Contingency plan for Cairngorms season
SKIERS and other snowports enthusiasts will still be able to enjoy the slopes, despite the closure of the Cairngorm funicular railway.
That is the aim of a new response team which held its first meeting in Aviemore to address the potential impact of the closure.
Landowner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and operator CairnGorm Mountain Ltd (CML) told the meeting that they are actively exploring all options to deliver the best possible skier experience without the funicular, and ensure the hill is ready for business when the winter snow arrives.
A key component of the plan will be the potential to use snow making equipment at lower levels, making the mountainside accessible for beginners and reducing congestion in other high traffic areas. Earlier this year, HIE supported trials of snow making technology at three of Scotland’s ski centres – Cairngorm, the Lecht and Glencoe – with generally positive results.
HIE and the Highland Council also committed to support local businesses that might be affected by the present situation, including offering one-to-one advice, and access to loan funding, where appropriate, through Highland Opportunity.
Highland Council convener and local councillor Bill Lobban, who chaired the meeting, said: "I was really impressed that everyone who attended shared a very positive attitude and a strong desire to work together to achieve a way forward at Cairngorm.
"We all agree that snowsports play a vital role in the economy of Aviemore and the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area, and it is in the whole community’s interest that Cairngorm is a successful attraction."
Ewan Kearney of CML operator Natural Retreats said: "There is no doubt that this is going to be a challenging season, but we have operated without the funicular in prior winters and are confident that with additional planning and resource we will be able to continue to offer great skiing this winter as well.
"It’s also worth highlighting the range of other activities that are still available for visitors this autumn, including our café, nature trails and forthcoming Christmas market."
Charlotte Wright, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: "We’re delighted to have such strong support from the local business community and other public organisations, all of whom are committed to working in partnership for the benefit of the whole area.
"As well as addressing the current, urgent situation, there was also a strong appetite to look to the longer term, and work towards a shared vision for Cairngorm and Badenoch and Strathspey as a leading ski centre.
"Wednesday’s meeting was the first of several we’ll be hosting, and it brought forward a variety of great ideas that will form the basis of an action plan for HIE and our partners to take forward over the coming weeks and months."
The meeting included representatives from: Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, Aviemore Business Association, Cairngorm Mountain Trust, Cairngorm Business Partnership, resort operator CairnGorm Mountain Ltd (CML), the Cairngorms National Park Authority, HIE, the Highland Council, Snowsport Scotland, and VisitScotland.