Scottish Ski Resort Delays Opening Until February
9th November 2024
Last modified on November 12th, 2024
The Nevis Range says climate change means it has only been able to offer one or two days in January in recent years and the move will preserve conditions for later in the season.
The resort used to offer skiing and snowboarding from December until April, but recent years had seen “dramatic shifts” in winter weather patterns and damaging storms.
“Our team is as passionate as ever about skiing, but climate change is a reality that’s forced us to rethink our winter operations,” the Nevis Range said in a statement.
“If we’re fortunate enough to have exceptional snow conditions before then, we’ll do everything we can to open early – but realistically, this delayed start is the best approach given the winter weather we’ve come to expect.
“The hard reality is that we can’t sustain the ski season as we once did.”
Earlier this year, ski area bosses across Scotland said last winter was “a shocker of a year” in terms of conditions and that it had been the second worst season in the past 50 years.
The worst was in 2017.
In January last year the centre saw just one or two skiable days at most, with just three days of skiing overall.
“January, in particular, has become a month where conditions simply don’t allow for reliable skiing.
“Instead, we’ll use this time to perform essential maintenance on the gondola and other facilities, with the goal of conserving resources and creating the best possible conditions for February and March.
“These changes aren’t about cutting back – they’re about survival.
“Like many of you, we’ve noticed the dramatic shifts in winter weather patterns.”
The resort said that the delayed opening does not signal the end of skiing at the resort.
If it was to offer a full-scale ski season through the winter months Nevis Range as a whole may not survive.
The statement said a possible future plan to deal with the changing climate is to introduce a dry slope for snowsports year-round.
Nevis Range said it had been in contact with locals skiers to discuss the changes and explore how best to support the skiing community.
“To everyone who has stood by us through thick and thin, thank you,” the resort added.
“We know this isn’t the news everyone wants to hear, but these changes are about keeping Nevis Range alive, evolving, and ready for the future.
“We’re passionate about this place and the community we’ve built together.
“We appreciate your understanding as we adapt.”
New Gondola Opening Hours! https://t.co/gpcYZiNq5T
From today, our Gondola will be running Wednesday through Sunday. While the Gondola takes a rest on Mondays and Tuesdays, our Base Station remains open 7 days a week with plenty to enjoy for everyone! pic.twitter.com/RJ3GLQwmDp— Nevis Range (@TheNevisRange) November 3, 2024
Nevis Range opened 35 years ago and locals have been skiing on the mountain since the 1930s.
Other Scottish resorts are set to open at their traditional times:
- Cairngorm, Friday 20th December
- Glencoe – late November
- The Lecht – early December
- Glenshee – early December
This summer The Lecht launched a successful crowd-funding campaign to remain open:
The Lecht, Scotland. Image © PlanetSKI
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