Mountain biking and artificial ski-ing are on the cards at CairnGorm Mountain as they seek to increase their summer offerings.
The company behind the famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park have been brought in to consult on the plans for developing runs in the sensitive mountain area.
CairnGorm operator Natural Retreats revealed the plans as part of a multi-million upgrade of facilities at the site near Aviemore.
Around 300 people attended a series of public consultation events on proposals for the ski centre last year.
Yesterday Natural Retreats revealed that they have revived their plans, based on feedback gathered at the meetings.
The masterplan will now be developed in phases with plans for summer activities being brought forward, while less work will be carried out at the Day Lodge.
A review of snows ports uplift infrastructure will also be carried out.
Adam Gough, head of the resorts and lodges team, said that increasing attractions outwith the weather-dependent ski-ing season would be of benefit to the mountain in the long term.
He said that the operator was now considering a “revised approach” following the recently concluded winter season.
He added: “This is being finalised but will involve bringing forward the investment in summer activities, a reduction in the proposed work to the Day lodge, improvements to the Ptarmigan (Restaurant) and an independent review of the snowsports uplift and infrastructure.
“In working through the revised approach we’ve also engaged several third party consultants, including mountain biking experts Gravity Logic, Glenmore Lodge and Development Mountain Biking Scotland, to help us shape the proposals.
“Gravity Logic are the team behind the world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park success and specialise in creating world class facilities in sensitive mountain settings.
“Once the revised proposals have been finalised we will continue with the planning application process which is likely to involve a further public presentation of the masterplan.”
Mr Gough also confirmed that artificial ski-ing is under consideration along with other summer activities.
A planning application is likely to be submitted to Highland Council and the Cairngorm National Park later in the year.
Subject to planning approval, work could begin on elements of the masterplan in 2017 and is likely to be spread over two summers to accommodate the winter sports season.
