The second FIS (Federation International de Ski) World Snow Day on Sunday saw over 1500 skiers and boarders taking to the slopes at CairnGorm Mountain. Among them were 56 beginners taking advantage of the free skiing or boarding lessons and equipment hire being offered by the resort in association with The Ski and Snowboard School on a first come first served basis. Aspiring skiers and boarders were queueing outside the ticket office from before 8am to grab one of the free lessons on offer. Many had travelled for two or three hours to participate and enjoyed their first taste of snowsports despite the low temperatures. The participants included a group of 5 learners who had travelled from Fraserborough and who were intent on returning the following weekend to extend their skills.
In addition to the free taster sessions a dual slalom course was available for more experienced skiers but the free piste machine tours for non-skiing customers which had also been scheduled for World Snow Day had to be cancelled in view of the very low temperatures which were exacerbated by the windchill. The LASS ‘come shred with me’ girls shred day for female snowboarders however went ahead in spite of challenging conditions and was enjoyed by participants from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Orkney. The event was supported by Roxy and Snowsport Scotland with instructors provided by CairnGorm Snowboard Club. Lauren MacCallum, Snowsport Scotland Development Officer, said “There was a really positive atmosphere on the hill and the twenty participants had a great time. We are looking forward to running another event like this later in the season.”
Commenting on World Snow Day as a whole, CairnGorm Mountain marketing manager Colin Kirkwood said: “Along with other Ski-Scotland resorts we were delighted to be able to participate in this worldwide celebration of snow by getting some newcomers to the sport onto boards or skis for the first time. It is particularly gratifying that so many of them reported positively on their experience despite the very cold conditions and said that they could not wait to come back and have another go. That is exactly what we were hoping for in providing these taster sessions. It is also testament to the quality of the teaching provided by The Ski and Snowboard School who partnered us in this venture. The fresh snow that has fallen this week is a welcome sight for resort operators and snowsports fans alike and more is forecast for the next few days with low temperatures continuing.”
- Free skis snowboards use
- Free ski passes
- Free ski snowboard lessons
One of the groups that received a free ski lesson. (mentioned above)A poster advertising our planned activities.The Girls Shred Day.