Scotland’s ski resorts ready for busy weekend

By ALISTAIR MUNRO
Published on 06/02/2013 12:40

SCOTLAND’S ski centres are gearing up for a bumper weekend for the half-term break as the storms settle and more snow is forecast.

• Scotland’s five main resorts expecting large turnout

• Slopes ‘loaded’ with snow after recent wintry weather

The five main resorts expect large numbers of snowsports fans, while those who can’t make it to the mountains can opt for the Snow Factor, the country’s indoor real-snow ski area.

Heather Negus, chair of Ski-Scotland, said: “We are really looking forward to having some seriously good sliding on offer this weekend.

“The forecast is for more settled conditions at the weekend, but – as we’ve seen already this winter – forecasts can be wrong and weather and road conditions can change rapidly.

“So we advise that people to check up-to-date information before leaving home or their holiday accommodation.”

She added: “We hope to be really busy.”

Some ski areas have special events planned, with free ski and snowboard demos at Glencoe Mountain on Saturday and Sunday and a few places are left for experienced skiers to learn to ski or snowboard the steep, backcountry Back Corries at Nevis Range on Saturday.

Cairngorm Mountain is offering funicular passengers the chance to tour the upper slopes on the back of a piste groomer ‘Snow Cat’ daily from Saturday.

Glenshee reports “loaded” slopes while the Lecht also has good snow cover across the whole area with ample nursery areas.

Snow Factor, at Braehead, is Scotland’s only indoor real-snow ski area and is offering three-day snowsports camps for mid term.