Recent heavy snowfall has set up CairnGorm ski area near Aviemore for a weekend during which the resort’s operators plan to celebrate what they describe as ‘Winter part 3’. Following another day of frequent snow showers above 700m and further fresh snow overnight and with light winds forecast, the prospects for skiing and snowboarding for the weekend are looking good.

Commenting on the conditions CairnGorm’s Marketing Manager Colin Kirkwood said: “The M1 run is set up perfectly with ‘pisted corduroy’ and is probably in the best condition it has been all season with full width down to below the steep section and one machine width below that. The M1 Poma, Polar Express, Ciste and Ptarmigan Tows are all open with the top bowls and Ciste fairway providing great snowsports on the firm base which has now been established. We urge all snowsports fans to take advantage of these conditions and in particular we hope that season ticket holders and those who have bought multi-day vouchers will take this opportunity to get value from them.“

To celebrate this late boost for the season, CairnGorm has a number of fun competitive snowsports events planned for ‘The Big Weekend’. There will be a Dual Slalom and a Ski Touring event within the ski patroled area which will be run with the assistance of Aviemore-based activity providers G2 and Mountain Spirit. There will also be a Park Jam with four rails and a jump set up for a competition amongst freestyle fans. These events will take place on both Saturday and Sunday and will be very informal with registration in the Ptarmigan restaurant from 10am and a prize-giving in the bar there at 3.30pm each day. Equipment hire will be available and reduced snowsports ticket prices of £15 (adult) and £10 (Junior) will apply. Funicular only passengers will also be able to go up and enjoy the snow and watch the action outside the Ptarmigan building where there will be music on the slopes. The ticket office will open at 9am with the first train up at 9.30am, the last train up at 4pm and the last down at 4.30pm.

www.cairngormmountain.org

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