Cairngorm To Open Upper Runs To Experienced Skiers

Cairngorm ski area has announced that two of its best-known slopes will open from Friday, but with the funicular out of action and limited snow cover on the lower mountain, the centre advises that  the experience is “only suitable for experts” at present.

“From Friday we will have the M1 Poma running for more experienced skiers and boarders to access the White Lady piste and the M1 piste. This uplift is only suitable for experts and requires a walk from the top of the conveyors, to the M1Poma,” the centre noted in a social media statement.

Skiers commenting on the statement estimated the walk, in ski gear carrying equipment, at about half a mile.

Up to now Cairngorm has been offering limited snowsports in the beginner’s area at the base of the mountain on 200 metres of SnowFactory snow (below) – a machine that makes snow-like crushed ice in a refrigerated  internal chamber then spreads it out onto the slopes so it can work even at above freezing temperatures.

The Lecht, Glenshee and Glencoe have the same or similar machines and also create small areas of snow, in Glencoe’s case currently used for sledging.

“There has not been any change in snow cover from the Base to mid mountain, The middle of Coire Cas and 105 pistes have very thin snow cover at the moment including the lower Zig Zags, the only run in that area is the M1 crossover into the Cas Gunbarrel. We have lost a bit more snow today in the wet and warmer temperatures,” the Cairngorm statement continues.