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Week commencing Friday 7th January 2011 at CairnGorm Mountain

Friday, January 7th, 2011

FANTASTIC SNOW CONDITIONS AT CAIRNGORM THIS WEEKEND

SNOWSPORTS
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snowsports every day weather permitting. All uplift should be operating except for the West Wall Poma and all areas of the mountain should be open except for the West Wall and Gullies. It is however possible to ski down Coire Laogh Mor. The forecast for the next couple of days is for some more snow showers with a mixture of cloud and sunshine and some excellent visibility but it will be quite windy at times. Pisted runs are skiing really well with fresh pisted powder on a firm base.

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, the quickest ways to get onto the slopes are:
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 which can be found on the left hand corner 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 present your voucher book there and exchange a voucher from it for a day ticket.

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
If you have already purchased, but not yet uplifted a season ticket you may collect your pass from the Ticket Office but you may have to queue to collect it at busy times – be prepared.

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 so please bear this in mind.

PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Get here early if you want to be sure of getting into the Cas car parks.
The enhanced public bus service – see timetable attached will run 3 times hourly (with the first bus up at 0630 and the last bus down at 1810) between Aviemore and CairnGorm Mountain Car Park until 9 Jan inclusive. Normal fares apply to this service. Look out for no. 34 on the front of the buses. Thereafter the public buses will revert back to their usual timetables. We are always keen to encourage customers to use the public buses as they will drop them right at the entrance to the ticket office next to the Base Station. Shuttle buses which are free will be running between the Ciste and Cas car parks throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

AVALANCHE RISK
Off-piste skiers please beware there is still a considerable avalanche risk.

OPENING TIMES 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 still has availability for group and private lessons. To book a lesson please call 08455 191191. Please only leave one message on this line. The Ski School will get back to you as soon as they can. Please also try to give a few days‘notice if you are phoning to book a lesson as they are extremely busy, or call in person a day or two beforehand.

DISIBILITY SNOWSPORTS UK
DSUK help people with disabilities to take part in snowsports by providing lessons for anyone with a disability. Their Adaptive Snowsports School is now beginning 7 days a week at CairnGorm from January until April. Prior booking is essential. To book one on-one instruction call 01479 861272 or email skischool@disibilitysnowsport.org.uk.

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
The Sledge Park will open whenever 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.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 8th January: Wind N or NW 20mph although in morning possibly 30mph gusting 45mph. A few snow showers, cloud may be widespread above 900m but will become patchy with some sunshine. Poor visibility in snow but otherwise very clear air with superb visibility. Temp at 900m -3C to -5C. Freezing level mainly at sea level.
Sunday 9th January: Wind NW 35mph gusting 55mph and easing toward 25mph. One or two snow showers possible. Intermittent cloud at 1000m, intermittent sunshine and very clear air. Temp at 900m -5C. Freezing level at glen level.
Outlook: Cold with some snow showers for a few days, but becoming milder and windier with a thaw of lying snow.

Every day
Great shopping in the Mountain Shop and the Shop at the Top. Look out for clothing, skiing essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories. 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.

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.

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Week commencing Friday 31st December 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR ON THE SLOPES OF CAIRNGORM

SNOWSPORTS
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snowsports on New Year’s Day and every day thereafter weather permitting. All uplift has been operating today and all runs have been open except the Ciste gullies. The forecast for the next couple of days is for moderate winds but largely dry and cloud-free with excellent visibility so we will open everything we can weather-permitting. Pisted runs are skiing really well but off-piste is still pretty hard and the avalanche risk there is considerable.

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 which can be found on the left hand corner 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 present your voucher book there and exchange a voucher from it for a day ticket.

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 and will review the situation at the end of next week to 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 course of the next ten days.

PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Get here early if you want to be sure of getting into the Cas car parks.
There has been a modification to the timetable for the enhanced public bus service it will run 3 times hourly (with the first bus up at 0630 and the last bus down at 1810) between Aviemore and CairnGorm Mountain Car Park. This service will run until 9 Jan inclusive. Look out for service no. 34 on the front of the buses. We would encourage 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 holiday 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. Please only leave one message on this line. The Ski School will get back to you as soon as they can. Please also try to give a few days‘ notice if you are phoning to book a lesson as they are extremely busy or call in person a day or two beforehand.

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
The Sledge Park will open whenever 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.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 1st January: Wind N 20-25mph. A few scattered snow flurries but largely dry with sunshine and excellent visibility. Temp at 900m -3C. Freezing level 300m.
Sunday 2nd January: Wind N 15-20mph. Isolated snow flurries. Little cloud, extensive sunshine and excellent visibility. Temp at 900m -5C. Freezing level at sea level.
Outlook: Milder conditions and westerly winds with rain spreading southwards followed later in the week by the return of cold conditions and fresh snow showers.
Every day
Great shopping in the Mountain Shop and the Shop at the Top. Look out for clothing, skiing essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories. 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.
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.

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Week commencing Friday 10th December 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Friday, December 10th, 2010

SNOWSPORTS
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snowsports this weekend. There is now good snow cover over most of the hill and skiing is available from top to bottom although a few bare patches are appearing on the lower slopes. The uplift we expect to run this weekend is: Funicular, Ciste, Ptarmigan, M1, Cas, Sheiling, Car Park and if possible the West Wall Poma.

TICKETS AND PRICES
Full price tickets apply this weekend, £30.80 for adults, £22.50 for seniors and students and £18.50 for juniors. 4-day vouchers will also be on sale. There will be a cash only window available 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 will be selling full price adult, senior, junior and student day tickets only. It will not be handling two day tickets, discounted tickets, vouchers or hire. Students need current ID. Please have your cash ready as we expect to be busy. 4-day vouchers and internet booking vouchers can be exchanged for day tickets in the Ranger Base.

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 do so from window 4 in the ticket office but if you are doing this on Saturday or Sunday be prepared to queue for some time to collect it.

HIRE
Ski Hire will be open from 8.30am at CairnGorm this weekend, so you can hire any kit you need.

PARKING AND TRANSPORT
Get here early if you want to be sure of getting into the Cas car parks. 2 shuttle buses will be running between the Ciste and Cas car parks throughout the day at the weekend. Off-piste skiers please beware there is still an avalanche risk on the Coronation and Head Walls.

OPENING TIMES
The ticket office will open at 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday. First train up will be 9.00am possibly earlier 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.

4 Day Snowsports Vouchers
We are now selling snowsports vouchers. A book of 4 adult vouchers costs £102.40 (juniors £61.60) and 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. An ideal Christmas present or stocking filler!

INSTRUCTION
The Ski School have availability for beginners ski lessons only on Saturday. There is no lesson availability on Sunday. Private lessons only will be available Monday-Friday this week. From 18th December both private and group lessons will be available. To book a lesson call 08455 191191.

SKI AMBASSADORS
Our volunteer ski ambassadors have now taken up their duties which include 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
Weather-permitting we hope to open this on Sunday but please check with ticket office first if you are planning to go up on the funicular to sledge. Only CairnGorm Mountain sledges may be used and they can be hired in the Shop at the Top for £5 per half hour session.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 11th December: Wind NW 45mph gusting 60-70, easing to 35-55 later. Some cloud lifting and clearing to give good visibility and bright sunshine. Rain unlikely. Temp at 900m
1 to -2C. Freezing level mostly above summits.
Sunday 12th December: Wind N 10-20mph. Rain unlikely. Cloud from 1000 -1200m. Some sunshine breaking through. Temp at 900m -1C. Freezing level 750m.
Outlook: Light winds, some snow flurries, sunshine and fine dry weather until Wednesday before colder air brings severe frosts and substantial snowfalls.

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. 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.

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Week commencing Friday 3rd December 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

SNOWSPORTS
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snowsports this weekend. There is now great snow cover on the hill and skiing is available from top to bottom. There are runs open in many parts of the hill but not all of them pisted. We hope to have the Fiacaill Ridge and M1 pomas, the Ciste, Ptarmigan, Cas and Car Park T Bars as well as the funicular available for uplift.

PRICES
Full price tickets apply this weekend, £30.80 for adults, £22.50 for seniors and students and £18.50 for juniors. 4-day vouchers will also be on sale. There will be a cash only window available 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 will be selling full price adult, senior, junior and student day tickets only. It will not be handling two day tickets, discounted tickets or vouchers. Students need current ID. Please have your cash ready as we expect to be extremely busy.

HIRE
Ski Hire will be open from 8.30am at CairnGorm this weekend, so you can hire any kit you need.

PARKING AND TRANSPORT
Get here early if you want to be sure of getting into the Cas car parks. 2 shuttle buses will be running between the Ciste and Cas car parks throughout the day. Off-piste skiers please beware there is a high avalanche risk on the Coronation and Head Walls.

INSTRUCTION
The Ski School will be open for both private and group lessons this weekend. However there will be no group lessons available during the week. To book a lesson call 08455 191 191.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 4th December: Wind NW 15-20mph. Risk of snow showers and patchy cloud, some of which may be very low. Higher summits could be substantially cloud-free above this lower cloud. Some bright sun with superb visibility at times but widely very poor in cloud and snow. Temp at 900m -3 to -5C. Freezing level mostly at sea level.
Sunday 5th December: Wind N, later W 20mph increasing to 30mph. Snow showers will die out. Some cloud will come in at around 800m, occasionally 500m. Summits may be cloud-free. Excellent visibility but very poor or near zero in snow. Temp at 900m -4C or -5C. Freezing level mostly sea level with ground frozen.
Outlook: Cold conditions will remain throughout the coming week with almost all terrain frozen and the present snow pack persisting. There will be a substantial rise in freezing levels at the end of the week. There will be occasional snow as the fronts move southward in generally northerly winds.

OPENING TIMES
The ticket office will open at 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday. First train up will be 9.00am depending on weather conditions. Last train up 3.30pm. Last train down 4.00pm
Cas Bar and Mountain Shop will open daily from 9.00am until 4.30pm
Ptarmigan open daily from 9.00am until 4.00pm.

Monday 6th December – CairnGorm Mountain will be closed.
Please note that ALL facilities at CairnGorm Mountain will be closed on Monday 6th December for essential staff training. We will be open again as usual from Tuesday 7th.

4 Day Snowsports Vouchers
We are now selling snowsports vouchers. A book of 4 adult vouchers costs £102.40 and 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. An ideal early Christmas present or stocking filler!

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.
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.

Shopping: Look out for clothing, skiing essentials, fabulous gifts and accessories in our shops.
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.
UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org.

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Week commencing Friday 19th November 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Friday, November 19th, 2010

CairnGorm Open for Snowsports Again This Weekend……
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snow sports this weekend. Skiing is limited to the Cas side only, suitable for intermediate and expert skiers only (no beginners – sorry). Skiing uplift will be from the train with mid station stops and the M1 poma. The Traverse, 105, Gun Barrel, M1 and White Lady (experts only) will be open down to the mid station.
Last winter’s season ticket is still valid. The ski day ticket price for this Saturday and Sunday and up until next Friday will be £20.50 for adults and students, £14.50 for seniors and £12.50 for juniors. Ski Hire will be open from 9am at CairnGorm this weekend, so you can hire any kit you need. Full day prices apply for hire.
Come and have some early season fun…..

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Saturday 20th November: Wind E 10-20mph. Light snow showers above 900m. Extensive cloud but will soon be 750m or above. Visibility generally excellent, but poor in cloud. Temp at 900m 0C dropping to -1C or -2C. Freezing level becoming 750m.
Sunday 21st November: Wind NE 15mph. A few snow flurries. Extensive cloud between 900m and 1200m, with a few patches at 650m. Occasional sunshine and excellent visibility. Temp at 900m -1C. Freezing level 750m.
Outlook: Much less windy over the coming week but with the wind direction being mostly north-easterly, temperatures on higher summits will become widely below freezing point. Much dry weather but with snow showers coming in off the North Sea.
OPENING TIMES
November opening – the funicular will be open every day in November
First train up 10.00am. 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 (Limited hot food service.)

4 Day Snowsports Vouchers
We are now selling snowsports vouchers. A book of 4 vouchers costs £102.40 and can be used on non-consecutive days. An early Christmas present or stocking filler perhaps!

Season Passes – are now ready for collection from the Ticket Office

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.
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 a mountain walk up to the Ptarmigan top station, but expect full winter conditions. Paths are covered with drifting snow, and it will take much more energy than usual. You are welcome to come in to the Ptarmigan building to take a break from your walk or you can buy a train ticket to come down again. (Dogs may come down on the train for a small charge). Winter clothing, boots and gaiters advised. Check the weather forecast and up to date conditions at the Ranger Base before setting out.
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.
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.

Forthcoming Events
Sunday 28th November – Inverness Airport Christmas Fayre – If you are passing through the airport, come and say hello to us at our stand. The airport’s first Highland Christmas Fayre will be celebrating all that is fresh, local and handmade in the Highlands of Scotland. A great opportunity to find some original Christmas gifts.

Tuesday 30th November – St Andrews Day Promotion
To celebrate St Andrews Day we will be offering a ‘2 for the price of 1’ ticket on the funicular. The cheaper ticket of the two will be the free ticket. Please note this offer does not extend to Snowsports tickets and is for full priced tickets only. A perfect opportunity to bring a friend, enjoy some snowy views, huge hot chocolates and festive shopping.

UPDATES: Watch the web-site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org.

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WALKING, MOVING MOUNTAINS, ROLLER SKIING, BEER TASTING

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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Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Week commencing Friday 28th May 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

MAY BANK HOLIDAY SNOWSPORTS AT CAIRNGORM

SKI, BOARD AND SLEDGE ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY –

VISIT THE BIG FREEZE EXHIBITION  -  BUILD AN IGLOO IN THE BASE STATION - 

WALK – RIDE THE TRAIN– VISIT THE CAMERA OBSCURA

Exhibitions:

‘The Big Freeze’ exhibition of photographs (and a DVD) of the exceptional winter here at CairnGorm is on display in the T Bar gallery – you won’t believe how much snow we had.

Jane Lannagan’s exhibition of batik fine art paintings is on view in the Base Station.

Entry to both these exhibitions is free. Please note that the T Bar Gallery will be closed on the afternoon of Saturday 29th May for a private function.

 The Igloo: Get the kids to have a go at building the new all-year igloo in the Base Station.

Snowsports are on offer this weekend on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Only the Ptarmigan uplift will be running and the train will be making mid-station stops if it is possible to ski to the middle using the gunbarrel. The terrain park and the sledge park will be open on all three days.

We will be open from 10am – 4pm and snowsports tickets will be available for the whole day or for 3 hour sessions. 

3 hour session                      Adult                       Snr/Jnr                     Student
With hire                                £25                           £12.25                      £17

No hire - ticket only             £18                           £8                              £12.25

Full day                                                        

With hire                                £30                           £15                           £22

No hire - ticket only             £20                           £10                           £17

Previously purchased vouchers and season passes will also be honoured for snowsports on these three days this weekend. Ski hire is available but lessons are not.

 If conditions permit snowsports will be available next weekend also but no ski or board equipment hire will be available.

SEASON TICKETS FOR 2010/11

Season tickets for next winter 2010/11 are 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

Friday 28th May: Wind NW 20-25 gusting 35mph. Heavy showers falling as snow above 1000m. Early cloud clearing by late morning then reforming later. Spells of bright sunshine and good visibility in the morning. Temp at 900m 0-1 rising to 3C in afternoon. Freezing level 900-1250m.

Saturday 29th May: Wind negligible 10-15mph. Heavy showers falling as snow above 1050m. Risk of lightning. Variable cloud occasionally clear but developing extensively later. Patchy sun. Visibility good out of cloud and snow. Temp at 900m1-4C. Freezing level 1000-1350m.

Outlook:  Chilly but with relatively little rain, and getting warmer from mid-week.

OPENING TIMES

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Ticket Office, Ski Hire and the Cas Bar will be open at 9.45am. The first public train will be at 10.00am with the last train up at 3.45pm (last down at 4.30pm).

Remaining weekdays

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 3.45pm (last down at 4.30pm).

Sledging: The Sledge Park will be open on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st only, from 10am until 3:20pm. Check at the Ticket Office that the park is open before buying your train ticket there.  Then get your sledge ticket from the Shop at the Top. Only our sledges can be used. It is not permitted to take your own sledges onto the Funicular and Sledge Park.

Shopping: The Shop at the Top has a bulging end of season sale rail, plus a selection of gifts marked down to clear. New spring clothing stock is now in including ranges from Weird Fish, LazyJacks and Braintree Ecofibre Fashion. With the walking season now upon us our shops have a great range of walking poles, gaiters, back-pack covers and all the essentials for heading out into the hills.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Wednesday 2nd June: Guided Cairn Gorm Summit Walk 10am-2pm. Adults £12, Friends of CairnGorm Mountain £8, Children £6. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Book on 01479 861341.  See web-site for more details.

Wednesdays and Sundays in June: Guided Cairn Gorm Summit Walks 10am -2pm. See  above.

Sunday 20th June: the Big Spring Clean Come and help us clear up our mountain of all the litter dropped there over the winter. Meet at the Ranger base at Coire Cas at 10am. Gloves, bags, tea and cakes provided. Organised by the Ski Club of Great Britain.

Thursday evenings in July and August: Ceilidh Nights from 6.30pm. Bookable now on-line or on 01479 861341.

 UPDATES

Watch the web site for updates www.cairngormmountain.org. You can also follow us on Twitter at cairngormmtn. Our telephone message is also updated first thing in the morning and last thing at night with the weather outlook. The number to call is 01479 861261.

CairnGorm Mountain Ltd

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Cairngorm Mountain Update – 30-Dec-09

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

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 5th 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 2nd 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 1st 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 1st 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.

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