Jump to content
Snow?
Local
Radar
Cold?
IGNORED

UK Mountain Snow/Weather 2008


kippure

Recommended Posts

Posted
  • Location: Highland Scotland
  • Location: Highland Scotland

Timmytour, as far as skiing holidays in Scotland go if your looking at getting your kids into snowsports then it would be very rare for there not to be sufficient snow for novices on CairnGorm Mountain by Aviemore. They have beginner terrain both at the bottom of the mountain (more sheltered for wintry weather) and at the very top of the ski area up in the Ptarmigan Bowl (which makes the beginner runs the most snow sure on the mountain).

Last winter was apparently the second mildest on record, but there was continious snowsports on offer from late November until 15h April 2007.

Are your kids of school age and if so would you be looking at going during school holidays? Depending on the year (and thus when Easter falls) I would be minded to suggest Easter time for first timers, as the weather is more likely to be settled and less cold, and the best conditions often come in spring. The granular spring snow that forms through the repeated winter freeze/thaw cycling during winter is one of the delights of Scottish Snowsports, the granular structure makes this snow extremely thaw resistant, it's fast, non sticking and doesn't get slushy (even in T-shirt weather) thus it makes for great learning conditions as it's beautiful to turn on.

The potential advantage of not going so late in the year is the Lecht, about 50mins drive away from Aviemore. It is an excellent place for getting kids started, it has short gentle beginner runs right by the Carpark and Baselodge that are just perfect for teaching youngsters, and the magic carpet and handle rope tows greatly ease the learning curve by getting people onto meachanised uplift much faster. Once they've got the hang of it you can move back to CairnGorm if you want a chance of scenary. Downside of the Lecht is it's the lowest resort, but they have snowmaking on the beginner runs that can see them open and the ski school running even when there's no snow elsewhere.

There's a big array of activities to do in and around Aviemore, and the Hilton Colyumnbridge a couple of miles outside Aviemore on the road to CairnGorm Mountain is an amazing place for kids (This is a Hilton like non other on earth - not one for a quiet weekend away from the kids :) )

Maybe for a first time you could get your kids to one of the various snowdomes, it's a lower risk way of getting them started, so if their not keen first time you've not wasted a whole ski holiday. Which is one advantage of somewhere like Aviemore for teaching kids, there is a whole lot more to do for families than there can be in a lot of dedicated ski resorts. You could make it a general family holiday with an introduction to skiing as part of it, but not the be all and end all of it, unless their hooked from day 1.

Having a car gives you a lot more freedom esp with a family, but if you dont want to drive there or hire a car, ScotRail's overnight sleeper service from London Euston is IMHO the best method of travelling the length of the UK there is. The Highland Sleeper when it departs Euston has 3 seperate lounge bar cars for the adults! :) This option also saves a nights accommodation at each end and travelling overnight means you don't waste a day travelling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Aberdeen 33m asl
  • Location: Aberdeen 33m asl

The A939 Tomintoul - Cockbridge road has NOT been closed enough this winter for my liking.We are due a decent northerly incursion soon - IT MUST HAPPEN!!

Edited by Zerouali lives
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
  • Location: Aberdeen 33m asl
  • Location: Aberdeen 33m asl

Thought I had to post these two stunning images of early morning Cairngorm last week.

http://www.winterhighland.info/2006/pix/di...php?id=6335,414

http://www.winterhighland.info/2006/pix/di...php?id=6336,414

Also attrocious conditions here - click on Drumochter North

http://www.trafficscotland.org/lev/views.a...centralscotland

Edited by Zerouali lives
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • UK Storm and Severe Convective Forecast

    UK Severe Convective & Storm Forecast - Issued 2024-03-28 09:16:06 Valid: 28/03/2024 0800 - 29/03/2024 0600 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH - THURS 28 MARCH 2024 Click here for the full forecast

    Nick F
    Nick F
    Latest weather updates from Netweather

    More rain on the way: Storm Nelson brings gales Thursday, but rain and wind easing for Easter

    Spells of rain or showers with sunshine in between affecting most areas today, snow over northern hills. Storm Nelson arrives tomorrow, bringing gales to southern coasts and windy elsewhere with further showers. Showers and wind easing somewhat into the Easter Weekend. Read the full update here

    Netweather forecasts
    Netweather forecasts
    Latest weather updates from Netweather

    UK Storm and Severe Convective Forecast

    UK Severe Convective & Storm Forecast - Issued 2024-03-27 09:35:27 Valid: 27/03/2024 0900 - 28/03/2024 0600 THUNDERSTORM WATCH - WEDS 27 MARCH 2024 Click here for the full forecast

    Nick F
    Nick F
    Latest weather updates from Netweather
×
×
  • Create New...