Cairngorm funicular to close for one month

CairnGorm Mountain is gearing up to ensure the popular funicular railway undergoes some major maintenance work.

The UK’s highest railway has been extremely busy during the winter season following some fantastic snow conditions which saw 59,003 snowsports enthusiasts and a further 51,240 non-skiing guests using the train between November 1. last year, 2017 until the close of the season on April 28.

To allow the work to be undertaken, the railway will be closed for one month from this Monday until July 4th.

A CairnGorm Mountain spokeswoman said: "The maintenance work to the funicular will require a team of specialist engineers from Switzerland as well CairnGorm Mountain’s own mechanical engineering team.

"The work to be carried out includes the replacement of the funicular haul/counter ropes, comprehensive inspections of the drive/counter bullwheels and special inspections of the ABB motor and flender gearbox.

"During the winter season a lifting frame was installed in the Ptarmigan building plant room.

"This frame will be utilised to lift and suspend the main bullwheel allowing access to the critical components.

"Whilst this crucial maintenance work is under way, the Ptarmigan building will close and exclusion areas around the Base Station building will be clearly fenced off."

Meanwhile CairnGorm Mountain has launched its summer programme of activities which means there will still be plenty of buzz at the resort whilst the funicular railway is closed.

Highlights include a special Father’s Day Guided Walk and Mountain Feast on June 17th.

The ranger led guided walk will focus on the spectacular lower slopes where red grouse, ptarmigan and mountain hare can usually be spotted.

Visitors are also being encouraged to #capturecairngorm as part of an exciting new photography competition.

A CairnGorm Mountain spokeswoman said: "It is hoped that a great selection of stunning photography will be captured for the competition, whether it’s a ptarmigan shuffling through the undergrowth or a selfie from the viewing platform at 3,500ft.

"Those wishing to enter the competition simply have to upload their favourite picture to Facebook, tagging @CairngormMtn and #capturecairngorm to be in with a chance of winning a funicular family pass or an adult season pass."

Janette Jansson, General Manager at CairnGorm Mountain said: "Although the funicular is closed for important maintenance, we will still be very much open.

"We have a full programme of events for all the family and look forward to welcoming lots of new visitors as well as some familiar faces this summer."

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