New Conveyor Lift at Cairngorm Where Funicular Also Due to Re-open This Season
Work is underway at Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountain to install a new conveyor lift that will be used for snow sports in winter and mountain biking at other times of the year.
The new, approximately 100 metres long lift, is being installed at the lowest part of the ski slopes next to the Day Lodge by local environmental engineering firm McGowan Limited.
The lift has been financed by the government-funded agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). It took over running Cairngorm Mountain when the former publicly-subsidised private operator, Natural Retreats, pulled out of running the area in 2018 when the funicular railway lift, which serves the upper part of the slopes, was deemed in need of a major refurbishment in order to operate safely.
Work began on the repairs needed two years ago with the price tag at the time put at £16 million. There is no confirmed specific date for the funicular reopening, it has currently been out of action for four years with the official position is currently,
“The funicular railway is expected to be re-launched in early 2023 during the popular winter season at Cairngorm Mountain.”
In a media announcement of the new conveyor lift Susan Smith, CEO of Cairngorm Mountain commented,
“We are committed to investing and improving our product offering and the installation of the new tracks will greatly improve the experience of snowsports for beginners and intermediaries for this winter season. They will also be used as part of our exciting new mountain biking facility for 2023.”
