Aviemore’s seasonal businesses are under serious threat from the prolonged closure of the Cairngorm funicular railway, according to a local business group.
Aviemore Business Association’s Alan Brattey called the situation “a disaster”.
He said: “You can’t sugar coat the pill and it will hit the mountain businesses, you can clearly see that happening on social media right now.
“Visitors to CairnGorm Mountain Ltd’s Facebook page are saying they will not be coming, and will be going to The Lecht instead, for example.”
The ski and board rental store Aviemore Ski Shack has now chosen not to open this season, and the owners are making plans to sell up.
The business only opens for the scant four month season, but it serves thousands of customers, also acting as popular focal point for those who want to come and chat about all things ski-ing.
Co-owner Alan Mackenzie said he and his business partner Gary Maclennan had made the decision to close and sell up.
He said: “The whole of the Spey valley has been kicked in the teeth. B&Bs, guest houses, hotel, bars, restaurants, they’re all going to feel the pinch.
“Glenshee, Nevis Range and Glencoe will pick up all the business, and you have to ask how many people will return to CairnGorm.”
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Mr Maclennan added: “We hire to the Lecht and to Cairngorm, but Cairngorm is 80% of our business.
“Without the funicular, the capacity of that hill is almost zero. In theory, the hill could still operate without the funicular but it needs everything to fall into place, like snow right to the bottom for the tows.”
Kevin and Kirsty Whyte of Ardlogie Guest House & Self Catering in Aviemore said whilst they anticipate a bleak picture for businesses if the funicular isn’t fixed for the season, Cairngorm is already in difficulty.
Mr Whyte said: “Over the last couple of years we’ve seen a steep decline in the number of new and repeat guests booking to come and participate in winter sports.
“In 2016, we put this down to the mild winter and lack of snow, but last year we had some great conditions and visitors still chose to go elsewhere, mainly due to the lack of investment in the infrastructure & consumer offering by Cairngorm Mountain.”
Mrs Whyte said: “We’re in a lucky position that we still managed to retain some business to see us through the quiet months from those looking to hike and participate in those activities not dependent on the hill infrastructure.
“This year however we anticipate an even bleaker picture if the funicular isn’t fixed in time for the up and coming season. This will undoubtedly have a major impact on all the accommodation providers & businesses in Aviemore along with their staff.
“Significant business losses will be inevitable for some.”
With The Ptarmigan restaurant closed after the funicular was shut for an engineer’s report due to safety concerns, some 30 catering staff have already been laid off.