After a warm February and march it has been cold with lots of rain in the valleys of Scotland, but up on the mountains that means fresh snow and while most on the world's ski areas have been closing for the season, Scotland's ski areas are re-opening for weekends. Well, some of them at least.
On the West Coast Glencoe has some terrain open for intermediate to advanced skiers and Nevis range has opened its chairlift for access to back country terrain, although is stressing the ski area itself is not officially open and there's no ski patrol.
On the Eastern side of the country The Lecht and Glenshee have had snow but say not enough to open, however CairnGorm ski area near Aviemore is re-opening for the weekend which the resort's operators plan to celebrate what they describe as 'Winter part 3'.
"Following another day of frequent snow showers above 700m and further fresh snow overnight and with light winds forecast, the prospects for skiing and snowboarding for the weekend are looking good," said a resort statement.
"The M1 run is set up perfectly with 'pisted corduroy' and is probably in the best condition it has been all season with full width down to below the steep section and one machine width below that. The M1 Poma, Polar Express, Ciste and Ptarmigan Tows are all open with the top bowls and Ciste fairway providing great snowsports on the firm base which has now been established. We urge all snowsports fans to take advantage of these conditions and in particular we hope that season ticket holders and those who have bought multi-day vouchers will take this opportunity to get value from them," said CairnGorm's Marketing Manager Colin Kirkwood.
To celebrate this late boost for the season, CairnGorm has a number of fun competitive snowsports events planned for 'The Big Weekend'. There will be a Dual Slalom and a Ski Touring event within the ski patrolled area which will be run with the assistance of Aviemore-based activity providers G2 and Mountain Spirit. There will also be a Park Jam with four rails and a jump set up for a competition amongst freestyle fans.
These events will take place on both Saturday and Sunday and will be very informal with registration in the Ptarmigan restaurant from 10am and a prize-giving in the bar there at 3.30pm each day. Equipment hire will be available and reduced snowsports ticket prices of £15 (adult) and £10 (Junior) will apply.