Scotland’s Nevis Range May Not Open Until February
Scotland’s Nevis Range May Not Open Until February
Published : 08-Nov-2024 08:34
Scotland's Nevis Range ski area says it probably won't open its ski slopes until February this winter.
The news comes as the four other Scottish areas prepare for the start of the 24-25 season as the Highland bask in warm sunshine and some of the highest temperatures in the UK.
In a detailed blog post, similar to one a year ago in which the centre, which opened 35 years ago, announced it had not turned a profit on its wintersports business in 15 years, along with the plan not to open until the February school holidays, Nevis Range say they also won't open on Mondays and Tuesdays except in school holidays.
However, they do note, "If we're fortunate enough to have exceptional snow conditions before then, we'll do everything we can to open early—but realistically, this delayed start is the best approach given the winter weather we've come to expect."
Nevis Range say they have been badly impacted by climate change, which not only cut their 23-24 season to three days in January last winter, but also brought extreme storms which have caused expensive-to-repair damage to infrastructure.
All five Scottish centres purchased all-weather snowmaking machines a few years ago which have been used in different ways. In Glencoe's case for a successful sledging slope, at cairngorm for a beginner's area and at Glenshee to help create several short ski runs. Most of the centres invested in proven TechnoAlpin SnowFactory machines but Nevis Range invested in a different system they hoped would be better but, they revealed in their post last year, had failed to work successfully.
In this Autumn's post they say they are now working on a vision to shift to all year-round skiing,
"We're actively pursuing opportunities to introduce a large dry slope for year-round snowsports. This isn't just an idea—it's an ambition we're already working toward with potential investors. We're determined to create a future where skiing at Nevis Range remains accessible, but in a way that reflects the reality of our climate."
The other four Scottish centres currently hope to open as normal. The Lecht has a summer crowdfunder "to help us survive" which had raised over £25,000 at the last report. Cairngorm is optimistic the troubled funicular railway, "will be operational again this winter" although it is unclear if it will be so from the start. Due to the removal of other lifts it's the only way to reach the top of the slopes without needing to hike up.
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