All white now for Glencoe skiers with snow machine

● Manufactured snow will boost local economy

0 Last winter slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort were only able to open for 32 days of the season, and conditions were poor A winter sports resort in the Highlands has unveiled new plans that could be a “game-changer” for skiing in Scotland, guaranteeing snow on one of the country’s most iconic mountain ranges.

Last winter was the worst on record for snow in Glencoe, Scotland’s oldest commercial ski area, with just over 4,000 skier days compared to the usual 30,000.

Slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort were only able to open

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for 32 days of the season, and conditions were poor.

Now bosses want to bring in a snow-making machine that will let them patch up ski and sledge runs on the mountain.

They say the move will benefit the entire community.

It would allow slopes to open for a full five-month season.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise some of the £460,000 needed to buy and install the device, which can create 100 cubic metres of snow per day.

Unlike conventional snow cannons, which require cold, calm conditions, the Technoalpin Snowfactory can operate in mild, wet and windy weather.

It will be the first of its type in Scotland.

Andy Meldrum, owner and managing director of Glencoe Mountain, says the new Snowfactory would be switched on in early November to build massive piles of snow ahead of an official opening day for the slopes on 1 December.

Manufactured snow could then be pushed out onto the runs and used to patch bare areas whenever necessary.

“A Snowfactory at Glencoe really could be a game-changer for Scottish skiing,” he said.

“People book their holidays to the Alps months in advance, but here we rely on opportunistic skiers.

“A poor season can kill off fragile local businesses and harm the community but this technology could give visitors the confidence to plan a trip.”

Snow sports bring in around £30 million a year to Scotland.

Tourism leaders have commended the new plan.

“It is an excellent example of the resilience, determination and innovation of Scotland’s tourism industry,” according to Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of Visitscotland.

“Glencoe Mountain resort has shown real creativity in considering ways they can continue to attract local residents and snowsport enthusiasts to the area, regardless of the temperature.”

The campaign aims to raise a total of £320,000, with more than £6,000 already pledged.