Ski you next year!
Temperatures to hit 70f... but snow fans wrap up to enjoy last runs of season
IT looks like winter may have finally left us as temperatures soar and skiers take one last run down the mountains before the season ends.
Scotland is set to bask in the sun this weekend, as the mercury rockets to around 70f (21c).
Yet while most of us are reaching for sun cream and shades, some skiers are donning gloves and scarves to enjoy the last of the snow, left over from winter.
After weeks of rain and chills, Scotland finally gets a reprieve this weekend, with the weather set to be mainly dry and bright overall.
The fine conditions will continue into the start of next week, only faltering on Wednesday.
Unlike those further south, Scots will also be spared from thunder and lightning that could spoil barbecues and picnics.
There will be a bit of cloud around today and the occasional shower.
However, as a weather front moves down the country, conditions will improve.
Moving into tomorrow, the temperatures will creep up. Though there will still be a chance of rain tomorrow, overall it will be dry and bright.
The mercury is likely to soar to an impressive 70f in the Glasgow area – and the good weather will continue into Monday and Tuesday.
A spokesman for the Met Office said: ‘Saturday will start off fairly dry, with a bit of cloud about.
‘A weather front will move from the north-west, travelling southwards.
‘Sunday is looking better. There is still a risk of showers, but thunder will not reach Scotland.
‘There will be good sunshine on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for Scotland. There is still a chance of showers but it will be mostly fine.
‘Temperatures will start to drop towards the middle of the week.’
Despite the summery conditions, some snow-lovers have still managed to take the chance to make the most of what cover remains in the mountains.
Joining a group from Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club for a ski session, photographer Hamish Frost captured some stunning pictures atop 4,413ft Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak.
The aptly named Mr Frost, 27, from Glasgow, said: ‘With its grand, almost alpine scale and the extensive climbing history associated with it, the North Face of the Ben always feels like a very special place to be.
‘It feels like a real journey and once again it didn’t disappoint here.’
However, the last of the coun- try’s resorts still offering winter sports will also shut its doors this weekend.
CairnGorm Mountain, near Aviemore, Inverness-shire, has remained open after Glencoe ended its season earlier this week on Monday.
The Lecht and Glenshee in Aberdeenshire and Nevis Range near Fort William, Inverness-shire, had all previously closed after a shorter season compared to recent years.
But CairnGorm Mountain will call an end to its winter sports tomorrow as the remaining snow starts to melt away with warming temperatures.
In 2010, the ski resort remained open until June for the first time.
But this season it began operating much later than in recent years, due to strong winds and a lack of snow cover.
A spokesman for CairnGorm Mountain said: ‘Despite us now being in May, we will be open again for snowsports this weekend for the last weekend of the season.
‘Despite a later than usual start to the season we have been blessed with some great conditions this year and we would like to thank each and every one of the skiers, boarders and visitors that scaled the slopes with us.’
‘A very special place to be’