Scotland’s Season Starts Wednesday

UPDATE: Glencoe Mountain Resort says it will open for the 24-25 season on Wednesday. "Delighted to report that the Rannoch Chair will open tomorrow to allow some early season skiing on the Low Road and Rankins Return.
Early season conditions so expect some thin and narrow areas. New equipment not recommended."

Original Report This Morning: The first lift-accessed in-bounds skiing in Scotland this season looks set to begin at The Lecht this weekend.

The Highlands saw heavy snowfall from the northern edge of Storm Darragh at the weekend which has been followed by clear cold conditions with temperatures well below freezing.

There’s not enough natural snowfall for main runs to open yet but The Lecht say that their Snow Factory all-weather snowmaking machine is busy pumping out snow though and that their Wren magic carpet will be open on Saturday, the 14th December.

“We require more snow to operate the other lifts. Lift passes must be pre-booked online due to limited availability,” a statement from the centre explains.

Glencoe Mountain Resort (pictured below yesterday) hasn’t yet announced opening but also uses its Snowfactory for early season sledging and some limited ski terrain. It’s also been teasing images of good looking fresh snow conditions on the main runs.

For now though, their Access Chairlift is being used by ski tourers and splitboarders to reach snow above the main area towards the summit. After the weekend snow storm it reported:

“Lot's of snow in places with large drifts but also lots of wind scoured areas so not yet enough snow for lift assisted skiing and snowboarding. The snow on the official sledging slope hasn't been pushed out yet but there is plenty of snow around the Plateau cafe area to enjoy sledging.”

Glenshee is also making snow with its Snowfactory machines and currently says it plans to open for snow sports on Saturday 21st December with man-made snow on two beginner runs and an intermediate trail. More will open if they get enough natural snowfall.

Online bookings are open for the holiday period or tickets can be bought on the day at the ticket office, however there’ll be limited tickets available if only the on man-made trails open.

During the weekend storm, Cairngorm Mountain Resort above Aviemore reported poor visibility with 20 to 30cm (8-12") of heavy wet snow at the Base Station with drier snow and some good drifting from Mid mountain up. Like Glenshee it’s currently expecting to open from, Christmas week, the weekend after next.

Nevis Range near Fort William is unlikely to open before the February school holidays unless there’s a big snowfall before then.