Helping hand from technology stops ski season going downhill

GLENSHEE: Machine which makes snow is a huge plus for centre

Bosses at Scotland’s biggest ski centre say their winter season has been boosted by a new man-made snow machine.

Skiers returned to the slopes at Glenshee this week following a drawnout spell of stormy weather.

Dennis and Ciara brought heavy snow to Scotland’s ski centres, but also ferocious winds and hazardous driving conditions.

When the winds finally died down, winter sports lovers came back in their droves to the Glenshee Ski Centre on the Perthshire/aberdeenshire border.

The centre was able to open 10 runs yesterday, the third day in a row the site has been able to open for skiers, snowboarders and sledgers.

Managing director David Farquharson said he has been able to extend the season, thanks to a recently installed snow-making machine.

“In one way it has been a bit of a late start for us,” he said. “But on the other hand, our snow factory has allowed us to stay open since December 17.

“Although it only covers two of the beginner slopes, it has kept us going throughout the Christmas period.

“It has meant that since December 17, we’ve only had three days where we’ve not had skiing.”

Mr Farquharson admitted, though, the machine was no substitute for the real thing.

“It keeps the smaller runs going, which means we can accommodate school parties, but for everything else we still need the right conditions.”

He added: “Given that it’s the halfterm holidays and we’ve only really got going, it has been rather hectic.

“But in terms of numbers, it has been a fairly typical half-term. It’s certainly busy, which is great to see.

“The forecast for the weekend is looking good, though.

“After a short mild spell, we’re expecting it will remain cold for the rest of the week.”

Glenshee was not the only Scottish ski centre to open yesterday, with the Lecht, Glencoe, Nevis Range and Cairngorm Mountain also welcoming visitors.

However, both Cairngorm and Glencoe were forced to call off snowsports activities in the early afternoon due to strong winds.

Pictures: Steve Macdougall. Busy times at the Glenshee Ski Centre, which has seen its season helped by a man-made snow machine. Enjoying themselves far left are Phillip Dallison, Nicolas Baldanza, Samuel Phillip, 5, and Liam Baldanza, also 5.