Nevis Range picture by Steven McKenna for Ski-Scotland
Largely stable weather conditions in February, with most runs open throughout much of this year at all five northern Scottish ski areas, has led to visitor numbers being up so far this winter.
“We’re already well ahead of last season at the same point – in fact, almost 19% ahead – and also marginally ahead of 2012-13, which was itself a great season. However, we’ve still a long way to go to equal 2010-11 which was the best in recent years,” said Heather Negus, chair of the joint marketing group Ski-Scotland.
The snowsports areas report that the staggered half term in Scotland, coupled with good snow and some real bluebird days, have really benefited them.
Up to Sunday 15 February 2015, there have been 113,578 skier days across the five areas. By Sunday 16 February last year, there had been 95, 622 skier days and 113,254 up to the same point in 2012-13.
“We’re delighted with these results,” continued Heather, “particularly as half term is not finished yet. Last year we had brilliant snow in huge quantities but lost many days to storms. This year, we have good snow, have had some excellent overhead weather, but have still lost a lot of days to storms – and we’re still marginally ahead of 2012-13!”
The snowsports areas expect to continue to be busy with English half term visitors until the end of this week. After that, they recommend skiers and snowboarders keep an eye on snow and road conditions, webcams and weather forecasts on the official website www.ski-scotland.com and be ready to head for the mountains whenever conditions are good if they can.
