Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... at Glencoe
As autumn fades into winter and the weather in Lochaber becomes even more unpredictable, a local ski centre has taken a bold step to try and guarantee snow conditions.
Glencoe ski resort is set to offer a guaranteed opening and closing date for the ski season after securing funding for new snow making equipment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
HIE has awarded the operator, Glencoe Mountain Limited (GML), £140,000 towards the £350,000 costs of acquiring the equipment from Italian firm TechnoAlpin.
Having the machines in place permanently will guarantee a start date to the ski-ing season and will give continuous cover over part of the hill, benefiting the business and safeguarding employment over the entire season.
Andy Meldrum, from GML, said: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to be making snow even when it’s lashing down with rain knowing that for the first time in Scottish ski-ing we can guarantee what day we open (December 1) and what day we will close for the season (May 6).
‘The value of this cannot be underestimated not only for our customers and the local economy as it will give visitors more confidence in planning trips and will provide huge benefits for our business and the local economy. We are extremely grateful to HIE and all our customers and local businesses who have helped make this possible.’
The project is part of a wider programme by GML which includes the development of additional visitor accommodation, online ticketing
and ski hire which help to develop Glencoe as an allyear-round attraction.
HIE has worked with GML for nine years and has supported investments in plant, equipment, infrastructure, marketing, strategy development, and digital advice.
It has also supported trials of the technology at three Scottish ski centres last season with positive results.
Alison Gainsford, HIE’s head of business growth, said: ‘Last year’s trial of snow making technology at the centre was very successful, with very positive results.
‘It will make a huge difference to customer confidence and visitor experience. Importantly it will also make the business more sustainable and provide job security for employees.
‘Our investment means GML has been able to install the equipment sooner than would be the case otherwise and the facility is already up and running with snow being produced at the top of the hill.
‘I am delighted we are able to support this investment and look forward to seeing the benefits to the company and to its customers over this season.’