The remarkably consistent 2012-13 ski season is continuing in Scotland, with fresh snow still falling, and forecast to continue in to May.
The cold first half of spring is a repeat of last season, but in 2012 the cold April and May followed a warm winter in which slopes were closed for much of February and March, as a result Cairngorm ski area has reported over 200,000 skiers visiting so far this season, more than double the 2011-12 total.
Cairngorm is the only ski area of the five Scottish centres that's still open every day and has more than 600m of top-to-bottom vertical open. A recent statement from the ski area said it looked likely it would continue to operate in to May, 'subject to demand' – highlighting a common problem when conditions remain good in Scotland this late in the year – not enough skiers or boarders turning up to justify operations.
On the West Coast Nevis Range has announced it has closed for the season on several occasions but has subsequently re-opened at weekends as the fresh snow keeps falling and good snow cover continues. It says it may re-open for the May Day bank holiday, whereas Glencoe to the south says it definitely will – subject to weather conditions. The only real negative in recent Scottish weather for skiers and lift operations have been some very strong to gale force winds.