(Jamie Trinder of TeamGB Competes in a Rail Jam at The Lecht on Saturday)
More than 18,000 skier days were clocked up during the first full week of Scotland's ski season last week.
A combination of good weather and pent up demand helped boost numbers after ski areas were prevented from opening (with a few brief exceptions) through December and until January 8th by various weather extremes including gales and rapid thaws of the initial snowpack.
Last weekend was the first full weekend when all five highland areas were open.
"We are absolutely delighted that so many skiers and snowboarders came out on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the great snow at our ski areas – the first weekend of the season with all five mountain resorts operating," said Chair of Ski-Scotland Heather Negus who added, "World Snow Day last Sunday aims to bring new people to the snow, particularly children. Nevis Range, Glencoe Mountain and CairnGorm Mountain all participated and reported a great turn out for all the fun events that were organised. The Lecht also hosted a successful Rail Jam on Saturday."
Eastern access to Glenshee has been restored earlier than expected – with damage caused by extreme weather and flooding to a bridge repaired and as temporary by-pass created where a section of the main road to Aberdeen was washed away.
"The skier visits figure in excess of 18,000 is much higher than would normally be expected in one January week and gives an excellent start to what promises to be a good season," concluded Heather.