“Epic” Conditions in Scotland

Ski areas in Scotland have been reporting conditions they described as "Epic" after cold weather, enough fresh snowfall to open runs beyond the machine-made snow areas, and a lack of strong winds came together in a rare combination of the elements to deliver near perfect conditions.

“What an epic day!” a Cairngorm spokesperson commented on Thursday evening. “What a day. Let’s hope the weekend brings out the sunshine for some epic snowsports conditions,” a statement from The Lecht added.

The good conditions follow over a week of mostly subzero temperatures and light to moderate snowfall, heaviest in Aberdeenshire and the east of the country, particularly at the centres of The Lecht, Glenshee and Cairngorm.

The Lecht is in particularly good shape with the centre reporting on Friday morning,

“All runs have great snow cover, all tows will need de-iced this morning so we will gradually get things going. …(The) hill is looking fantastic this morning, we are working hard to get some uplift working, everything requires de-iced and it all takes time.”

Cairngorm report that the M1 Poma and M1 piste are open today with the Ptarmigan Bowl now full width, the Ciste Fairway has improved in depth and width. The Upper Cas is improving, with good conditions on the down line and a fully pisted run is open from the top to the Base Station via Shieling, Cottam’s Way and Home Road. They also plan to open the M2 (full width) and Daylodge (narrow with thinner cover near the base).

Glenshee they expect to run around seven lifts on Friday. There’s thought to have been less snowfall so far in Western Scotland and Glencoe is currently operating a sledging run as well as a nursery slope area on its snow covered dry slope which is served by a conveyor lift. It’s access chair also provides fast access to higher terrain for ski tourers.

Although conditions are the best they’ve been in several years, there’s still limited terrain open compared to full operations, so all centres are limiting ticket sales to prevent slope overcrowding and ensure safety, especially at weekends. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, although at quieter periods midweek might be available to walk-ins.

At time of writing Cairngorm most recently reported their lift Passes are currently sold out until Sunday 11 January.

“A limited number of walk-in passes may be available, but this is not guaranteed due to capacity and expected number of Season Pass holders. Please only travel if you’re comfortable with the possibility you may not be able to ski or snowboard,” a spokesperson said.