Ptarmigan Ridge
British skiers and snowboarders suffering from the global economy crisis and warm winter conditions at the ski areas of France and Spain will be glad to have a chance of good skiing on their native land, namely in Scotland. Pouring rain that fell in some areas there turned into heavy snowfalls in the Highlands.
According to the weather forecasts for the coming next days temperatures will most likely decrease lower but as it is the snow conditions have enabled to launch the new winter season at all the local ski areas simultaneously. For instance, the Scotland’s most admired ski area Cairngorm Mountain located above Aviemore has already opened some terrains, mostly slopes for beginners.
The resort’s representatives stated: “Weather permitting, we will open for snowsports this weekend, running the Ciste tow and Ptarmigan tow. A run to the middle is not possible, but this may change with continued snowfall. There are some high winds and blizzards forecast.”
Ian Whitaker, Cairrngorm’s Chief Executive, added that launching ski season before Christmas is “a great confidence booster for all businesses in the area and creates a lot of excitement and interest for skiers and snowboarders” looking forward to have some fun on fresh slopes.
On the continet one more opening is on the brink. The remaining ski areas of Dolomiti Superski complex situated in Italy is going to open soon. From the 50+ ski areas that form this enormous formation some are already functioning, among them are ski areas of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Kronplatz, Alta Pusteria and Val di Fiemme/Obereggen.
Photo: Ptarmigan Ridge, by Kevin Lenz (wikimedia.org)
Date: 30/11/2009
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