New details of the £4million plan to make Cairngorm Mountain a year-round attraction have been revealed.
An artificial ski slope will be located close to the base station and a 19,375sqft beginner’s area and a 295ft long intermediate slope will be created.
The artificial slopes will be open all year round with plans to include magic carpet lifts dedicated to the area, which is the first part of longer term plans for the mountain.
This is the latest development in a major project to develop the resort which will create 45 jobs.
Adam Gough of resort operator Natural Retreats, said: “There has been a lot of interest in future plans for CairnGorm Mountain and the drop-in session is a great way to get people as excited as we are about the artificial slopes. Our plans will ensure there is something for everyone. We will create a safe environment for beginners whilst leaving the main slopes open for more advanced snowsports. We want CairnGorm Mountain to be a year-round destination and the artificial slopes will play a central role in realising that ambition.
People are invited to the mountain to view the proposals at a drop in session on August 23.
A team will be on site to answer any questions at the Aonach Room at CairnGorm Mountain from noon until 5pm.
Anyone who would like to see the plans but is unable to attend the session can please email planning@naturalretreats.com for further information.
Under the scheme Natural Retreats said the exhibition and shop at the Ptarmigan building on the mountain would also be “relocated and improved”.
Natural Retreats hope it could even be completed in time for the winter season, with the upgrade of the Ptarmigan facilities to follow next year.
A review of all ski lifts and tows is being carried out with a view to a potential overhaul over the next five years, while calls to open the restaurant at night will be considered.
The move to create an artificial slope emerged as Scotland’s snowsports sector recovers from one of its worst seasons in recent memory.
The work has been made possible by a £4million loan from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which owns the mountain’s funicular railway, and the revamped facilities will cost the operator about £500,000 a year to maintain.
