Specialist consultants have travelled from the US to the Highlands in advance of a major review of ski uplift infrastructure on CairnGorm Mountain.
Claire Humber and Pete Williams, directors of consultancy SE Group, which was recently appointed by economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to carry out the study, spent eight days in the area on a “familiarisation visit”.
During the trip they met some of the local stakeholders who will be consulted as part of the review.
SE Group will make a number of further visits to Cairngorm as part of their research, with the next one due in June.
Susan Smith, HIE’s head of business development, said: “We crammed a lot into this initial trip to ensure that SE Group have a solid understanding of the geographic challenges, as well as the potential economic opportunities at CairnGorm.
“We will maintain close contact with the team over the next eight months or so, as they carry out the review.”
HIE announced the “major independent and comprehensive review,” and the appointment of the US consultants in February. Expected to be completed later this year, the exercise is intended to identify and assess options for potential future investment in infrastructure.
It will explore how Cairngorm might adapt for success in a changing ski market and identify potential opportunities for year-round diversification, as well as the prospects for growth in snow sports.
SE Group will also investigate options for redeveloping infrastructure in the lower part of Coire na Ciste, following a recent clear-up exercise which included the removal of old, disused chairlifts. Other aspects of the infrastructure, such as more effective snow-making, which would improve customer experience and accessibility, will be another area of focus.
Cairngorm is Scotland’s biggest snow sports destination.
HIE owns the 3,500-acre Cairngorm Estate, around half of which is leased to CairnGorm Mountain as a year-round visitor attraction.
The resort is home to the UK’s highest funicular railway and restaurant, and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year.