You should always check how well bonded the snow pack is, and from that make an informed decision on its reliability. You should seek instruction on these skills through courses such as winter mountaineering courses, led by qualified instructors.

The type of snow is hugely important when extreme skiing. The condition of the snow is generally always more important than gradient of the line. For example, if you were skiing the White Lady (average gradient 21 degrees) when it was completely covered in boiler plate, you would struggle. However, if you were skiing Aladdin's Couloir (average gradient 37 degrees) on a covering of spring snow on a firm base, you might well be in Seventh Heaven.

Is gradient important? To an extent, of course. But snow conditions should be the most important factor in the skiability of something, as long as it has a reasonable gradient and width. Steeper gullies should only ever be attempted in the best of conditions, but also remember that many problems have arisen in the past as a result of people skiing less-steep gullies in lean conditions, having found the steeper gullies out of condition. It is under circumstances like this that people can easily find themselves in difficulty if unprepared.

The best snow types for steep skiing, as already mentioned, is spring snow. This, along with old wet snow, provides some of the more reliable snow conditions. In Scotland these snows generally occur late season. Other snows, such as cold snows (including powder and cold hard pack), can also offer excellent skiing, but are less reliable and less stable.

With quickly changing conditions in the Scottish winter, problems can arise for a skier if unaware of the changing snow conditions. For example, one day a slope can be perfect powder, and the next could, after a brief thaw/freeze cycle, offer breakable crust concealed perhaps by a light layer of new snow. This can, of course, be potentially dangerous particularly in the backcountry if this is unexpected.

You should be aware that snows such as windslab is one of the most common snow types to potentially avalanche, are unstable and unreliable, and so should be avoided.

In times of thaw, spring (or wet) snows with a thin layer of softer melting snow ontop of a firm base are often at their best. These snows are excellent for skiing in the backcountry, as the established base means that there are no hidden rocks or hazards, and the softer layer provides some good grip for the edges. However, if the thaw continues, the layer of softer snow becomes deeper, becomes more difficult to ski, and is appropriately named "porridge".