Week Commencing Wednesday 30th December 2009

The Week Ahead at CairnGorm Mountain

THE BEST CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SKIING FOR 14 YEARS

Over the four days since Christmas over 8000 skiers have been enjoying the excellent snow cover all over the hill and with temperatures set to remain below freezing until at least Tuesday 5^th January we expect to be able to continue to offer snowsports through Hogmanay. Strong winds and whiteout conditions at the top today meant that we had to restrict the uplift we opened to the lower slopes and the number of skiing tickets we sold. Although the wind is forecast to ease slightly on Thursday, blizzard conditions are still expected. The wind however is forecast to drop to give a another good skiing day on New Year’s Day with bright sunshine and only pockets of cloud, then more snow and blizzards from 2^nd January.

WE ARE OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY and every day thereafter.

Opening times

First funicular 9am (9.30am on 1^st Jan) but other surface uplift will usually operate from half an hour earlier. Last funicular up 3.20pm/down 4.00pm.

Car Parking

We expect to be very busy over the next few days so get here early to ensure you get into the car parks. Shuttle bus services will run from the Ciste car park if the two upper car parks are full.

Buying tickets

You can buy skiing tickets (but not ski hire) on-line on our website. You can also buy our great value 4 Day Skiing Tickets Vouchers on-line (£96 for adults and £58 for a child). Vouchers can be used any day this skiing season but only one voucher per day may be used. These on-line purchases need to be presented at the ranger base office on arrival and exchanged for a ticket for the day. A cash only desk for day ski tickets (no hire and no 2-day tickets) will operate from the side of the day lodge so visit a cash machine before you come on site for fast ticket purchase.

Equipment hire

You can hire here all the equipment you need including jackets and trousers but not goggles, gloves or hats – these can be purchased in our shops. If you don’t expect to be here early however you might be advised to hire off-site in Aviemore to avoid disappointment.

Instruction

Group and private skiing and snowboarding lessons are still available for most days but please book on 08455 191191.

Sledging

We will try to open the sledge park next to the Ptarmigan restaurant every day, conditions permitting. Buy a funicular only ticket to access this then purchase a sledging ticket in the shop at the top to hire your sledge and book your half hour slot. Only our sledges can be used in the sledge park. Please check at the ticket office that the park is open before purchasing your funicular ticket.

Bus Service – there will be no SUNDAY bus service to and from CairnGorm Mountain until further notice. The last bus down the mountain to Aviemore leaves at 4.40pm.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK

Hogmanay: Wind NE 25-30mph gusting 50mph. Snow and blizzard conditions. Extensive cloud lifting and breaking in patches. Temp -4C at 900m.

New Year’s Day: Wind N 10-20mph. Snow showers and well-broken cloud. Periods of bright sunshine. Temp -4C at 900m.

Outlook: Remaining cold with snow and blizzards but some bright intervals into next week.

FOOD & DRINK & SHOPPING

The Cas Bar and Mountain Shop in the Day Lodge will be open at 9.00am (9.30am on 1^st Jan.) The Cas Bar is now a public WiFi access zone. So get connected in comfort there.

In order to minimize queues please try to avoid peak times for lunch in the Ptarmigan.

The Shop at the Top & the Mountain Shop still have a good selection of discounted 2 010 calendars by Phil Banks, Colin Prior and Colin Baxter, featuring the Munros, Cairngorm Mountains, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s Wild Places and Scotland’s Artists.

All now 25% off. Also in stock, a wide range of hats by Barts, Serious, Screamer, Pachamama as well as gloves, Bolle goggles, balaclavas, Buffs, neck gaiters; everything you need for a snowy day on the hill.

Warm yourself with a nip of CairnGorm’s exclusive new 16-year-old Ptarmigan malt whisky. This fine Speyside single malt has been maturing for 16 years in a single sherry cask. It has a rich mellow character, with mulled fruits and spices, balanced with a hint of peat smoke. Available in 70cl bottles in a gift presentation tube (£29.95) or in 5cl miniature size at £4.95.

CairnGorm Mountain now has a Twitter.com page. We plan to tweet reminders on important topics like events and morning updates as we get into the winter season. To become a follower go to http://twitter.com/CairngormMtn

BUYING FUNICULAR TICKETS

Purchase funicular tickets online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency-CAIRNGORM&organ_val=24897&schedule=list&event_val=MR09

or at the ticket office in Coire Cas. Funicular tickets are also on sale at the Aviemore Tourist Office, at Aviemore Highland Resort and at Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel.

Have a great Hogmanay and come and enjoy the snow soon.