Where to Ski And Snowboard - New lift for Scotland

New lift for Scotland

16th April 2010, by Chris Gill

Glenshee, with the Cairnwell in the background

Glenshee ski area in Scotland expects to continue with plans to install a new chairlift, the result of the best winter season for a decade.

Management at the ski centre near Braemar has decided to re-invest money raised during this season’s excellent snow conditions, and install the new chair in the Cairnwell sector. It is the centre’s first major development since 2004, and since new owners took over the ski area. There were plans to install the lift several years ago, but this was put on hold after a series of disappointing winters. But with new owners and near-perfect conditions for much of the season, they expect to go ahead at last.

Glenshee director Stewart Davidson said: ‘With the season having been so good, it gives us a bit of money to re-invest. It’s the first time we’ve really had the money to spend.’

The centre is already the UK’s largest, boasting 21 lifts across three valleys. The Cairnwell development dates back to the 1960’s, so is well-established for winter sports – and has more of a summer following since the promotion of such activities as hiking and mountain biking.

Glenshee welcomed its final guests of the winter on 11 April, when warm weather finally forced the decision to close for the season.