Big Spring Clean at Cairngorm

The Big Spring Clean, a clean up initiative organised by the Ski Club of Great Britain, returns for its second year at Cairngorm Mountain and Nevis Range on Sunday 31st May 2009.

The event which attracted over 100 participants in 2008 is a chance for mountain users to do their bit by picking up litter left by a season's worth of visitors. The event raises awareness about responsible tourism and the seriousness of dropping litter.

Caroline Stuart Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club has welcomed the return of the event: "After such a successful Big Spring Clean event last year, we are delighted that we can again run another clean up day in two of the key Scottish ski areas. Last year we collected over 40 bags of litter at Nevis Range and Cairngorm, but maybe just as importantly we sent out a message to skiers, snowboarders and anyone who loves the mountains that they are the ones who can make a difference and can take responsibility for trying to preserve our mountains. We hope that even more people will put on their gloves for this year's Big Spring Clean."

Volunteers are asked to meet at 10am at the bottom of the gondola at Nevis Range or the Ranger Base at Coire Cas on Cairngorm Mountain. Gloves and bags are provided for all litter pickers and for everyone who brings back a bag of litter, tea and cakes will be provided.

The Big Spring Clean is another step forward in the Ski Club of Great Britain's Respect the Mountain campaign. The Respect the Mountain campaign aims to raise money, raise awareness and educate skiers and snowboarders about helping to safeguard the natural environment and the long-term future of snowsports.

The Big Spring Clean has this year become part of a wider clean up campaign. In 2009 the event is also being promoted by French eco-organisation Mountain Riders as part of their 'Ski Slopes Clean-up Sessions'. Over 50 French resorts are also hosting clean up days in May and June this year. Last year 17 tonnes of rubbish was collected across the resorts. Many other ski resorts around the world are also involved in post-season clean ups.
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