The Ski Club of Great Britain has announced details of its annual mountain clean up at three of the UK's five commercial ski fields.
Summer mountain clean ups have long been regular occurrences at ski areas around the world, but the Ski Club first launched their annual Big Spring Clean as part of their 'Respect The Mountain' environmental awareness campaign five or six years ago, initially at Cairngorm and Nevis Range.
A few years ago they added Glenshee to the list and this year's Clean Up takes place simultaneously, starting at the bases of the three ski areas from 10am on Saturday 16th June.
Volunteers are welcome to take part and enjoy a day (or just an hour or so) hiking on the slopes and bagging up rubbish.
This year's event has a new twist in that participants can opt to take part in activities besides just litter picking!
At Glenshee anyone filling a bag of rubbish will be able to enjoy a free demo of a mountain bike, thanks to a partnership with Scott Sports. Nevis range is also offering post litter-pick mountain biking, in their case with a 50% saving on regular rates.
At Cairngorm a guided 'Eco walk' is on offer, with a funicular ride to the top followed by a guided walk down. The guide will give information on the eco systems and other points of interest in the area.
The event has a mixed history at Cairngorm as last year it was possible to ski on the day at the top and this year too that might still be the case, as snow sports are continuing today, but with temperatures finally up towards double figures and set to get warmer this time the snow may not last to mid-June. Rules on the use of the funicular for environmental reasons means people cannot ride the funicular up and leave the top station to litter pick on their own, only with a guide, so previously litter pickers had to hike up.
Last year 44 sacks of rubbish were collected and the Ski Club hopes that with the new events and offers this year's Big Spring Clean will be the biggest yet. Gloves and bags are provided and there will be tea and cakes for everyone who brings back a bag of litter.
More information from kate.thorman@skiclub.co.uk / 0208 410 2000.