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Friday, December 23rd, 2011
With Christmas on the horizon, thoughts at What’s On HQ invariably turn to food! Namely what locally grown produce we will be piling on our plates this festive season and the abundance of restaurants and hotels that will be serving up a host of treats on their menus.
So, to satisfy ourselves we caught up with three chefs around the Cairngorms National Park to discuss all things food and ask them how they will be celebrating the 2011 festive season. Prepare to abandon the diet until New Year!
Rebecca Ferrand is head chef at Muckrach Lodge
Chris McCall is head chef at The Old Bridge Inn
Neil Keevill is head chef at Loch Kinord Hotel
- How did you become a chef?
NK - I was meant to go to Abertay Uni to study chemical engineering, but spent the summer working as a KP in a hotel and when the commis chef failed to appear one day I stepped in – that was 17 years ago and I have still to go to uni!
RF - Muckrach was my first experience of running a hotel with a restaurant, and a very steep learning curve indeed. I delight in discovering new tastes, new food experiences, and I wanted to impart some of this joy in the food we served.
- What’s your perfect Christmas day meal ?
CM - For me, it’s breast of wild Gunknowe Loch grouse with all the traditional trimmings.
RF – With the great company of friends and family I much prefer goose to turkey. Goose is harder to cook and takes time and patience but it is really worth the effort as the meat is rich, dark, gamy and warming. Goose fat roasted potatoes with thyme and a sprinkling of sea salt makes a perfect partner with this wonderful bird. And of course finished with a Christmas pudding. I try and make mine in late August, so it has months for the flavours to meld together.
NK – Roast goose, bread sauce and all the trimmings
3. What food or smell puts you in a festive frame of mind?
NK – nice aromatic flavours like cinnamon and cloves
RF – The delightful smell of mince pies cooking in the oven with slightly puffed pasty and the wonderful tangy taste of the mince meat. The sweet bonfire smell of cinnamon and rum and the dark alluring scent of molasses sugar. The bouquet of pine cones and mulled wine with its lovely aroma of stewed plums and of course the tangy, zesty fragrance oranges.
CM - The warm aroma of mulled wine and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
4.What local produce is always on your shopping list?
NK – at the hotel we get our meat from small local independent suppliers – our pork and lamb come from Wark Farm in Cushnie and pure Aberdeen Angus beef comes from Cairnton Farm near Lumphanan.
CM - White mountain hare, Sikka deer – especially the haunch for smoking on our in-house smoker and the loin for searing – and Clava Brie.
RF – The venison is outstanding, so it’s always on the menu when it is available – it’s wild off the hills around Tomintoul and has dark rich meat that goes so well with Juniper, a local plant. We serve it with the truly remarkable and very special venison haggis, which is the king of Scotland’s famous pudding. I also love the local Speyside smoked salmon with rich oaky flavours that just comes alive with a little lemon juice and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
5. Best Christmas Eve or Boxing Day dish?
RF- Cold goose with baked potatoes loaded with softly melting Stilton, buttery and creamy, soft velvety brie and hard pungent cheddar. Crisp crunchy homemade coleslaw; tart, vinegary pickled onions that crunch when you bite into them, soft and yummy warm bread, pickles and homemade chutney. All washed down with a good glass of red wine. Then fried Christmas pudding and mince pies with a glass of port.
NK – I love having cold turkey or goose on Boxing Day with bubble and squeak made from the left over vegetables
6. Who cooks at Christmas in your household?
CM – I normally cook but I tend to leave the mess for everyone else to clean up!
RF – Since we’ve been here and I’ve been cooking I tend to. Last year the family came up and we all had a great time!
- Any Christmas foods you wouldn’t touch with a barge pole?
RF - Cheap, nasty mince pies – you know, 48 pies for 20p. Intensively reared deep frozen turkey that dries to dust as soon as you put it in the oven. Tinned Christmas pudding – eugh!
8. And lastly, what’s the best thing about Christmas in the Cairngorms?
NK – The fact that you are almost guaranteed a white Christmas!
RF – The snow, the reindeer, the scenery, the whisky, the wonderful crisp cold weather, warm fires and the smell of pine and finally the great people.
CM - The stunning scenery and being with my good friends at the Old Bridge Inn!
Posted in aviemore, ballater, Balmoral, Boat of Garten, braemar, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, Carr Bridge, crathes, Cromdale, Dulnain Bridge, festivals, food, grantown on spey, Kingussie, laggan, music, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, picnic aviemore, restaurants, royal deeside, Strathspey Steam Train, whisky | No Responses »
Tags: aviemore, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, christmas, food, gluhwein, mince pies, mulled wine, turkey
Friday, May 13th, 2011
Have a look at this video if you need a little help imagining the beauty of and fun to be had in the Cairngorms National Park or just if you need a wee reminder!
Just click on the Cairngorms National Park link below:
Cairngorms National Park Video
For more information visit the Cairngorms National Park website
Posted in Accommodation Aviemore, aviemore, aviemore activities, aviemore hotels, Boat of Garten, cairngorms, canoeing, canyoning and gorge walking, Carr Bridge, festivals, food, Golf, grantown on spey, kayaking, Kingussie, laggan, loch morlich, mountain biking, music, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, picnic aviemore, restaurants, Shinty, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Strathspey Steam Train, walking aviemore, watersports, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, aviemore, cairngorms national park
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
SNOWSPORTS
CairnGorm Mountain will be closed on Christmas day but open for snowsports on Boxing Day and every day thereafter weather permitting. The forecast for 26th however is for strong winds on tops which may limit what it is possible to open but we will open everything we can weather-permitting
TICKETS AND PRICES
Our day skiing ticket prices are £30.80 for adults, £22.50 for seniors and students and £18.50 for juniors. 4-day vouchers for £102.40 (juniors £61.60) are also on sale online or at the Ticket Office. They can be used on any day throughout the season until the end of April 2011 but only one voucher per day from each book can be used.
If you don’t have a season ticket and you do not need to hire equipment, there are quicker ways onto the slopes:
1. Buy tickets at Aviemore Ski & Board Hire in Aviemore(01479 811711)
2. Bring cash (we don’t have an ATM machine on site) and pay at the cash only desk at the Disability Snowsports UK office which can be found on the right hand side of the Day Lodge as you look up the hill. This desk handles adult, junior, senior, student, family (2+2) day tickets only. It does not handle ski hire, 2 day tickets, discounts, credit cards, afternoon tickets or vouchers.
3. Buy online and take your booking reference to the Ranger Base to exchange it for a day ticket or voucher book.
Please be ready to show your ticket to the lift operator at all lifts. Snowboarders must use a safety leash at all times on CairnGorm Mountain.
SEASON TICKETS
Please note that we have suspended the sale of season tickets until the end of December. We will review the situation then and consider whether we put any more tickets on sale. If you have already purchased, but not yet uplifted a season ticket you may collect your pass from the Ticket Office. However please be prepared to queue if you come to collect it over the holiday period.
HIRE
Ski Hire will be open every day from 8.30am at CairnGorm, so you can hire any kit you need but there are also several places in Aviemore where you can hire. We can sell out of hire by mid morning when we are very busy which we expect to be over the next two weeks.
PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Get here early if you want to be sure of getting into the Cas car parks. We have also arranged for a greatly enhanced public bus service to run 3 times hourly (from 6.35am up to 18.10 down) from Aviemore to CairnGorm Mountain Car Park. This service will run from 26 Dec -9 Jan inclusive and the timetable for it is attached. We would encourgage customers to use this as it will drop them right at the entrance to the ticket office next to the Base Station. Normal fares apply to this service. Shuttle buses which are free will be running between the Ciste and Cas car parks throughout the day until 9 Jan.
AVALANCHE RISK
Off-piste skiers please beware there is still a moderate to considerable avalanche risk.
OPENING TIMES
Throughout the holday period the ticket office will open at 8.30am with the first train up at 9.00am, possibly later depending on weather conditions. Last train up 3.30pm. Last train down 4.00pm. Lower lifts will open from 8.30am and lifts will start closing from 3.30pm.
Cas Bar and Mountain Shop will open daily from 8.30am until 4.30pm
Ptarmigan open daily from 9.00am until 4.00pm.
INSTRUCTION
The Ski School is busy but still has availability for group and private lessons. To book a lesson call 08455 191191. They will also be running ‘Rudolf’s Revenge ’2-day courses for children aged 5 and under 27-28 and 30-31 Dec.
SKI AMBASSADORS
Our volunteer ski ambassadors are running free guided tours of the hill daily at 11.30 and 2.00pm. Meet them on the top platform at these times if you want join one of these tours. They wear bright yellow jackets.
SLEDGE PARK
At the moment it is too icy to open the Sledge Park, however we hope to have it open over the holiday if conditions permit. Please check at the ticket office if the sledge park is open before buying your funicular ticket to get there. Only CairnGorm Mountain sledges may be used and they can be hired in the Shop at the Top for £5 per half hour session.
SEARCH DOG DEMOS
For non-skiers we will be running search dog demos by the lovable lurcher Moudy and his handler David Benson on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th Dec at 11.00am. Meet in the T bar upstairs from the Cas Bar. Demonstrations last approx 40 mins and are free but donations to the Scottish Search and Rescue Dog Assosiaction are welcome. Wrap up warm for these outside demos.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 25th December: Wind NW 20mph. Dry, cloud free with patchy sun and good visibility. Temp at 900m -3C. Freezing level sea level, all terrain frozen.
Sunday 26th December: Wind 30-50mph gusting 90mph on tops and ridges. Snow developing later. Cloud increasing and lowering as day progresses. Weak sunshine and some good visibility turning hazy. Temp at 900m -4 to -2C. Freezing level at sea level, all terrain frozen.
Outlook: Upland gales, pockets of freezing rain. Cloud confined to higher summits. Little sun but good visibility. Dry weather with overnight frost returning later in the week.
Every day
Visit the Christmas shop in the Mountain Shop next to the Base Station for lots of gift ideas. Open daily 10.00am to 4.30pm. Great shopping in the Shop at the Top in the Ptarmigan as well. Look out for clothing, skiing essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories.
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
The Big Freeze exhibition of photographs taken by staff from last winter is on display in the T Bar and on the stairs up to it and in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale.
Euan Baxter, local photographer and snowsports enthusiast is displaying his collection of winter photographs Vanishing Tracks in the Ptarmigan Restaurant (closes 4.00pm) until the end of December. Inspired by 30 winters spent in Strathspey, Euan is transfixed by the beauty of these months and the ever-changing conditions. Mounted and framed prints are on sale.
Eating and drinking: Hot rolls are back being served in the mornings in both the Cas Bar and the Ptarmigan Restaurant to get you warmed up ready for skiing. Delicious home-baking can be found every day in our restaurant and cafe bar, and hot meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant. ‘The Chocolate Mountain’, a huge concoction of hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream beckons in both locations. Or enjoy a mulled wine at the end of the day to help soothe the aching bones.
Posted in aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, food, restaurants, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, Winter
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
RIDE THE TRAIN FOR £1, VISIT EXHIBITIONS & THE XMAS SHOP
Ride the Train for £1 – On Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November We have a special promotion for residents of Badenoch & Strathspey (Postcode areas PH19-PH26) offering them a ride on the funicular for £1 on any of these 4 dates. Cut out the voucher in this week’s or next week’s Strathspey and Badenoch Herald and bring it to the ticket office with a utility bill confirming your residence in the area and you will be able to buy up to 2 funicular tickets per voucher. In return we would like your email contact details so we can keep you posted about events at CairnGorm. Terms and conditions apply.
OPENING TIMES
November opening – the funicular will be open every day in November
First train up 10.20am. Last train up 3.30pm. Last train down 4.00pm
Cas Bar and Mountain Shop open daily from 10.00am until 4.30pm
Ptarmigan open daily from 10.20am until 4.00pm
Every day
Visit the Christmas shop in the Mountain Shop next to the Base Station for lots of decorations, cards and gift ideas. More stock arriving each day. Open daily 10.00am to 4.30pm
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
The Big Freeze exhibition of photographs taken by staff from last winter is on display in the T Bar and on the stairs up to it and in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale. Please note that the T bar will be closed between 2.00 and 3.00pm on Friday 5th November.
Jane Lannagan, Tomintoul-based artist is back in the Base Station with her latest collection of batik artwork, some of which are inspired by Cairn Gorm itself. Pictures are for sale.
Euan Baxter, local photographer and snowsports enthusiast is displaying his collection of winter photographs Vanishing Tracks in the Ptarmigan Restaurant (closes 4.00pm) until the end of December. Inspired by 30 winters spent in Strathspey, Euan is transfixed by the beauty of these months and the ever-changing conditions. Mounted and framed prints are on sale.
Walk Up, Train Down
Visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing/footwear advised.
Camera Obscura: This free attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape.
The Igloo: Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the T-Bar.
Shopping: Look out for clothing, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories in our shops.
Eating and drinking: Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant. ‘The Chocolate Mountain’, a huge concoction of hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream beckons in both locations.
Wildlife this week: Ptarmigan, now in winter plumage can be found high up but mainly on Windy Ridge. A few Snow Bunting can be seen on the summits and Black Grouse can be seen early in the morning on the approach road. Red Grouse can be seen and heard on moorland near the car park. A flock of approximately 30 Fieldfare can be seen near the Day Lodge and Meadow Pipit are around in large flocks. The alpine garden is dying back for winter.
Coming Soon
Saturday 13th November – Dannsa step-dance display in the T bar at 12 noon until 12.30pm to launch their step-dance tutorial DVD. Live fiddle and guitar music. For more information contact lyn@lynmcnicolpr.co.uk
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 5th November: Wind W/NW 25mph. Intermittent showers. Periods of extensive cloud but some sunshine giving excellent visibility away from cloud and showers. Temp at 900m 1C. Freezing level 1000m.
Saturday 6th November: Wind N 20-25mph. Frequent snow showers above 450m. Cloud above 1000m but lower in snow. Intermittent bouts of sun giving good visibility but poor in snow. Temp at 900m -2C. Freezing level 700m.
Outlook: Cloud clearing summits followed by snow showers. Cold.
Posted in art exhibition, aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, food, restaurants, walking aviemore, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, music, Weather, whats on
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
WALKING, SNOW, SEARCH DOG DEMOS, EXHIBITIONS & XMAS SHOP
Friday 22nd October & EVERY DAY until the end of October The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks.
Thursday 28th October: The final Search & Rescue Dog Demo with Benny and Moudy 11.30am. Meet at the Ranger Base for the final and very popular 40-minute demonstration and talk about the work of mountain rescue dogs with Benny and his rescue dog, Moudy. Come dressed for the weather. Free but donations to SARDA welcome.
Website Survey – We would love your comments regarding our website. Please can you take a moment to fill out this 5 minute http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWBNLVC
Also every day
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
The Big Freeze exhibition of photographs taken by staff from last winter is on display in the T Bar and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale.
Jane Lannagan, Tomintoul based artist is back in the Base Station with her latest collection of batik artwork, some of which are inspired by Cairn Gorm itself. Pictures are for sale.
Euan Baxter, local photographer and snowsports enthusiast is displaying his collection of winter photographs Vanishing Tracks in the Ptarmigan Restaurant until the end of December. Inspired by 30 winters spent in Strathspey, Euan is transfixed by the beauty of these months and the ever changing conditions. Mounted and framed prints are on sale.
Walk Up, Train Down
Visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing/footwear advised.
Camera Obscura: This free attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape.
The Igloo: Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the T-Bar.
Shopping: Look out for great clothing, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories in our shops. Christmas shop in the Mountain Shop now open with lots of decorations, cards and gift ideas with more stock arriving each day.
Eating and drinking: Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant. ‘The Chocolate Mountain’, a huge concoction of hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream beckons in both locations.
Wildlife this week: Ptarmigan, now in half winter plumage can be found high up but also on the Windy Ridge. Snow Bunting can be seen on the summits and Black Grouse can be seen during early morning on the link road. Red Grouse can be heard in the moorland up to 800m and frequently seen and heard on the heather moor. Blackbirds have been seen eating the rowan berries. The garden is now dying back with the first snow of the winter. Work to the Windy Ridge path continues.
COMING SOON
November opening – funicular open every day in November except 1st, 2nd & 3rd but the Cas Bar and Mountain Shop will be open on those days.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 22nd October: Wind SE 10-20mph changing to SW 20-30mph gusting to 45mph. Steady snow down to 600m and rain, but finally clearing. Cloud will eventually lift. Temp at 900m -1C rising to 3C.
Saturday 23rd October: Wind E 15-20mph & threat of Ne to N 35mph gusting to 55mph by dusk. Rain turning to snow on the tops before easing. Extensive cloud with little sunshine. Some excellent visibility at times. Temp at 900m 2C falling to 0C.
Outlook: Relatively milder, moister air should extend north on Friday with some drizzly rain and low cloud on western hills. Strengthening winds with some rain turning to snow across mountains on its northern edge followed by wintry showers and then briefly fine cold weather with night frost before milder wetter conditions extend from the southwest around Tuesday.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.00pm (last down at 4.30pm).
UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org.
Posted in art exhibition, aviemore, cairngorms, food, restaurants, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, walking aviemore, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on, Winter
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
HALF TERM: WALKING, SKI SHOW, SEARCH DOG DEMOS & XMAS SHOP
Friday 15th October & EVERY DAY until the end of October The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks.
16th and 17th October – Scotland’s Ski & Snowboard Show at Glasgow SECC
Come and visit all your favourite Scottish Ski Resorts on Stand 67. Everything you could need for the winter season: research and book your winter break, purchase ski and snowboarding equipment at exclusive show prices! As well as this, you can grab a cold beer from the log cabin apres-ski bar, listen to live music and watch some of the world’s best professional ski and snowboarders take part in the Freestyle Jumps Show! Book your tickets now and quote SSSScairn promo code to get a 2 for 1 discount. Book Ski Show Tickets
Thursday 21st October: Search & Rescue Dog Demo with Benny and Moudy 11.30am
Meet at the Ranger Base for the second 40-minute demonstration and talk about the work of mountain rescue dogs with Benny and his rescue dog, Moudy. Come dressed for the weather. Free but donations to SARDA welcome. There will be another demo on 28th October too.
Website Survey
We would love your comments regarding our website. Please can you take a moment to fill out this 5 minute http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWBNLVC
Also every day
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
The Big Freeze exhibition of photographs from last winter is on display in the T Bar and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale.
Jane Lannagan, Tomintoul based artist is back in the Base Station with her latest collection of batik artwork, some of which are inspired by Cairn Gorm itself. Pictures are for sale.
Euan Baxter, local photographer and snowsports enthusiast will be displaying his collection of winter photographs in the Ptarmigan Bar and Cas Bar from Saturday until the end of December. A great collection to get everyone in the mood for another snowy winter! Mounted and framed prints will be on sale.
Walk Up, Train Down
Visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing/footwear advised.
Camera Obscura
This free attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape.
The Igloo
Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the T-Bar.
Shopping
Look out for great clothing, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories in our shops. Don’t forget our Ptarmigan 16-year-old malt whisky in full 70cl bottles and miniatures. Christmas shop in the Mountain Shop now open with lots of decorations, cards and gift ideas.
Eating and drinking
Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant.
Wildlife this week
Ptarmigan, now in half winter plumage can be found high on the plateau. Snow Bunting can be seen on the summits and Black Grouse can be seen during early morning on the link road. Red Grouse can be found on the lower moors. The garden is now dying back but is full of golden autumn colour. Work to the Windy Ridge path continues for 5 weeks.
COMING SOON
Thursday 28th October – Search & Rescue Demo’s with Benny & Moudy – 11.30am
Meet at the Ranger Base for the final 40-minute demonstration of a mountain rescue with Benny and his rescue dog, Moudy. Come dressed for the weather. Free but donations to SARDA welcome.
November opening – funicular open every day in November except 1st, 2nd & 3rd.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 15th October: Wind NW 30-35mph with gusts up to 50mph, showers with cloud and snow on the highest summits, some sunshine. Temp at 900m 3C.
Saturday 16th October: Wind N 20mph but dropping away. A few snow showers above 800m. Cloudy but clearing in the afternoon. Some bursts of sunshine. Excellent visibility but poor at times. Temp at 900m 2C.
Outlook: A cold front moving in with a dusting of snow for the highest areas of Scotland. Little wind and and very clear air. Winds will increase through the week with patchy showery rain. Gales on higher summits and showers mid week will turn to snow as the temperature drops.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.00pm (last down at 4.30pm). UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org. You can also follow us on Twitter at cairngormmtn.
Posted in aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, restaurants, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, walking aviemore, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
WALKING, EXHIBITIONS, AUTUMN COLOURS, PORRIDGE
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Friday 1st October & EVERY DAY until the end of October The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks.
Wednesday 6th October – The UK’s Highest Porridge Breakfast: 10.30am – 12 noon
At the Ptarmigan Restaurant, enjoy a hearty bowl of porridge at the UK’s highest restaurant for a donation to Mary’s Meals, a Scottish charity feeding 4m. needy children across the world.
Base Station Refurbishment – for the next week.
The Base Station is closed at present. The Ticket Office has relocated to the Ranger Base. Entry to the funicular through the lower doors (leading to the toilets) and up the back stairs.
Website Survey
We would love your comments regarding our website. Please can you take a moment to fill out this 5 minute http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWBNLVC
Also every day
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
Moving Mountain Exhibition –LAST CHANCE TO SEE!
Wild, vibrant abstracts in acrylic, oil and charcoal. Large and small works for sale by local artist Sheena Wilson plus
Lost – Hands Reunited
A glove sculpture work in progress and an opportunity to find long-lost ski gloves! In the T bar until 4th October. Free.
The Big Freeze Exhibition
Photographs from last winter is on display in part of the T Bar and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale.
Walk Up, Train Down
Visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing/footwear advised.
Camera Obscura
This free attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape.
The Igloo
Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the Base Station.
Shopping
Look out for great clothing, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories in our shops. Don’t forget our Ptarmigan 16-year-old malt whisky in full 75cl bottles and miniatures.
Eating and drinking
Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant.
Wildlife this week
Family groups of Ptarmigan are spreading out. Snow Bunting can be seen on the summits and Red Grouse can be seen on the lower moors up to 800m. Meadow Pipit are in flocks of 30-40+ and Black Grouse can be seen regularly during early morning on the link road.
COMING SOON
Saturday 9th October – The Charmer 12-mile adventure running and cycling relay – 11.00am
Come and watch competitors at the start and finish of this race in the car park. In aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. To participate contact events@chss.org.uk www.thecharmer.org
Thursday 14th, 21st, 28th October – Search & Rescue Demo’s with Benny & Maudy – 11.30am
Meet at the Ranger Base for a one hour demonstration of a mountain rescue with Benny and his rescue dog, Maudy. Come dressed for the weather. Free but donations to SARDA welcome.
16th and 17th October – Scotland’s Ski & Snowboard Show at Glasgow SECC
Come and visit all your favourite Scottish Ski Resorts on Stand 67. Packed with everything you could need for the winter season, the show will provide the opportunity to research and book your winter break and purchase all of your ski and snowboarding equipment from the best retailers around – all at exclusive show prices! As well as this, you can grab a cold beer from the log cabin apres-ski bar, listen to live music and watch some of the world’s best professional ski and snowboarders take part in the Freestyle Jumps Show! Book your tickets now and quote SSSScairn promo code to get a 2 for 1 discount. Book Ski Show Tickets
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 1st October: Wind S 50mph with gusts up to 90mph easing, easing late in the day. Widespread rain and cloud, little sun. Temp at 900m 7C.
Saturday 2nd October: Wind S 25mph with gusts up to 50mph. A few brief heavy showers but sunshine at times. Temp at 900m 6C.
Outlook: Very unsettled conditions with frequent periods of strong to gale force winds, rain and cloud often covering higher areas. Fairly mild temperatures.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office (In the Ranger Base) and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.00pm (last down at 4.30pm).
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Tags: activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms national park, restaurant, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, Weekend, whats on, Winter
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
WALKING, EXHIBITIONS, AUTUMN COLOURS, SEASON PASSES
Friday 24th September & EVERY DAY – The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks.
Snowsports Season Ticket Application forms for 2010/2011
Get your application and photo in this week before the price goes up on 1st October. Download it at: http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/snow-sports-at-cairngorm-mountain .
Tuesday 28th September for approximately one week – Base Station Refurbishment.
During this time the Base Station will be closed. Ticket Office will relocate to the Ranger Base. Entry to the funicular through the lower doors (leading to the toilets) and up the back stairs.
Website Survey
We would love your comments regarding our website. Please can you take a moment to fill out this 5 minute http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWBNLVC
Also every day
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
Moving Mountain Exhibition –EXTENDED TO 4th OCTOBER!
Wild, vibrant abstracts in acrylic, oil and charcoal. Large and small works for sale by local artist Sheena Wilson plus Lost – Hands reunited – a glove sculpture work in progress and an opportunity to find long-lost ski gloves! In the T bar until 4th October. Free.
The Big Freeze Exhibition
Photographs from last winter is on display in part of the T Bar and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations. Many of the pictures are for sale.
Walk Up, Train Down
For an exhilarating half day, visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing and footwear advised.
Camera Obscura
This free attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape.
The Igloo
Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the Base Station.
Shopping
Look out for great clothing ranges, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories and our latest exclusive CairnGorm buff in the Mountain Shop and the Shop at the Top. Don’t forget our Ptarmigan 16-year-old malt whisky available in full 75cl bottles and 5cl miniatures.
Eating and drinking
Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the mountain-top restaurant.
Wildlife this week
Family groups of Ptarmigan are still around. Snow Bunting can be seen above 900m and Red Grouse can be seen on the lower moors. Meadow Pipit can be seen in flocks of 30-40+. The garden is becoming very autumnal in colour.
COMING SOON
Wednesday 6th October – The UK’s Highest Porridge Breakfast: 10.30am – 12 noon
At the Ptarmigan Restaurant, enjoy a hearty bowl of porridge at the UK’s highest restaurant for a donation to Mary’s Meals, a Scottish charity feeding 4m. needy children across the world.
Thursday 14th, 21st, 28th October – Search & Rescue Demo’s with Benny & Maudy – 11.30am
Meet at the Ranger Base for a one hour demonstration of a mountain rescue with Benny and his rescue dog, Maudy. Come dressed for the weather. Free but donations to SARDA welcome.
16th and 17th October – Scotland’s Ski & Snowboard Show at Glasgow SECC
Come and visit all your favourite Scottish Ski Resorts on Stand 67. Packed with everything you could need for the winter season, the show will provide the opportunity to research and book your winter break and purchase all of your ski and snowboarding equipment from the best retailers around – all at exclusive show prices! As well as this, you can grab a cold beer from the log cabin apres-ski bar, listen to live music and watch some of the world’s best professional ski and snowboarders take part in the Freestyle Jumps Show! Book your tickets now and quote SSSScairn promo code to get a 2 for 1 discount. Book Ski Show Tickets
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 25th September: Wind N 40mph with gusts of 55mph easing, easing later to 25mph. Hail and snow flurries. Cloudy but some bright sunshine. Temp at 900m 2C.
Saturday 26th September: Wind N 20mph. Snow flurries and cloud free skies at times. Temp at 900m 0C or 1C.
Outlook: Fine weather will persist until next week. Extensive bright sun but cloudy at times. Winds will fall but will be cold with widespread frost in valleys and higher summits.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.00pm (last down at 4.30pm). UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org. You can also follow us on Twitter at cairngormmtn. Watch out for our latest offers on www.vouchercloud.com
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Tags: Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, restaurant, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on, Winter
Monday, September 13th, 2010
Friday 10th September & EVERY DAY – The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks.
Sunday 12th September Highland Nordic Roller Ski Race 9.00am -12noon
Roller ski race up the ski road from Glenmore to Coire Cas car park. Free to spectators.
Sunday 12th September Cairngorm Brewery Beer Tasting 12noon – 3.00pm
Sample a range of delicious beers from the renowned Cairngorm Brewery in the Ptarmigan Bar at the top station. Free.
Also every day
Exhibitions 10.00am – 4.30pm
Moving Mountain Exhibition
Wild, vibrant abstracts in acrylic, oil and charcoal. Large and small works for sale by local artist Sheena Wilson plus Lost – Hands reunited – a glove sculpture work in progress and an opportunity to find long-lost ski gloves! In the T bar until 30th September. Free.
The Big Freeze Exhibition
Staff photographs from last winter is on display in part of the T Bar and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations around the Day Lodge. Many of the pictures are for sale. The Spirit of Speyside exhibition of this year’s photographic competition winners sponsored by Benromach whisky is on display in the Base Station until Monday 13th September.
Walk Up, Train Down
For an exhilarating half day, visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station via the walkers’ entrance and visit the restaurant, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing and footwear advised.
Camera Obscura
This attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape projected onto a table in front of them. Entry is free and it is open every day.
The Igloo: Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the Base Station.
The Skidoo: Fancy getting aboard a snowmobile in among the snow? Our new photo point in the top station provides a great opportunity for you to be seen aboard one of these vehicles against a snowy CairnGorm Mountain backdrop. Free to funicular passengers.
Shopping
Look out for great clothing ranges, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories and our latest exclusive CairnGorm buff in the Mountain Shop and the Shop at the Top. Don’t forget our Ptarmigan 16-year-old malt whisky available in full 75cl bottles and 5cl miniatures.
Eating and Drinking
Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the restaurant. ‘The Chocolate Mountain’, a huge concoction of hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream beckons in both locations.
Wildlife this week: Family groups of Ptarmigan are still around. Snow Bunting can be seen above 900m and Dotterel are still on the plateau but will soon be leaving. Red Grouse can be seen on the lower moors, Pied Wagtail are around the car parks and there are still a few remaining Ring Ouzel, mainly at Coire Na Ciste. In the garden heather is still blooming alongside Hare Bells. Moss Campion and Marsh Marigolds are flowering.
SNOWSPORTS SEASON TICKETS FOR 2010/11
An application form pdf download is available on the right hand side of this link page. http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/snow-sports-at-cairngorm-mountain . Remember to return your forms to us by the end of September to get your pass at the pre-October price.
COMING SOON
Wednesday 6th October – The UK’s Highest Porridge Breakfast: 10.30am – 12 noon
At the Ptarmigan Restaurant, enjoy a hearty bowl of porridge at the UK’s highest restaurant for a donation to Mary’s Meals, a Scottish charity feeding 4m. needy children across the world.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 10th September: Wind S40-60, locally 70 mph easing later to 20-30mph. Areas of rain clearing later. Extensive cloud in morning, lifting and clearing later. Bright sunshine and good visibility away from cloud and rain. Temp at 900m 10-11C.
Saturday 11th September: Wind W 15-25, gusting 40mph. Rain clearing briefly in early afternoon. Extensive cloud gradually lifting and clearing summits. Bright sunshine and good visibility in early afternoon. Temp at 900m 9C.
Outlook: Upland gales and heavy rain especially in the west.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.00pm (last down at 4.30pm). UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org. You can also follow us on Twitter at cairngormmtn.
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Tags: activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, scotland, ski, Skiing, sledging, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on, whisky, Winter
Monday, August 30th, 2010
FINAL FLING AT CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Thursday 26th August – Highland Fling Ceilidh Night 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Cloud free skies are forecast for today and there are still some places left for tonight’s ceilidh – your last chance this year to come and join us for a night of delicious Scottish food, a beautiful sunset, and dancing to a lively ceilidh band in the Ptarmigan, the highest restaurant in the UK. Adult £24.50, Child (12 or under) £15.90, Family (2 adults & 2 children aged 12 or under)£65.50. Prices include funicular travel, a 3-course Highland buffet and dancing. Booking is essential so call us on 01479 861341 or book online.
Thursday 26th August & EVERY DAY – The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40
Join a guide to take you up on the funicular to the Ptarmigan building then out on a guided 90-minute walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm and back, before descending by the funicular. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Meet at Ranger Base 15 minutes prior to departure time. Booking advisable on-line at www.cairngormmountain.org. or in person at the ticket office. Adults £13, Students/seniors £12, Children (6-16) £10. (Includes funicular travel.) Friends of CairnGorm £5. Visitors may only exit the Ptarmigan building when on one of these walks. Please note that, in view of the popularity of these walks, the guided walks to the summit from the Base Station scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays in August have been cancelled.
Also every day
Exhibitions Red Earth Children is presenting Art with a Heart, an exhibition of Scottish landscape paintings by Sarah Cairncross and coastal abstract photographic prints by Simon Nicholas White in part of the T Bar gallery. This will be on display throughout August to raise awareness of, and funds for, HIV/AIDS afflicted children in rural Uganda with 50% of the proceeds of sales going to them.
The Big Freeze exhibition of staff photographs from last winter is on display in part of the T Bar gallery and on the stairs up to it as well as in various other locations around the Day Lodge. Many of the pictures are for sale.
The Spirit of Speyside exhibition of this year’s photographic competition winners sponsored by Benromach whisky is on display in the Base station until 13th September.
Walk Up, Train Down
For an exhilarating half day, visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of rewarding walking up one of our self-guided paths, enter the Ptarmigan top station via the walkers’ entrance and visit the restaurant, before continuing their walk or purchasing a down only train ticket. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Appropriate clothing and footwear advised.
Camera Obscura: This attraction is located in the Mountain Garden near the Base Station and enables visitors to see 360-degree real-time views of the surrounding landscape projected onto a table in front of them. Entry is free and it is open every day.
The Igloo: Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the Base Station.
The Skidoo: Fancy getting aboard a snowmobile in amongst the snow? Our new photopoint in the top station provides a great opportunity for you to be seen aboard one of these vehicles against a snowy CairnGorm Mountain back drop. Free to funicular passengers.
Shopping: Look out for great clothing ranges, walking essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories and our latest exclusive CairnGorm buff in the Mountain Shop and the Shop at the Top. Don’t forget our Ptarmigan 16-year-old malt whisky available in full 75cl bottles and 5cl miniatures.
Eating and drinking: Home-baking every day in our restaurant and cafe bar and hot meals featuring locally sourced ingredients in the restaurant. ‘The Chocolate Mountain’, a huge concoction of hot chocolate, marshmallows and cream beckons in both locations.
Wildlife this week: Ptarmigan (starting to change colour) and Snow Bunting can be seen above 900m. Dotterel, still on the plateau, will soon leave. Around car park level you may see Pied Wagtail and there are still a few Ring Ouzel around Coire Na Ciste. Red Grouse are around the lower moors. The Azure Hawker Dragonfly can be seen in the bog next to the Coire Na Ciste car park. Deer Sedge is turning the hill golden and all Heathers are in bloom too. In the mountain garden Oxeye daisies, Bog Asphodel and Starry Saxifrage are still flowering.
SNOWSPORTS SEASON TICKETS FOR 2010/11
Now on sale. An application form pdf download is available on the right hand side of this link page. http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/snow-sports-at-cairngorm-mountain
MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Thursday 26th August: Wind direction will vary, 10mph or less. Scattered heavy showers perhaps in afternoon. Cloud lifting above the summit by the afternoon, with only patches at 1100m. Patchwork of bright sunshine will develop. Visibility excellent/superb; Temp at 900m 5C rising to 8C
Friday 27th August: Wind NW 10-15mph. Heavy showers developing. Extensive cloud and patchy sunshine. Visibility generally excellent, but poor in rain. Temp at 900m 5C.
Outlook: Continuing chilly on the mountains, and also in valleys overnight. A ridge of high pressure brings a period of showery northwesterly winds and a good deal of fine weather across all mountain areas.
OPENING TIMES
Every day: Ticket Office and Cas Bar will be open at 10.00am. The first public train up will be at 10.20am, with the last train up at 4.20pm (last down at 5.00pm). UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org. You can also follow us on Twitter at cairngormmtn.
Posted in art exhibition, aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, food, restaurants, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, walking aviemore, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, restaurant, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, Weekend, whats on, Winter
