Heavy snow came as a blessing for most of Scotland’s ski resorts yesterday – but ferocious winds meant they remained shut.
Managers of centres across the north were last night in an optimistic mood though, with hopes that some excellent conditions will be enjoyed on the slopes when the blustery weather dies down today.
And one resort even predicted that tomorrow could be “the day of the season”.
Angela Dingwall, manager at Glencoe, said: “Thursday is looking like it will be the day of the season.
Still windy but there is a lot of snow!
Posted by Glencoe Mountain Resort on Tuesday, 11 February 2020
“It is to be calm and there will be decent snow about, which we hope people can enjoy before the next band of weather comes in.
“We have snow just now but it has been too windy to ski since Friday. We expect conditions to be good once the weather drops.”
Alex Nydecka, operations administrator and weather reporter at the Nevis Range, added: “We are closed because of wind, but we have plenty of snow on the mountain.
“Our hill manager is out assessing conditions and we will know more in the morning.
“Unfortunately we are dealing with the remnants of Storm Ciara. We hope to open once conditions allow.”
High winds and heavy snow have also kept Cairngorm Mountain closed over the last few days.
The resort reported yesterday that conditions had worsened with frequent blizzards coming through, and all facilities were closed.
Good news power is back on at Glencoe Mountain Resort where it is still snowing and blowing! The big bucks question is how quickly will the wind moderate on Wednesday, it's likely to still be howling at dawn so a delayed start likely, but the afternoon could be good. Overall Thursday looks more promising before another storm starts to push in Thursday evening (snow could reach the Southern Highlands late afternoon Thur). As it's pretty bright due to the moon and snow even with cloud we've put the Plateau Cafe webcam on through the evening. Check updates in the morning and webcams at www.winterhighland.info/glencoe .
Posted by Winterhighland Ltd on Tuesday, 11 February 2020
Customers looking to ski at Glenshee were advised that the area would be closed for the day yesterday.
An update on social media showed that the resort had received a large dumping of snow, and said the range would open today.
The Lecht reported it would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday due to weather conditions, and said operators had their “fingers crossed” for snow to come.