Scotland's five Highland mountain snow sports centres have already seen more skier visits than in each of the past three seasons, and are likely to stay open to May, trade-body Ski-Scotland reports.
"It is turning into something of an epic season," a Ski-Scotland spokesperson said, "While by no means the best in recent memory, the skier day total for all five resorts surpassed 202,000 last weekend, 7/8 April. That is ahead of both seasons 2015-16 and 2014-15 and not far behind the same point in the 2013-14 season." Winter 2016-17 had low skier numbers too.
"Ski areas have been delighted with the amazing snow delivered by Nature this winter and indeed the season is far from over. Recent customers have taken to social media to rave about the great powder everywhere and have described 'epic' conditions over the last week or so," the Ski-Scotland spokesperson continued.
Chair of Ski-Scotland, Andy Meldrum said, "right from the start of this season we have had brilliant snow and superb support from our customers. We have had some of the best bluebird days I've ever experienced in Scotland with blue skies, sunshine and fresh powder."
With more snow forecast, the season is likely to continue into May with some, if not all, resorts open daily until customer numbers dwindle, Ski-Scotland report. But the snow is likely to remain for much longer than skiers and snowboarders turn out.
Andy continued: "once spring does finally arrive with warm sun and daffodils blooming, people seem to believe there's no snow left for skiing or snowboarding. However, this really is the best time of year to come for a slide in the mountains with a much better chance of good overhead weather. It's also a really good time to learn, when the weather is kinder and slopes quieter. Just don't forget your sunblock!"