Ski & Snowboard News

Scottish Ski season could last until June

After much uncertainty about the Scottish ski season and the looming fear of a short winter it now looks as if the recent prolonged spell of cold weather could see Scottish skiing last into June.

Image source: Europe up close

The skiing industry received a boost over the Bank Holiday weekend, with skiers and snowboarders flocking to the Scottish slopes to capitalise on the late season skiing. This isn’t the first time that skiing in Scotland has extended past winter into spring, just two years ago there was enough snow cover for skiers to tackle the slopes on June 21st, summer solstice.

However, when compared with the 2009/10 seasons figures the current season falls way short. It is estimated that around 60,000 skiers have come to the slopes of Scotland, compared with 141,000 during the extended season of 2009/10.

Colin Kirkwood, marketing manager for Cairngorm Mountain is pleased about this current cold snap, stating:

“The late snow this season has been a considerable boost for the business, after what had been a very poor season.

We did not ski at all in March, which is unheard of, so it has been great to have such good snow cover, albeit late in the season. The forecast is for it to stay cold, with perhaps some significant snowfall tonight.”

Although conditions are ideal up on Cairngorm Mountain, the cannot be said for other Scottish mountains unfortunately.

At Nevis Range, there was not enough snowfall to reopen the tow runs. Apart from a surprise fall of snow on 29 April, the centre has been closed since 19 February. They have only had 10,000 snowsport visitors this season, the lowest ever. In 2010, almost 35,000 took to the slopes.

The weather has led to resort managers branching out into other activities, including mountain bike events. The Scottish Six Day Trials has been attracting competitors and spectators at Aonach Mhor, while the British Downhill Bike Race is being hosted there this weekend.

Glencoe Mountain Resort, Scotland’s oldest ski centre, closed on 27 March. A spokesman said:

“Even if we get good cover, you have to consider whether it is commerically viable to reopen.”

Although skiing in May is not considered to be unusual, it can be said it is unusual to see new snowfall during May. According to the Met Office’s forecasts more snow and cold weather is on the way.

Source: The Scotsman

Featured image source: Cairngorm National Park

Tagged Cairngorm, Glencoe, Scotland, ski season