The violent storms in December and through the New Year have brought a great bonus for Scotland’s skiers and snowboarders.
Sweeping in from the south west, the storm rain may have caused flooding at lower levels but fell as snow where it was needed at Scotland’s mountain ski areas, particularly those in the West and Central Highlands and at higher levels in the east.
“This is not the weather pattern we have come to expect,” said Ski-Scotland Chair Heather Negus. “For there to be so much snow in the west in early January is quite exceptional, although the Central and Eastern Highlands often benefit from these large dumps of snow around New Year.”
In the west, Glencoe Mountain (pictured) reports “stunning” conditions with wide and deep snow cover across all the runs and Nevis Range, the highest of Scotland’s ski areas, has extensive snow cover on the summit and upper runs with most lower runs also complete. CairnGorm Mountain, in the Central Highlands, reports great skiing across the mountain, particularly in the Ciste and on the Cas runs, where snow is also being harvested, and on the White Lady. Although some lower routes are becoming worn, it is possible to ski from top to bottom. CairnGorm, like Glencoe and Nevis Range, has more snow forecast and currently falling. Towards the east, Glenshee has good snow at high levels, but limited access and runs at lower points.
Nevis Range already has two Funpark features in place and Glencoe has created a minishred area as well as opening their brand-new Zibob-Cross track, which promises lots of fun for all ages on these carving mini-sledges. Both areas report few queues and Nevis Range is also making some great offers.