Cairngorm Mountain has fingers-crossed for snowsports from December 21
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With snow falling on the high tops and now Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL) has said it intends to open for the snowsports season in just under a fortnight's time.
However, what slopes and when they open will depend as ever on the weather conditions between now and then.
Cairngorm Mountain has been busy making after a series of major improvement works over the past 12 months.
Two new ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belt systems have been installed to take skiers and snowboarders up towards the beginner slopes this winter season, and will also be used for mountain biking from summer 2023.
The beginner slopes are equipped with cannons to ensure the area is evenly covered in snow.
Season passes are now on sale providing unlimited access to the slopes from December 21 through to April 16, next year. Day tickets will also be available shortly before season opening.
Visitors can also make use of the improvements to the 373-space car park which include new parking bays, pedestrian pathways and better signage.
The Ptarmigan building has also seen significant transformation including a new 270° immersive exhibition.
Located at the top station of the mountain railway, the newly designed restaurant has been transformed into a light, contemporary space with an open plan gin bar, cosy log fires and floor to ceiling windows for visitors to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range.
The restaurant is expected to re-open early 2023 in line with the reinstatement of the mountain railway.
The Cairngorm Mountain improvements come after the recent announcement of the mountain railway entering its final stages of completion. Testing will continue into December and the mountain railway is expected to again be operational once safety certificates have been issued by the Department for Transport in the new year.
The focus is currently on engineers from Swiss company Garaventa/Frey who are installing a new control system to ensure safe operations.
Susan Smith, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back visitors for another season of snowsports.
"We have been busy making major improvements across the resort, from the magic carpet runs, to the refurbished Ptarmigan restaurant, and the star attraction, the mountain railway.
"With all major improvement works due to be completed by early 2023, we cannot wait for visitors to enjoy the new facilities Cairngorm Mountain has to offer.”
To find out more information visit www.cairngormmountain.co.uk and season tickets can be bought here
