benjonesmtb

timgoodwin/GrandMasterOrge, I simply said Scottish conditions can be more serious than Alpine conditions, not that the conditions can't be serious in the Alps. This is based on my personal experience guiding extensively in both countries, both on and off bikes. Perhaps, I should clarify what I mean by this, not necessarily a reflection on the actual conditions you'll encounter, but rather the speed these conditions can change and the escape options often available. I would say the same about Scottish mountaineering over Alpine mountaineering or Scottish Ski Touring over Alpine Ski Touring. I've had to draw on navigation and "survival" skills far more in the Scottish Mountains than in the Alps. Probably, at least in part, because I wouldn't set out in the Alps in poor conditions or with a poor forecast - where-as Scotland it is a matter of course. Getting caught high in the Alps in a thunder-storm is fairly seriously, I agree - however, escape is often easier in the Alps (with roads and refuge in most valleys) and really once the warning signs start to show you should be modifying you day to avoid been caught high up (weather forecasts are generally accurate in the Alps and the warning signs of a late afternoon storm as often present by lunch-time). In Scotland the weather changes far faster and is more unpredicatable, forecasts are poorer and often escape is more difficult. Also rescue is harder, a storm will clear quickly, however, in Scotland frontal weather systems can last days. My point really is, that if you can MTB guide in the Scottish Mountains safely, then there is no reason why your skills don't transfer to trails in the French Alps. As to whether the SMBLA qualification on it's own ensures a guide is capable of guiding safely in harsh Scottish conditions - that's another argument.

In nearly every way the trails in the Scottish Mountains are far more serious and remote than trails in the French Alps...