Midsummer skiers seek out last of snow

WHILE most people's thoughts are turning to holidays by the beach, a few hardy souls were still seeking out snow sports in midsummer yesterday.

More than 60 skiers took to the slopes at CairnGorm Mountain on the summer solstice for the first time in living memory, using tows. With snow still lying in the Ptarmigan Bowl, they were able to take advantage of two rope tows set up there by the resort's operator, CairnGorm Mountain.

Skiers had travelled from as far as Mull in order to be able to say that they had skied at midsummer in Scotland.

It marked the end of a spectacular season for the Scottish resorts, beginning at CairnGorm on 28 November. Since then, the centre near Aviemore has opened for business on 147 days, shutting only on days when there was too much snow.