Improving Conditions on Scottish Slopes
Improving Conditions on Scottish Slopes
Published : 15-Jan-2024 07:36
A week of cold weather and snowfall forecast for the Scottish Highlands will hopefully mean more terrain opening at the country's five centres this week.
So far the winter has been more consistently cold and frequently subzero than it usually has been this century, but it has also been quite dry with limited snowfall, so there's not much of a base on slopes.
Cairngorm above Aviemore has some of the best conditions but has the ongoing frustration of its funicular which accesses much of its terrain being out of action once again with no sign of when these will be completed and winter continuing to increase its grip.
"We are still waiting on information from the contractors and our parent company on when the Mountain Railway may be handed back to us. As soon as we do, we will let you all know," a spokesperson said.
As it's the upper mountain terrain that's open, the lack of funicular access is a particular problem, but things are improving. Last week it was a 15 minute uphill hike for "experienced skiers only" in ski gear carrying kit to the base of The M1 Poma to access red pistes on the descent from the Top Station, (the White Lady Piste and M1 Piste) from the top of the conveyors on the beginner slope which is maintained by all weather snowmaking equipment.
However the Sunkid platter lift is now also in action so it's now an eight minute walk to ride that and then a short walk again to the M1 Poma. It's worth the effort though according to Cairngorm staff,
"These pistes are in good condition, groomed overnight and were skiing soft and grippy."
The M1 exit is via the M1 crossover into the Gunbarrel. There is not enough snow in the 105 and lower zig zags which are both closed. However the Coire na Ciste T bar and the Fairway run (via the top of the M2 run) are open, with fresh drifted snow from yesterday.
Elsewhere Glenshee has the most terrain open, with seven runs at time of writing and the Sunnyside, Claybokie, Baddoch Chair, Plastic, Dink Dink and Rope Tow lifts operating.
The Lecht had three beginner slopes open at the weekend but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
So far Glencoe and Nevis Range on the West Coast have not been able to offer more than sledging and (at Glencoe) a beginner slope. However Glencoe is running its access chairlift for ski tourers to access snow above the ski slopes up to the summit above.
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