Recent snow and the partial completion of work to get Lowther Hills ski area in the Scottish borders operational has paid off with the first skiers taking to the area’s nursery slope.
On the busiest day so far around 60 skiers took to the 100m nursery slope, the first area to open, and a second temporary lift tow had to be used.
The dedication of volunteers from the family-friendly Lowther Hills Ski Club to get the centre operational has seen teams working in all weathers to erect lift pylons, a club house and lift engine shed through the autumn after agreeing slope access rights with two land owners.
The new buildings have already been tested by the extremes of Scottish weather, surviving 100mph gales in early January.
The Club’s main ski run should open imminently with more snow forecast and the installation of the new 400m tow lift almost complete
Regular snow reports are posted and the Club also operates a lively Facebook page.
There has been skiing in the Lowther Hills for at least 60 years and the current Club has existed since the mid-1980s but there has been no permanent ski lift and club house facilities until this winter.
Membership of the Lowther Hills Ski Club, which entitles members to free use of the ski lift and slopes whenever the centre is open and other benefits, costs £35 for adults, £20 for under 18s and £60 for families with discounts for local residents.