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Cairngorms set to open for first day of ski season





It's time to dig out the skis and snowboards
It's time to dig out the skis and snowboards

CairnGorm Mountain is set to open its slopes for the first day of the winter season tomorrow (Saturday).

Staff at the resort have been working hard to open the access road to the Coire Cas car park in time for the weekend and to prepare the slopes for snowsports fans.

There has been heavy continuous snow falling in the Cairngorms for the past four or five days although the westerly direction of high winds means that the snow coverage is not consistent.

A resort spokesperson said: "We intend to open for skiing and boarding tomorrow for the season. It will be a limited offering to start with an available two miles pisted route from the Top Station, Traverese, 105, Zig Zags then Lower Slopes or Home Road back to the Day Lodge.

"All other areas are unmarked and unpatrolled."

There will just be the Cairngorm funicular for access with no middle stops and the first run to the top station is scheduled for 10am. Half day ticket prices will apply.

The spokesperson said: "We will work on opening more terrain and uplift over the next few days, but only the train is scheduled for this weekend. The forecast is looking good tomorrow with light winds and good visibility."

Natural Retreats took over the running the resort in June and tomorrow will be their first day at the helm for the ski operation.

There has been substantial new snow fences put in place aimed at retaining the snow on the hill

But it has mainly been a "softly, softly" approach since the Wilmslow-based firm took control.

The company said in the summer that changes will start to become visible in the 12 months that follow by way of branding, uniforms, interior design, merchandising, food and beverages, as well as the groundwork being laid for a new Day Lodge and other attractions.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise retain ownership of the site and infrastructure.


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