Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes
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The remarkably consistent 2012-13 ski season is continuing in Scotland, with fresh snow still falling, and forecast to continue in to May.
The cold first half of spring is a repeat of last season, but in 2012 the cold April and May followed a warm winter in which slopes were closed for much of February and March, as a result Cairngorm ski area has reported over 200,000 skiers visiting so far this season, more than double the 2011-12 total.
Cairngorm is the only ski area of the five Scottish centres that's still open every day and has more than 600m of top-to-bottom vertical open. A recent statement from the ski area said it looked likely it would continue to operate in to May, 'subject to demand' – highlighting a common problem when conditions remain good in Scotland this late in the year – not enough skiers or boarders turning up to justify operations.
On the West Coast Nevis Range has announced it has closed for the season on several occasions but has subsequently re-opened at weekends as the fresh snow keeps falling and good snow cover continues. It says it may re-open for the May Day bank holiday, whereas Glencoe to the south says it definitely will – subject to weather conditions. The only real negative in recent Scottish weather for skiers and lift operations have been some very strong to gale force winds.
I've been tempted, if nothing else it would make me qualified to pass comment in the future.
But i just don't fancy the long drive when you can just get a quick flight to the Alps and be guaranteed a good time.
Now if i lived north of the border it could be a whole different story.
it is worth a mid-week break ... but you have to chase the snow :thumbup:
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Started by J2SkiNews in Ski News 29-Apr-2013 - 7 Replies
J2SkiNews posted Apr-2013
The remarkably consistent 2012-13 ski season is continuing in Scotland, with fresh snow still falling, and forecast to continue in to May.
The cold first half of spring is a repeat of last season, but in 2012 the cold April and May followed a warm winter in which slopes were closed for much of February and March, as a result Cairngorm ski area has reported over 200,000 skiers visiting so far this season, more than double the 2011-12 total.
Cairngorm is the only ski area of the five Scottish centres that's still open every day and has more than 600m of top-to-bottom vertical open. A recent statement from the ski area said it looked likely it would continue to operate in to May, 'subject to demand' – highlighting a common problem when conditions remain good in Scotland this late in the year – not enough skiers or boarders turning up to justify operations.
On the West Coast Nevis Range has announced it has closed for the season on several occasions but has subsequently re-opened at weekends as the fresh snow keeps falling and good snow cover continues. It says it may re-open for the May Day bank holiday, whereas Glencoe to the south says it definitely will – subject to weather conditions. The only real negative in recent Scottish weather for skiers and lift operations have been some very strong to gale force winds.
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The Snow Hunter
Dave Mac
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted Apr-2013
The conditions on Cairngorm are really good, but ~ it is a sandwich ~ rain at car park level, and snow doing 50mph at the tops.
There is good playing in the park, as the pic shows, and there have been BASI courses operating for the past few weeks.
Those four snow cannons have paid off in setting up the base, and three weeks ago there were cairngorm men out in Austria looking to get some more for next season.
There is good playing in the park, as the pic shows, and there have been BASI courses operating for the past few weeks.
Those four snow cannons have paid off in setting up the base, and three weeks ago there were cairngorm men out in Austria looking to get some more for next season.
Ian Wickham
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
The Jocks have had good seasons over the last few years, I did come close to a mid week break this year :wink:
Snapzzz
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
Ian Wickham wrote:The Jocks have had good seasons over the last few years, I did come close to a mid week break this year :wink:
I've been tempted, if nothing else it would make me qualified to pass comment in the future.
But i just don't fancy the long drive when you can just get a quick flight to the Alps and be guaranteed a good time.
Now if i lived north of the border it could be a whole different story.
Skied: Arinsal, La Plagne, Alpe D'huez, Flaine, Les Arcs, Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, Sauze, Courchevel, Val Thorens
Edited 1 time. Last update at 07-May-2013
Ian Wickham
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
Snapzzz wrote:Ian Wickham wrote:The Jocks have had good seasons over the last few years, I did come close to a mid week break this year :wink:
I've been tempted, if nothing else it would make me qualified to pass comment in the future.
But i just don't fancy the long drive when you can just get a quick flight to the Alps and be guaranteed a good time.
Now if i lived north of the border it could be a whole different story.
it is worth a mid-week break ... but you have to chase the snow :thumbup:
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
The good thing about the drive is once you're north of Newcastle, or Manchester on the East, it starts to feel more like the roads in the TV car ads and you can actually enjoy it a bit ...though watch out for the speed cameras...
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The Snow Hunter
J2SkiNews
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
PS Cairngorm is STILL open! http://ski.visitscotland.com/conditions/cairngorm/
www
The Snow Hunter
DeliciousMountain
reply to 'Fresh Snow on Scottish Ski Slopes' posted May-2013
It's crazy that those runs are still open - great stuff. There was some (admittedly dodgy) off-piste skiing on Pen-y-Fan (S. Wales) this winter, too. However, it would be a brave soul who planned their holiday - winter or summer - around the weather in Wales.
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Stu & Lou from Delicious Mountain
www.chalets-meribel.co.uk
Topic last updated on 16-May-2013 at 15:51