Scotland’s five commercial ski centres were among the fast diminishing number of ski areas in Europe and the world that stayed open this past week, until all announced their closure on Saturday, 21st March.
“In answer to the many questions that we have been asked over the last few days our current position is that we plan to stay open until told otherwise by the UK or Scottish Government. This could be days, weeks or even the end of the season on 4th May. As advice from the Government is changing on an hourly basis the hundreds of enquiries we get a day asking ” if we are still going to be open next Thursday” really are a waste of your time and ours,” a statement from Glencoe issued on Monday, prior to its closure announcement on Saturday afternoon, read.
All five were open up to this weekend, when all decided to close at short notice. Prior to this they were running lifts but had closed facilities like shops and restaurants.
“We are open but following the government guidelines. Please use hand sanitizer and wipes where we have them. Keep your social distances in any queues. We have controlled access to the ski hire so people are queueing outside in the fresh air. We may limit access to cafes if necessary. We would encourage you to bring pack lunches to eat in your cars or outside on the hill – please take any litter home,” a statement from Glenshee centre said earlier this week.
Regardless of the virus, Scottish centres have their normal battle with the elements and several centres closed due to gales on Monday, but recent days have seen fresh snow and sunshine and conditions are amongst the best in recent years.
Regardless of the virus, Scottish centres have their normal battle with the elements and several centres closed due to gales on Monday, but recent days have seen fresh snow and sunshine and conditions are amongst the best in recent years.
The weekend forecast is for mostly sunny conditions and light winds.
Ski areas in Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Japan are also still open.
Cairngorm ski centre is pictured top in the past few days.
