As an extension to this trial, these mobile guns will be able to be used in a number of different locations around the mountain; in two or three places around the Ptarmigan tow and in the vicinity of the top station; and in seven different locations around the Zig-Zags, and Gun Barrel area of Coire Cas. The snow guns are due to be delivered to the resort at the end of November.

 

Commenting on the forthcoming arrival of the guns, resort Operations Manager Colin Matthew said:

 

“Although last season was not the best we were able to take the opportunity to trial one of these guns in a number of areas of the hill and it performed extremely well, with the gun making technical snow for over 300 hours. Equipped with four of them, and with the right weather conditions, we will be able to undertake some serious snowmaking in different parts of the mountain, whether it be creating a base, topping up natural cover or restoring thinly covered and scoured areas. It should increase the number of days on which we are able to offer snowsports and improve the customer experience overall. The first of our season ticket holder liaison meetings takes place at CairnGorm this Saturday 17 November at 2pm and I am looking forward to telling those who attend more about this development and about our new style of snow fencing.”

 

Also new this season at the resort will be tours for spectators on the back of a snow cat pisting machine, enabling visitors who have travelled up on the funicular but who are not skiers or boarders to get out and about to see more of the snowsports area and enjoy the views from different areas around the top of the mountain. The tours will depart, conditions permitting and subject to availability, from outside the Ptarmigan Top Station.