Cairngorm Mountain confirms opening date for new snowsports season
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Cairngorm Mountain has said that the slopes will open on December 22 for the new winter season and bosses have admitted it has been a frustrating time for all connected with the resort.
There is on-going uncertainty over when the Cairngorm funicular will be back in operation. It has not run since the end of August and its return date has kept getting pushed back.
A resort spokesperson said: "The temporary closure of the funicular railway is a frustrating situation for our customers and for the entire team at Cairngorm Mountain.
"Our parent company, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), its main contractor Balfour Beatty and project consultants continue to manage the current programme of snagging works for which they are contractually responsible.
"Cairngorm Mountain is responsible for the operation of the visitor site and we are doing our best to maintain operations with the other facilities that are within our control.
"Due to ongoing technical difficulties coupled with the approach of the winter weather we have been given no definitive date yet for the railway re-opening.
"We have therefore made some operational changes for the winter season. This will ensure we can all enjoy the wide range of activities available at the resort as much as we can.
"We are pleased to confirm that our winter season will open on Friday 22 December. The SnowFactory will be operational from the end of November, and this guarantees snow for the beginners’ zone for the opening date.
"If we also have some real snow by that time, the surface lifts will be operating, and the team will do its best to ensure we have snowsports for as many people as we can safely accommodate.
"At weekends, if there is no real snow, the tubing slides will be open for family-friendly tubing activities.
"The Ptarmigan building will remain closed until we have full snow coverage. Both the Cairngorm Café and Cas Bar will be open from the beginning of the winter season in the Day Lodge Building together with The Mountain Shop which is undergoing an exciting refurbishment.
"Once the season is under way our ticket office will be open every day in the Base Station together with ski hire in the Day Lodge as normal.
The resort has also provided an update on ticketing arrangements.
She said: "we need to keep a check on capacity and numbers using the resort. This means that season pass numbers will be capped and priority will be given to previous season pass holders on a first come first served basis.
"As a gesture of goodwill our early bird pricing will remain in place all season and we will also offer a generous discount on our day passes until the funicular is back in service.
"We will announce the launch of season pass online applications within the next week together with our pricing structure of day passes. As always, parking will be free throughout the winter season in our refurbished main car park."
The spokeswoman added: "Whilst the team at Cairngorm is disappointed with this current situation, we will continue to do all we can to make Cairngorm Mountain the exciting and exhilarating destination it has always been.
"We aim to maximise opportunities for our winter visitors. We look forward to welcoming all our guests for another snowsports season with us."
