Hopes that snow keeps falling at Cairngorm in time for school half-term holidays
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Cairngorm Mountain bosses are keeping their fingers-crossed that the heavy snow keeps falling so that they can open more of the slopes in time for Scottish half-term holidays.
Heavy snow is currently falling at all levels, and driving conditions on the ski road is described as very difficult.
The resort is warning that the snow gates are likely to open and close at short notice.
The lower learners area opened at 9am.
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd chief executive Susan Smith told the Strathy: "The snow has come but it’s still not enough for us to get more of the lifts open.
"We need some more snow over the next few days and hopefully my team will be able to have lifts running.
"It all depends on the snow that falls and the wind conditions. It’s really frustrating, as there is loads of snow from the top to the middle.
"Our fingers crossed that we will get there over the next few days."
The Scottish and English February school holidays are regarded as the most critical period of the winter for snowsports at Cairngorm with a busy half-term often making it a good season for those who rely on the slopes for their livelihoods.
Schools in the strath and wider Highlands break up this afternoon for short break until next Thursday.
A CMSL spokesman said: "We are assessing other areas of the mountain and will update if there has been any significant changes since yesterday."
The latest ski condition reports for Cairngorm Mountain can be read here
