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What’s On in Royal Deeside in the the Cairngorms National Park

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Welcome to the July 2011 edition of What’s On in Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms. Here are just a few of the events!

Deeside Sessions
Some of the north-east’s best musicians return to Royal Deeside this summer with more Scottish traditional music! Live music sessions will take place in various pubs and hotels around Royal Deeside in this two month programme promoted by the DMO from the end of July through September. All the dates and locations can be found here – download the Deeside Sessions poster.

Aboyne and Deeside Festival
The 20th Annual Aboyne and Deeside Festival is on during July with an incredible variety of live shows, music events, films, exhibitions and workshops. Something for absolutely everyone and all interests! Check the Festival website for more details and booking information.

Braemar Junior Highland Games – July 8th-10th
Three days of events including the Junior Games, an Arts & Crafts Fair, Highland Dancing and Piping Competitions, a Tug of War Teams Event and adult races – a Hill Race and a MultiTerrain 12k Run! Check the Braemar Junior Games website for programme details.

Royal Deeside Golf Classic – July 25th-29th
A 72-hole Stableford event for both Ladies and Gentlemen played over four majestic courses in Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory and Inchmarlo. Prizes are awarded for each round and for the full event. A free day has been included this year for an optional additional competition at Braemar or to visit the many places of scenic beauty around Royal Deeside. More information may be found at the Ballater Golf Club.

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham - July 30th
The famous duo will be performing a concert on the Crathes Castle lawn from 7.30-10pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music! Call 0844 4932166 for details and ticket information.

For more information on what is happening throughout the whole of the Cairngorms National Park in July see www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Read our online magazine here

Posted in Accommodation Aviemore, aviemore, aviemore activities, aviemore hotels, ballater, Balmoral, Boat of Garten, braemar, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, Carr Bridge, crathes, Cromdale, Dulnain Bridge, festivals, food, Golf, grantown on spey, Kingussie, laggan, music, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, royal deeside, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: aviemore, cairngorms national park, royal deeside, whats on

What’s On in the Cairngorms National Park

Friday, June 24th, 2011

There is loads going on this weekend in the Cairngorms National Park including the Aviemore, Blair Atholl, Deeside and Angus areas.(see below) A brilliant coup for the area is the Scottish Hydro Challenge being held this weekend at the Spey Valley Course at Aviemore with Scot, Chris Doak currently in the lead. A full list can be found at www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson but a selection of events are listed below.

Scopttish Hydro Challenge

Saturday 25th
• Charity Day in aid of Scotland’s Garden Scheme and Tay Valley Mountain Rescue – Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, 9.30am-5.30pm. www.blair-castle.co.uk
• Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team Sponsored Walk – Glen Feshie, £15/£10. www.cmrtwalk.org.uk
• Spey Art Group Painting Workshop – Inverallan Church Hall, 10am-4pm, £15. To Book T: 01479 872085/873101.
• Live Music with Alfie McQuade – Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, 9.30pm.

Sunday 26th
• Cairngorms Farmers Market – The Square, Grantown on Spey. 10am-4pm.
• Abernethy Open Gardens – Discover the treasures of private gardens in and around Nethy Bridge. Tickets & location map from local shops, £5. 10am-5pm. T: 01479 851347.
• Lairig Ghru Race – Braemar to Aviemore, 10am www.deesiderunners.com
• Hilton Around the World in a Day 5km Fun Run – Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Aviemore, 2pm. In aid of Hilton in the Community Foundation www.hilton-foundation.org.uk
• Live Music with ‘Blind & Deaf’ – The Club Bar, Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel, Ballater, 3-5pm.

11th June – 24th July
• Rachel Everitt Exhibition – The Iona Gallery, Kingussie. Illustration, printmaking and animation. Mon, Thurs, Fri 1-5pm. Sat-Sun 11am-5pm, FREE.
23rd-26th June
• Scottish Hydro Challenge – Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Course, Aviemore. www.teamscottishhydro.com

Saturday 25th June
The Eilan, Newtonmore – Newtonmore 1sts v Lovat. 2.30pm.
The Dell, Kingussie. Kingussie 2nds v Kilmallie. 2.30pm.

There are also some local open golf comps on this weekend see http://visitcairngorms.com/opengolf

Whatever you choose to do have a great weekend in the Cairngorms National Park…kick back and enjoy the scenery!

Posted in Accommodation Aviemore, aviemore, aviemore activities, aviemore hotels, ballater, Balmoral, Boat of Garten, braemar, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, Carr Bridge, Cromdale, Dulnain Bridge, Golf, grantown on spey, Kingussie, laggan, loch morlich, mountain biking, music, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, royal deeside, Shinty, Uncategorized, walking aviemore, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: accommodation, activities, attractions, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, holidays, scotland, whats on

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.

Posted in art exhibition, aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, food, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Uncategorized, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, scotland, ski, Skiing, sledging, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, Weekend, whats on, Winter

App-rès ski dead in Scotland? Not in the Cairngorms National Park!

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

Recent heavy snowfall has meant an early start to the Scottish ski season, and it looks like the three ski areas based in the Cairngorms National Park will, once again, be welcoming a host of visitors over the winter months – all with high expectations of another season full of good snow conditions. But what of the regions après ski?

Visit Cairngorms, the tourist body behind the UK’s largest National Park is aware that visitors have to banish all ideas of a ski holiday in the Alps from their minds so has launched an app-rès ski for the iPhone geared towards visitors wanting to know what’s on when they have finished a day on the slopes.

Chief Executive of Visit Cairngorms, Alan Rankin, said: “Cairngorm Mountain alone welcomed more than 2,500 skiers– the highest number for November for a decade and last year there was an incredible 373,782 ski days to be had. We know that skiing in Scotland is vastly different from skiing in the Alps, but the main villages and towns do have great après ski nights and events taking place throughout the winter months – you just have to know where to go and what’s on as we are rather more spread out than your traditional ski resorts. With this in mind we launched the world’s first National Park iPhone app , which gives tourists the most up-to-date information on what events, live music and special offers are taking place around the entire Park.”

In addition, the app informs visitors as to whether the ski areas are closed due to bad weather conditions and suggests other things to do and see on a visit to the region. Alternatively, if good conditions and weather are forecast visitors can make their way up to the Cairngorms National Park and book last minute accommodation as they travel via the special offers button.

Mr Rankin continues: “There are days when the ski roads are blocked or the conditions are too bad to ski – just as there is in resorts across the world – but we wanted to make it easier for tourists visiting the area so the iPhone app ensures they get the latest information as they are on the move. Equally, the special offers aspect allows folk to leave work and head straight to us – booking their accommodation on the way! As with every destination in the UK we are encouraging the increasing popularity of the staycation – we have the perfect setting and the activities and attractions up here, it’s simply our job to make holidaying in the Cairngorms National Park easier, more accessible and fun for our visitors. And as for après ski – the Scots are renowned the world over for putting on a good party atmosphere so in my mind there is no better place to be!”

The Cairngorms App gives the user the opportunity to search for restaurants, cafes activity providers and attractions closest to them wherever they are in the Cairngorms National Park. It will also tell the user how far away they are from any one business as well as giving them information on the company, Visit Scotland star ratings, contact information to make a booking and a link to the inbuilt Maps App giving them directions to where they are aiming to go. It is fed by a database of over 1200 listings and choices for the visitor and, like the website www.visitcairngorms.com, gets the customer to the business fast. It identifies the users location and then provide through Google Maps directions and a live map tracking their progress to the selected business. The app also provides directions by car, train or on foot to the chosen business.

The project is supported by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Northern Periphery Programme funded Clim- ATIC Project,

For further information on the I-phone App or the Cairngorms Business Partnership, please contact Charlotte Kissack at Rock Solid PR on 01479 810695/0783 487 1707 or email charlotte@rocksolidpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors

- Alan Rankin is available for interview, please contact Charlotte Kissack at Rock Solid PR on 01479 810695 or email charlotte@rocksolidpr.co.uk

- The Cairngorms Business Partnership was launched in April 2010 to give a stronger and more equal voice to the wide range of businesses in the National Park. It now has more than 300 member businesses.

Posted in aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, food, music, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, iPhone, iPhone App, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on, Winter

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.

Posted in cairngorms, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, food, ski, Skiing, sledging, Snow, Snowboarding, Weather, Weekend, whats on, Winter

Week commencing Friday 26th November 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Friday, November 26th, 2010

CairnGorm Open for Snowsports Again This Weekend……
CairnGorm Mountain will be open for snow sports this weekend. There is now great snow cover on the hill and a pisted run is available from top to bottom. Many runs are now open, though not pisted. Beginners can now join in the fun too.

The M1 poma, the Ciste and the Ptarmigan T Bar, and the funicular are available for uplift. There will be no mid station stops on the train.

Last winter’s season ticket is still valid. It will be full price this Saturday and Sunday, £30.80 for adults, £22.50 for seniors and students and £18.50 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…..but wrap up warm!

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK

Saturday 27th November: Wind N 15-25mph. Snow and hail showers with a threat of heavy and frequent showers giving whiteout conditions for perhaps 2-4 hours. Cloud free areas will be interspersed by areas of cloud, base typically at 800m but lowering to 400m in snow. Some sun with great visibility but in snow very poor visibility.
Sunday 28th November: Wind E 25-35mph gusting to 50-65mph. Snow and hail showers some becoming heavy and frequent giving whiteout conditions for 2-4 hours. Cloud base typically 800m but 400m in snow. Some bursts of sun with great visibility at times but in snow, very poor visibility. Temp at 900m -6C. Freezing level mostly sea level with more or less all terrain frozen.
Outlook: Winds will be easterly for most of the coming week. Low ground will eventually partially thaw, but upland areas will remain frozen. Snow showers, day in day out, will be focussed on eastern mountains, but often dry with sunshine on western mountains.

OPENING TIMES
November opening
This weekend we are aiming to have the first train up at 9am although this is dependent on overnight snow fall and whether we have to dig out the train. 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.

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 essential. 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: 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.

Forthcoming Events
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.

Posted in cairngorms, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Uncategorized, Weather | No Responses »
Tags: activities, aviemore, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, scotland, ski, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, Weekend, whats on, Winter

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.)

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.

Posted in Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: activities, attractions, Cairngorm, cairngorm mountain, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, christmas, food, ski, Skiing, sledging, Snow, Snowboarding, Snowsports, Weather, whats on, Winter

Week commencing Friday 5th November 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

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.

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Week commencing Friday 29th October 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

WALKING, EXHIBITIONS, TRAIN FOR £1, XMAS SHOP & CLOCKS GO BACK!

LAST CHANCE THIS YEAR TO WALK AT THE TOP – ENDS SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER
The Walk @The Top at CairnGorm: 11.20, 12.00, 14.00, 14.40 daily
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.
Summertime ends this weekend – Don’t forget the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 31st October. An extra hour in bed!

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.

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 a ride on the funicular for £1 on any of these 4 dates. Look out for the voucher in the next two weeks’ Strathspey and Badenoch Herald. Terms and conditions apply.

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

The Search and Rescue demonstrations with Benny and the lovable Moudy proved very popular and £316 was raised for SARDA. The duo will be back again with some more dates in the future.

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.

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. 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 mainly on the Windy Ridge. A few Snow Bunting can be seen on the summits and Black Grouse can be seen early morning on the approach road. Red Grouse can be heard in the moorland up to 800m and frequently seen and heard on the heather moor. A flock of approximately 30 Fieldfare can be seen near the Day Lodge. The alpine garden is dying back for winter.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday 29th October: Wind S 40-60mph, gusts 70 possibly 90mph. Severe gales and wind chill. Showery rain will clear but extensive cloud on higher areas. Bursts of sunshine in afternoon, visibility will vary. Temp at 900m 8C dropping to 6C.

Saturday 30th October: Wind SW or W in the range of 35mph to 45mph, gusting 50-65mph. Continued upland gales and significant wind chill. A few showers which will fall as snow above 1000m. Cloud widespread on higher areas, with patches of sunshine. Visibility mainly very good. Temp at 900m 4C.
Outlook: Widespread severe gales on the hills and rain. The heaviest rain will move east slowly. Next week will bring more unsettled weather with upland gales and widespread rain persisting.

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).

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Week commencing Friday 22nd October 2010 at CairnGorm Mountain

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.

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.

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.