With the weather turning colder and a smattering of snow forecast for Cairngorm summit it's time to get the 2022-23 Scotland thread underway.
After three years of work, does anyone know if the game-changing new Plateau chairlift at Glencoe will finally operate this season Everything was in place apart from the chairs when Mrs MA and I were there at the end of last season.
Fingers crossed for an epic Scottish season, with turns from October to May. We dare to dream!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
It was been tested with the chairs on the line, so yes, I think so.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Yes hope so. Andy at Glencoe is really active on social media so I suspect we will get the full picture ahead of time. Let’s wish them and the other Scottish centres, a successful, fun season.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Quote:
Let’s wish them and the other Scottish centres, a successful, fun season
It's been posted elsewhere by a fellow that the Braveheart Chair at Nevis Range is as good as doooomed If so, that's a real blow for Back Corries skiers there...
Let’s wish them and the other Scottish centres, a successful, fun season
It's been posted elsewhere by a fellow that the Braveheart Chair at Nevis Range is as good as doooomed If so, that's a real blow for Back Corries skiers there...
The turns are more than worth the traverse
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Some sad news coming out of Lowther Hills. I wouldn't be at all surprised if one of the bigger names met a similar fate in the coming years
Yes, bad news indeed. Have never visited but it's always been on my to do list...
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Nevis range have announced that they will only be open for skiing 5 days a week (Thurs-Mon) this season, although hopefully 7 days a week during school holidays. With the increase in electric prices, I guess that is fair enough.
They also said that both Braveheart and Warren's won't operate this season. In fact warrens might need to be replaced altogether if it is to open ever again. How did they let it get into that state? I mean, they rarely operate it, even when there is full snow cover and massive queues at the goose, warrens is rarely open.
Since they have had such little appetite to open it, I guess it will never be repaired or replaced.
Same for Braveheart really. Such an underutilised resource.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
tele wrote:
Nevis range have announced that they will only be open for skiing 5 days a week (Thurs-Mon) this season, although hopefully 7 days a week during school holidays. With the increase in electric prices, I guess that is fair enough.
They also said that both Braveheart and Warren's won't operate this season. In fact warrens might need to be replaced altogether if it is to open ever again. How did they let it get into that state? I mean, they rarely operate it, even when there is full snow cover and massive queues at the goose, warrens is rarely open.
Since they have had such little appetite to open it, I guess it will never be repaired or replaced.
Same for Braveheart really. Such an underutilised resource.
I wouldn't be surprised if they're quietly hoping for a bad season, so there's an excuse not to run the lifts.
Unless there's big queues at those lifts, I'm not sure the winter side of things is going to pay for itself with their energy bill quadrupling and prices staying the same.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
@Mouse555, you could be right - although worth pointing out a quadrupling of energy bills does not equate to a quadrupling of costs (not that you have said that!).
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I saw the report last week that the great carbuncle aka the Cairngorm Funicular should operate this season, i'm told from end Jan it will be all tested and certified again. That would be a bonus, despite what we all think of the CML/HIE debacle if we don't use it I fear we will almost certainly lose it. Here's to a snowy winter.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
I would endorse your comment @orange, I was up in Aviemore and Glenmore a month ago and all my enquiries regarding the re-opening were greeted with "possibly open for end of this coming season."
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
A recent, very positive, Guardian article on skiing in Scotland (even if the photo of the 'new chair' at Glencoe is actually one of the Access Chair ).
@Mouse555, you could be right - although worth pointing out a quadrupling of energy bills does not equate to a quadrupling of costs (not that you have said that!).
Energy costs were making up about 5% of a typical Alps resorts turnover. That will increase to 20-25% for resorts renewing their contracts this year. They're talking about it increasing 8 fold next year!
I don't know what the percentages are at the Scottish areas, but there comes a point where it just won't work.. even in an amazing snow year.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
The season-long closure of Warrens and Braveheart has been covered above. However, looking more closely at the 2022-3 piste map, it appears that all the pistes in the Warrens area have also been redesignated as "out of bounds". See the new dotted line excluding them from the patrolled area.
That's a big shame, especially since the blacks and reds in the Warrens sector were at least accessible via the Summit lift. It essentially that means there are no longer any black runs at Nevis Range. Of course they are still technically accessible as off piste, but it's not great for those with less experience and without avalanche gear.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Mike Pow wrote:
mountainaddict wrote:
Quote:
Let’s wish them and the other Scottish centres, a successful, fun season
It's been posted elsewhere by a fellow that the Braveheart Chair at Nevis Range is as good as doooomed If so, that's a real blow for Back Corries skiers there...
The turns are more than worth the traverse
Wise words. The "broken-heart" not run regularly for number of years. However there is still some great skiing over there in spring.
Sadly Nevis Range seems to be suffering from HIE influencing business decisions (as they did on Cairngorm). They sold off their hydro scheme back in 2019 to pay for snow making on nursery slope and blue bike track (which is admittedly superb). Problem is that energy cost have gone through roof since then. Buying back the renewables not looking like such a good deal anymore given subsequent hike in grid prices...
New management more focussed on biking + new hotel (plus making tik-tok videos) rather than making most of skiing.
Mouse555 wrote:
Some sad news coming out of Lowther Hills. I wouldn't be at all surprised if one of the bigger names met a similar fate in the coming years https://skiclub.lowtherhills.com/
That is a shame. Given location was never the most snow sure. Only ski toured there but they had a nice set up (club house, groomer, lunch hut). My understanding is that post-brexit the founding director and main man (Spanish guy called anjo) decided to relocate back to EU. Likely now he is gone the club lacking volunteer enthusiasm?
Here is to winter 2023. Too much to hope for early snow?
Covid hit all the ski stations hard so a decent winter would be much appreciated
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Phew!! When I read 'Rebranded trains' I was fearing seeing the Trans Pennine Express or Northern Railways logos - with every other departure cancelled as a result...
All aboard for an epic winter!!
EDIT: Oh!! Wait! Not so fast! Hmmm....
Quote:
The Scottish government agency said trains could be fully operational early next year.
But it added that project costs had risen from about £16m to £25m due to the impacts of Covid, Brexit and blizzards in spring hampering repairs
Pesky covid!...Brexit! And who'd have thought it? Spring snow in the Highlands...
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
End of Jan was what I was reliably informed was the date.
End of Jan was what I was reliably informed was the date.
The ominous bit in the article is where it says they'll be waiting for Dept of Transport approval...
Didn't Glencoe wait months and months for that to happen after their new chairlift was finished
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@mountainaddict, yes, that occurred to me as well. I think you are right about Glencoe.
After all it is free
After all it is free
mountainaddict wrote:
Quote:
End of Jan was what I was reliably informed was the date.
The ominous bit in the article is where it says they'll be waiting for Dept of Transport approval...
Didn't Glencoe wait months and months for that to happen after their new chairlift was finished
Yes. Although since HIE is a publicly funded organization perhaps they have a bit more influence in getting a Dept of Transport inspector to pay a visit?
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
£25m of public money to fix a concrete viaduct that has already trashed the mountain and doesn’t offer much for snowsport users. Many skiers and boarders left years ago for Glencoe and Glenshee. It may prove difficult to attract them back.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Quick refresher required @Peter S, is the funicular the only lift access onto the summit plateau?
Is M1 poma still in existence, if memory serves correctly that did not quite reach the plateau.
As you (PeterS) remarked the train isn't the skiers solution!
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Quote:
Is the funicular the only lift access onto the summit plateau? Is M1 poma still in existence, if memory serves correctly that did not quite reach the plateau
Yes, the M1 draglift is still there.
The top of the tow is level with the Ptarmigan restaurant - so it does indeed serve the highest part of the ski area (which is known as the Ptarmigan Bowl, rather than the summit plateau).
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@mountainaddict, and others who like to tour on Cairngorm the weather station on the summit is back in action http://cairngormweather.eps.hw.ac.uk/index.htm, for those who are not on Facebook you can click on their link and it allows you to view their page without wanting you to join.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much on Thu 24-11-22 11:48; edited 1 time in total
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Great stuff kitenski. Thanks for that!
Excitement mounts - always great to see snow in Scotland. See you up there soon
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
This should be a good watch I hope!
Can you ski lines off the 10 highest mountains in the UK in two and a half days and make it back in time for work on Monday morning?
-
Ben Lawers
-
Ben Nevis
Carn Mor Dearg
Aonach Beag
Aonach Mor
-
Braeriach
The Angel’s Peak
Cairn Toul
Ben Macdui
Cairngorm
10 in a Weekend
This will be FREE to view online on Monday 28/11 for ONE WEEK ONLY
You’ll need to sign up www.alpinetutorials.com/10inaweekend to catch it, then it’ll be unpublished whilst it screens at ongoing live venues
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
It’s open, Think it’ll stop working shortly as they are only opening the link for a bit
@mountainaddict, The Lecht might also be a good bet?
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@mountainaddict, 10-20cm probably not enough, unless massive drifting??
After all it is free
After all it is free
Quote:
The Lecht might also be a good bet?
Could be a good shout denfinella.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
I've found that snowforecast often underestimates snowfall accumulations from showery weather (e.g. the coming week), whereas it can overestimate frontal snow. Drifting and humidity may well be a factor in this!
I reckon there's a reasonable chance of The Lecht being ready to open either next weekend or soon after. Though weekdays might not be financially viable at this time of year.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Possibly 40cm of snow this week in Cairngorms. Maybe get skiing next week?
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
it's time to get the 2022-23 Scotland thread underway.
Everything was in place apart from the chairs when Mrs MA and I were there at the end of last season.
that the Braveheart Chair at Nevis Range is as good as doooomed 
If so, that's a real blow for Back Corries skiers there... 
).
- with every other departure cancelled as a result... 
And who'd have thought it? Spring snow in the Highlands...
