Children get chance again to find snow feet at Cairngorm Mountain

A long running snowsports programme which gives senior primary school pupils the chance to try skiing or snowboarding – some for the very first time – at Cairngorm Mountain has been given a big boost by the resort.

The Badenoch & Strathspey School Skiing Association scheme has just been confirmed for this March after receiving the very welcome help in the face of rising costs.

Resort bosses are to provide equipment hire and lift passes at no charge for the BSSSA sessions.

BSSSA is a parent and volunteer run programme which has been supporting skiing for local school children since 1999.

They group said they are ‘overwhelmed by the support’ which will help ensure many more youngsters are introduced to the sport.

BSSSA chairwoman Kerrie Dickson said: “ It’s fantastic to have this support from Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd.

“The past few years have been difficult for school skiing and fundraising toward it so this support makes a massive difference to getting kids onto the slopes.

“This offer from CMSL will provide inclusivity to children accessing snowsports on the mountain in tough current financial conditions for many local families.”

The cost will be £41 per child, excluding transport, which would have been three fold higher if not for CMSL’s kind support and prior BSSSA fundraising

Euan Baxter, Snowsport Scotland development coach, said: “This level of support from CMSL demonstrates a commitment to the future of snowsports. Skiing on Cairngorm created a community.

“The people of that community have in turn fostered opportunities in the mountains for subsequent generations whom now reciprocate those possibilities and in doing so support a mountain with a community.

“Local children experiencing the mountain is a legacy we should all be proud of.

CMSL chief executive Susan Smith said she is delighted that the resort can assist with such an important initiative.

She said: “This helps ensure local children get an opportunity to experience skiing at Cairngorm Mountain and in doing so help to support this sport in the area for years to come.

“We feel it is our duty, as part of the community, to encourage and support young people to take part in winter snowsports and also to offer employment opportunities for local people’.

Typically 90 per cent of pupils from P7 classes at six local schools take part in the week-long sessions.

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