow?? Any ideas?

Outdoor Activities, Food, Shops and Accommodation Aviemore: Mega Snow and some interesting Ski Mountaineering ...

2011-03-13T19:27:00.001Z

Outdoor Activities, Food, Shops and Accommodation Aviemore: Mega Snow and some interesting Ski Mountaineering ...

Mega Snow on Cairngorm Mountain

Another classic Cairngorm weekend ski mountaineering, with nuts load of snow coming in all weekend, saturday we managed to get to the top of Cairngorm with the ski down the Ciste gully being amazing, Sunday we woke up to another massive dump of snow, the hill road was closed so in ski mountaineering fashion we hiked to the top of the hill from the Glenmore snow gates, was it worth it? Absolutely!

Having lunch on the hill in our emergency shelters

This season has been awesome for the G2 Outdoors team for ski mountaineering with Nick running courses and private guiding most weeks lets see if he beats last years 49 days of ski mountaineering!

Outdoor Activities, Food, Shops and Accommodation Aviemore: Awesome Weather for Ski Mountaineering

2011-03-09T19:38:00.000Z

Outdoor Activities, Food, Shops and Accommodation Aviemore: Awesome Weather for Ski Mountaineering: "What a fantastic weekend G2 Outdoor's introduction to ski mountaineering course couldn't have asked for better weather with the good we..."

White water Rafting near Aviemore, Inverness, Grantown, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Glenmore, Rothiemurchus

2011-03-09T19:31:00.001Z

Rafting Aviemore

January and February have started off really well for rafting despite it being the winter season and we normal don't raft as it's too cold and we'd rather be skiing! However a few hardy groups have been mad for it and as we always say "if they are daft enough then so are we"!!

Steve Hammond negotiates the raft through Levens on the Findhorn with a stag group

Sarah on the upper Findhorn with a military group

Thankfully the snow has come back so we can ski for a little longer as the rafting will no doubt go crazy again from the end of March!

For more Information on rafting call 01479 811008 or email:- info@g2outdoor.co.uk

or visit our main website for details www.g2outdoor.co.uk

G3 (genuine guide gear) promo pic's

2011-03-07T20:53:00.000Z

Looking out onto Cairn Toul

Next years G3 Zen Oxides sweeeeeeeeet

The boot up towards Sron Na Laraig

Nick Leaving trenches on his Tonics with Onyx bindings

G2 Local staff telemark clinic on Cairngorm Mountain

2011-03-02T15:53:00.001Z

G2 freebee Aviemore local staff Telemark Clinics

The forecast was for terrible winds for todays G2 telemark clinics, however what a great day it turned out to be with the winds dropping throughout the day.

The clinics where run by G2's very own Nick Etheridge and Mike Gale, with Scott Simon, Neil Campbell, Sarah Swallow and Martin Coulthard so actually it was a G2 staff training day as all the guys work for G2!!

New Community Business Blog - Outdoor Activities, Food, Shop and Accommodation

2011-03-01T22:21:00.001Z

A few like minded businesses have come together to create a blog to keep clients and customers up to date with whats going on click on the picture below to go to blog site:-

Fresh Powder in Scotland at last

2011-02-28T17:30:00.009Z

Amazing day touring with clients today. Fresh tracks every turn today everywhere. Ok so it was only an inch deep but no one else had skied it. The G3 Zenoxydes felt a little over kill with their 105 mm in the waist but they still turned fantastic.The guys had never ski toured before and what a day to start. We were accompanied by the wander dog as well. After a later start than planned we raced up Lurchers Gully (Ground Hog day) to gain some height.

Once up there the veiws across to Cairn Toul area looked fantastic. So much snow up there you can ski for ever.

From the top of lochan it was skins off for a great ski down in to the Feith Buidhe football pitch before a skin back up over the top. Ben MacDui looked inviting but if we had made it away earlier maybe we would have tried it. Plenty of people up earlier than us. Lucky beggers!

Even the very well behaved dog enjoyed the ski down Lurchers today.

No Ski, No Problem bring out the Rafts! On the Findhorn near Inverness, Aviemore, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore, Grantown, Kingussie

2011-02-24T20:24:00.001Z

Unfortunately the weather had limited the skiing on Cairngorm Mountain which is a problem to most ski schools however not such a problem to us as Nick and Jerry decided to run a Rafting trip on the mighty river Findhorn which was in great spate conditions.

So was it cold? Well thankfully the temperature has gone from minus 2 up to 10 degrees so the weather was rather tropical, the clients where wearing wetsuits, oversuits and wetsuit socks.

So Check out our cheesy leaflets:-

Rafting middle Findhorn in Feb' 11, view from head cam

2011-02-22T22:30:00.000Z

Rafting Near Aviemore on the middle Findhorn

The footage was taken on the middle Findhorn following G2's illustrious leader Nick (Etherbeast) Etheridge, followed by kayak support camera man and other illustrious leader of G2 Mike (stupid yorkshire git) Gale.
Camera was a Go-pro HD head camera which gives an awesomely clear picture apart from the water splash's on the camera but there was no way I was rolling my kayak in minus 20 to clean it!!

Great day touring away from the piste.

2011-02-22T19:27:00.012Z

Well it looked like a mental busy hell on the slopes of Cairngorm today as we headed off towards Lurchers Gully. 200 meters away from the car park and there was nobody, no noise and no other ski tracks. Perfect!

Headed straight up to the top of Lurchers Crag for some very moods scenes looking across to Sron na Lairig.

Bit of poor vis up to the summit of Carin Lochian but what do you expect its Scotland. Plenty of climbers and Mountaineers about even if they were hard to see!

But cleared for a great ski back down Lurchers Gully. Snow was almost perfect and really starting to softem towards the bottom. Turning to very stick porridge! Skiing made all the more sweet by making tracks down before Doug Cooper and his Lodge group did.

Great day out and didn't queue once. I love touring!

Ski mountaineering in a white hell!

2011-02-19T19:46:00.003Z

Another stunning day on Cairngorm. Eventually!
It started out with an abandond attempt to get to the Ceist Carpark in the van. Lost traction at the sugar bowl car park so that was as far we could go. Clents out the back pushing. Well you have to earn your turn have you not?

Walk up to the Ceist as was every man and his dog on winter skills courses. No question we were all going to earn our money today. Struggling against a good 60-70 mph winds and zero viz at times we made it up to the top of the old Anoch poma line. Weather seemed to ease a litle so we kept going to the top station only to meet Colin and the team clearing an amazing amount of snow from the doors at the Ptarmigan.

Spot of lunch and a ski down the Ceist Gully. The wind has been moving a lot of snow about but all the way down the hill and off again. Gully filled with wall to wall satrugi. Skiable enough though.

Weather better looking for tomorrow so hopefully get a bit further. Fingers crossed.

Our Friends at Backcountry Survival

2011-02-17T22:01:00.000Z

If your after survival skills training then our friends at Backcountry Survival based on Alvie estate just outside Aviemore are the guys to go to. From learning the basic skills of fire lighting to individual tailored courses in survival.

Check out their promo video below:-

For more info contact:-

Neil Foote

Back Country Survival

6 Railway Terrace

Aviemore

Inverness-Shire

PH22 1SA

Telephone 01479 812725
Email info@backcountrysurvival.co.uk

Ski mountaineering in the Cairngorms

2011-02-14T10:39:00.009Z

Well the season has been going well and busy with all the equipment getting well and truly tested. In some cases to distruction! This is a catch up blog as I'm terrible at keeping up to date with this stuff.

The new Scarp Skookums are going great with 2 full weeks of ski mountaineering in them so far without a niggle. Thanks to Paul and the Mountain Boot Company for supplying us with great product again for 2011 season. Looking forward to trying out some of the Trab skis soon.

The hire kit in Mountain Spirit is holding up well with the New Scarpa Pegasus and Mistrale's boots performing very well with good client satisfaction. The G3 Spitfires are performing well on the conditions we have been having (ICY). Harsheisen proving a vital part of the armery as well in the conditions even if they need a little modifications to fit under alpine ski boots!

Much thanks to Rob and Ang at Mountain Spirit for supplying G2 with some great kit from G3. We are enjoying the G3 range very much this season with Mike still loving his Tonics with NTN telemark set up and I have been loving the G3 Feaver and reacantly the Zenoxide both set up with Onyx alpine touring set up and coping well with the ice and yeserdays fresh snow. Our new skis from next years range have arrived so ,look out for our review of things to come very soon. If they are as good as this years range we are all in for a treat.

You will also note the very colourfull kit from Haglofs for this year. The Guard pants in blue with the Ratio jacket has been getting some good coments from the clients. It's refreshing to see some bright colour combos coming in. Haglofs have been our longest supporters and we continue to love their kit every year. We are already looking towards winter 11/12 so look out for some even brighter colours. A more indepth review of some of the Haglofs product is coming soon onve tghe new G3 kit is here.

We have had an amazing take up on our courses this season with us unable to get programmed course dates up and advertised as every weekend has been filling up before we advertise it. Even a few mid week courses as well.

The private guiding is also proving very busy with couples and small groups booking for 2 or 3 days at a time.

Couple of weekends in March full already so hope this snow contiues to fall and improve conditions. Touring on Carn Bam Mor and along to Scur Goaith this week was an exercise in walking with skis but the snow was suprisingly good and the weather even better.

Big news for this year is our involvement in the Scottish Backcountry Festival on the 2nd April. G2 are supporting running ski skills, intro to touring and steeps clinics through the day. The evening will be a delight with a film festival based in the Old Bridge Inn. Organiser Craig Bury is a very keen Telemark skier and enthusiast. His drive behind the festival is fantastic and we hope for a great success. Booking for clinics are coming in and space will be limited. For more information drop us a line.

Fingers crossed the season continues in this way and look out for more blogs when I get time!!

FREE yes FREE Telemark Lessons with G2!!

2011-02-13T23:04:00.000Z

Yes believe it or not we are going to run free Telemark clinics every Wednesday from the 2nd of March, these are going to be pretty informal so don't expect any full on BASI crap. These are limited to local workers and Instructors.

To sign up join us on our facebook site and send us a message. Spaces are limited ish.

"free the heal plant your heed"!!

So if you fancy a bit of this:-

Avalanches a go go! The Northern corries Collapse ish!

2011-02-13T21:38:00.000Z

Check out the forecast? Either people have not been checking it out recently or people are ignoring it! Either way there's a lot of unstable snow hanging on to steep slopes so stay safe and avoid the dangerous slopes, if you don't know which slopes are dangerous then don't go up there unless your with someone who does, check out the Scottish Avalanche Information Service for a forecast click on the picture below:-

Stag and Hen Outdoor Activities, canyoning and rafting season in Aviemore coming up soon

2011-02-09T21:30:00.000Z

Here we go again! After ten years you'd think we'd get bored of it, however some of the funniest and craziest groups are stag and hen groups that we never get bored of from mad rafting on the Findhorn to crazy canyoning at laggan!

Some of the most popular outdoor activities are rafting and canyoning but we have taken stag groups sea kayaking on the stunning west coast of Scotland to "Deliverence style" canoeing and overnight camping on the Spey!

A stag group stuck in a canyon somewhere in Scotland

"Deliverence Style" canoe/camping trip!

So what ever floats your boat, rafting, canyoning or you have a mad cap idea then I'm pretty sure we can accommodate you, speak to Nick or Mike at G2 and we can help you out with accommodation and best pubs, food etc.

Call on 01479 811008 or email on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

Weather Cairngorm mountain

2011-02-08T19:03:00.000Z

For Cairngorms Mountain weather visit Snow forecast:-

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View detailed snow forecast for Cairngorm at:
snow-forecast.com

Rafting and Activities Aviemore, Kingussie, Grantown, Rothiemurchus, Newtonmore and Glenmore

2011-02-06T22:23:00.001Z

Raft, Climb, Canyon, Mountain Bike, Ski, Snowboard, Ski Mountaineering we have the lot in Aviemore and the Cairngorm National park, what an awesome place and still fairly undiscovered so you will find the trails and rivers nice and quiet. At G2 we have been providing these activities for over 10 years and still have a huge passion for taking people out into these amazing places whether on a raft, bike or dangling on the end of a rope!

Check out the videos below of some of the different things you can do in Scotland:-

The Big Splash is Coming Back

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000Z

Oh yes the idiots are back expect more of this:-

19th to the 21st August ish 2011 for more information visit the big splash website which will be updated soon ish!!
http://www.bigsplashaviemore.co.uk/

Or Facebook on
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99858097924

"Outdoor Activities Aviemore" watch out for false addresses on Google?

2011-01-31T00:11:00.000Z

Outdoor Activities Aviemore

G2 Outdoor have been providing activities in and around Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park for over ten years some of our most popular activities through summer are rafting, canyoning and gorge walking and through winter skiing, snowboarding, telemarking and ski mountaineering.

If you are on foot then we are easily reached from the center of Aviemore based at the north end of the town, during our ten year period we have seen numerous companies set up and try to imitate what we do which I suppose you could say "imitation is the best form of flattery" however watch out for the companies that advertise they are based in Aviemore on Google Business Pages (place Pages) as you may end up walking to a destination and finding a train station or a chip shop rather than an Outdoor Activities Company. In a desperate bid to gain the coverted google search term "Outdoor Activities Aviemore" there are a few sneaky companies saying their address is in Aviemore even if they are 30 miles away?!?

So why should this bother us? There are numerous reasons, however if we as a National Park are trying to sell the area as a quality destination then we really shouldn't be lying to our customers.

For Quality Activities check out the video below:-

Call G2 Outdoor on 01479 811008 for more information or visit our website on:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/

Stag Rafting, Aviemore, Grantown, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore, Scotland

2011-01-30T21:29:00.002Z

Rafting this time of year!!!! Yes we are stupid enough, so if you are up for it then so are we the picture below was last weeks group on the middle Findhorn, this section is a great fun part of the river Findhorn however not too demanding that you will end up upside down with an involuntary swim, maybe!!

If your mad enough for a winter rafting session like this lot then speak to Nick or Mike at G2 Outdoor on 01479 811008 or email on info@g2outdoor.co.uk

Or visit our main rafting webpage:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/summer-activities/white-water-rafting

Our friends from the Navy are back

2011-01-30T21:04:00.000Z

Thanks for coming back Guys.

Once again we welcome back our friends from the Navy and they have come back for two weeks skiing this year.

Last weeks group was a great bunch of guys hope this next weeks are half as good "Craic" which we dubbed "special forces"!!

Thanks go to our awesome instructors Jerry, Mark and Sarah for looking after the guys.

For Ski lessons, coaching and instruction call the G2 mob on 01479 811008 or visit our website:-

http://www.g2outdoor.co.uk/winter-activities/g2-ski-school