Huge amounts of snow at Cairngorm ski area
Staff at CairnGorm Mountain have been busy pushing and digging the massive snowfalls from recent storms in preparation for the anticipated huge influx of skiers boarders and ski school pupils over the half term holidays in February.
The storms left the Ptarmigan top station building buried in snow up to roof level but a concerted effort from the team cleared the lower tows for a 9.30am start today (Tuesday) and then the funicular in time for afternoon skiers.
Snow drifts are four metres or more deep in places and up to the level of the roof of the Ptarmigan top station. The piste known for its normal shape as ‘The Gun Barrel’ has filled in completely to form a flat piste.
The resort’s highest tow the Ptarmigan has only a metre or so of its towers visible above the snow.
CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood said: "Today’s weather window has been seized upon by over 500 skiers and boarders who have seen that more unsettled weather with strong winds is forecast for the next few days.
"There is a huge amount of snow too on the Ciste side and in the West Wall but it is likely to be into next week on the present forecast before it is possible to get these open and if there is a period of more settled weather.
"The resort has already had to postpone until February 13 a qualifier event in the Scottish Schools Snowsports Association Alpine series which incorporates the Sir Francis Walker Cup."
In anticipation of half term CairnGorm has issued a number of top tips which will improve visitors’ experiences over the holiday period. Customers are advised to get to the resort early, to car share or to use the public bus service as the car parks will fill up early and shuttle buses will run to the Ciste car park throughout the day.
