Scotland's 5 ski centres have been enjoying the recent wintry weather with some of the "best skiing in years." A succession of seasons with mild weather and gusty conditions, blamed on global warming, have hit Scottish ski centres hard in past years. Such was the decline in the numbers of skiers heading for Scottish slopes that it has looked like ski centres would be forced to close. The recent snowfall offers some respite.
At Glenshee, the nearest mountain (of the main three centres) to Edinburgh, the forecast is for overcast conditions and 18mph winds at 600 metres tomorrow. 11 of its 20 lifts are expected to be open.
"Fresh snow has improved the runs most of which now have full cover. There is powder snow on most runs, a few are thin in places," says the mountain's snow report.
Moving West to Nevis Range, the forecast is similar:
"Cloudy with the odd light snow shower.
Wind & Temp at 900m: 20mph easing, -2C"
9 of the 12 lifts expected to be open.
Glencoe's runs are all open and the reports say that you can ski to the car park.
"Anyone for powder?"
Those heading further up Aviemore way, 125 miles North of Edinburgh, should find relatively good conditions at Cairngorm ski area.
The report at Scotland's most popular centre says:
"New snow has made great conditions even better! Excellent skiing and
boarding in Ptarmigan Bowl, Ciste Bowl, Ciste Fairway, Traverse, 105,
Gunbarrel. Run to Day Lodge via Burnside, Carpark and Homeroad. White
Lady has big drifts near the top and full width lower down. M1 full
width all the way. M1/105 link pisted, excellent. Fiacaill Ridge open
but unpisted. Anyone for powder skiing?"
There are still several pomas expected to be closed, including the M1 Poma due to technical failure, and the White Lady T bar is not expected to be operational, but the funicular train runs up the mountain from 9am to 3.20pm.
Tomorrow's forecast is also the most pleasant of the three main resorts:
"Mostly dry with isolated snow showers. Bright sunshine with excellent visibility. Wind W or SW 25 to 40mph."
Of course, this is Scotland, so nothing's certain weather-wise.