Cairngorm
Several seasons of consistently good snowfall across Scotland has led to a return of FIS sanctioned racing in the country for what is believed to be the first time in more than a decade.
For the first time in many years, FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) races will take place in the Scottish mountains. "FIS competitions used to take place on a regular basis in Scotland", said Chair of ski-scotland Heather Negus, "but with marginal conditions, organisers of these races and other events moved them overseas. However, with great snow again this winter, arguably better than last winter's outstanding conditions, confidence, competitions and events have returned to the Scottish ski areas."
In fact the FIS races, which take place this weekend at Cairngorm, are just one of multiple events taking place on Scottish ski slopes over the next two weeks.
The Scottish Snowcross Championships will also be staged this weekend and are sure to bring added excitement to the slopes of Glenshee. The centre will be staging the Scottish Masters Championships the following weekend followed by the North East FIS race on March 16th and 17th.
At The Lecht the North East Children's Championships will take place on 12th and 13th March.
In addition the Ski Club of Great Britain and Scott Skis are offering Ski Club Leading and ski testing at Glenshee on the 12th and CairnGorm on the 13th of March.
And there's more! CairnGorm is also staging their (hopefully) world-record-breaking kilted skiers descent this Saturday while a fourth centre, Glencoe, will stage a jam in their new terrain park. Glencoe is also hosting a charity ski in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, with skiers and snowboarders sponsored to ride the height of Ben Nevis, Mont Blanc or even Mount Everest, and a Cross Country Scandinavian-style endurance event with an expected 30 – 40 participants skiing as many laps as they can in 4 hours. Snowsport Scotland, the sport's governing body, is also progressing its "Highlander Slopestyle"
"Although these events all add an extra buzz to the ski area on the day, the rest of the pistes are still open for skiers and boarders," continued Heather. "So they can have a great day out in the fresh air of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy watching all or part of these events if they want to."