Recent heavy and persistent snowfall has led Nevis Range ski area near Fort William to announce plans to open all of its lifts for the first time in six years this weekend (19-20 March).
"Typically, snow falling early in the winter covers the north face of the mountain where the main ski area and the majority of the ski lifts are located. Recent snow and south westerly storms has meant that the snow has now filled in "o'er the back" in the area of the resort known as the Back Corries. This all round snow cover means the resort will be opening every lift on the mountain, including the Braveheart lift, installed in 1996, which allows riders to access the expansive Back Corrie area." explained Marian Austin, MD of Nevis Range MD.
Some reports say more than 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week and Nevis Range will also be holding a Back Corrie workshop at the weekend, aimed at those seeking a better understanding of back country safety. Led by the resort's Ski Patrol team it will includes advice on assessing weather and avalanche risks and the use of safety equipment such as transceivers, shovel and probes.
"Throughout the season we will normally open the gondola and 6 further ski lifts, and this decision is made on the snow cover and the number of customers that we are expecting. However with the extensive snow cover and the amazing snow conditions we have at the moment, we are planning to open all 10 ski lifts this weekend. We have checked our records and the last time we were able to open every lift was in March 2005 (6/3/05). Thanks must go to our team of engineers and lifties who have been working tirelessly so that we will can open all of the lifts," added Marian Austin.
She continued, "Right now we have fantastic alpine conditions, the best of the season. There's powder off piste, soft snow on the runs and the groomed areas are great. We had to dig the terrain park out of the recent snowfall and it is now complete with rails and kickers, as well as a roller, spine, and a table top. As long as the snowpack settles and the wind and overhead conditions permit we plan to run all the lifts over the weekend and open the Back Corries. However, customers are always advised to keep watching the websites for the latest snow and weather conditions."