Cairngorm Mountain provides update on latest skiing situation

Cairngorm Mountain is enjoying one of its best starts to a ski season in terms of snowfall for a decade but the slopes remain out of bounds.

Heavy snow has fallen most days since just before Christmas and that has been aided by the prolonged freezing spell allowing snow cover to build in many parts of the ski area but sadly the resort can not take advantage of the great conditions.

Operators Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd said they will not be reopening until First Minister Nicola Sturgeon relaxes the national lockdown which came into effect on January 5.

Susan Smith, CMSL's interim chief executive, told the Strathy: "There is a huge amount of snow at Cairngorm Mountain. However, there is still not sufficient to operate all of the lifts.

"We remain closed until the First Minister announces any relaxation on Covid restrictions.

"As soon as we are able to open the site for winter snowsports we will do all that we can to welcome customers back to Cairngorm Mountain."

She added: "Although the resort remains closed our hard-working maintenance team are up at the crack of dawn to carry out their routine work on the lifts, de-icing and running them daily to avoid any serious damage to the ropes and wheels.

"More snow is forecast over this weekend which will add to the great base we have across the ski area; fingers crossed this cold wintry weather will continue."

Some hardcore snowsports fans and ski tourers have taken to walking up from Glenmore to Cairn Gorm and other high tops to enjoy the powder.

The snow gates at Glenmore to the resort were closed on Christmas Eve with the resort saying the decision had been taken along with Police Scotland and Highland Council on public safety grounds.

The current coronavirus restrictions are in place for at least four weeks.

At the start of the lockdown Ms Sturgeon said it was not possible to give a definitive end date for restrictions.

They are being kept under review, however, but if anything look likely to be extended with Covid cases hitting record levels.

Cairngorm Mountain is advising that snowsports fans keep in touch with updates at the resort's website and Facebook page.

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