More than 120 local schoolchildren find their feet on Cairngorm Mountain’s slopes
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited has helped more than 120 local pupils to learn to ski this past winter season.
The Badenoch & Strathspey Schools Snowsport Association (BSSSA) enables local children of all backgrounds to try snowsports.
Cairngorm Mountain provided free ski slope access and equipment hire for 121 P7 pupils from seven schools in the strath as part of the initiative.
Nearly half of the youngsters were learning to ski or snowboard for the first time.
Provided by CMSL partner ski school, Free-Ski, the lessons ran from March 4 to 23 with children participating from primary schools in Aviemore, Carrbridge, Nethy Bridge, Boat of Garten, Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Kincraig.
Led by volunteers, the BSSSA has supported school children skiing for 13 years.
Tim Hurst, Interim CEO of CMSL, said: “We’re proud to have provided free access to our slopes and equipment hire to local schools again this year, in collaboration with BSSSA.
“Every child that grows up in our community should have the opportunity to try snowsports and appreciate the spectacular offering that we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep.
“This programme plays an important role in our community and the future of the resort.
“We hope these lessons inspire a love of the sport and the mountains for some of the kids who were experiencing it for the first time.”
Euan Baxter, chair of BSSSA, said: “With half of the local P7 children having not been on the mountain or skied before, it is clear the BSSSA program is keeping snowsport and all its benefits as part of our local heritage and culture, while making a difference to the well-being of our community.”
The summer offering at Cairngorm Mountain includes mountain tubing, carting and mountain bike trails to adventure ball runs, guided walks and a viewing terrace for al fresco dining and drinking as well as Scotland’s only funicular railway.
