So you've just stepped off the Funicular on CairnGorm or the Access Chairlift at Glencoe after a day on the slopes, here's two photos from lift closing time the past 2 days:





Edited 1 times. Last edit at 18.13hrs Wed 15 Apr 15 by alan.

Attachments: endofday.jpg (93kB)  

I love hanging around at the end of the day for a beer etc. And loved Glencoe the other day cos we were able to do that. In fact we had dinner there too!

enjooyed a wee game of pool at glencoe today before the drive home, was only 50p as well!

We stayed in the hobbit huts last Easter - family of four, kids 9 & 12
and did both Nevis and Glencoe. Shame the snow was a bit heavy but the
set up at Glencoe was fun, friendly and good value. The bar, stove, pool
table and view to the Buachaille is just what was needed to chill out
after a day on the hill. From what was there 20 years ago it just shows
what can be done with a bit of vision and determination..

The pictures say it all !

Despite the entrance to the old Cas Bar, now retail space, being closed, I optimistically climbed the stairs to Natural Retreat's new 'Storehouse' restaurant to try their Starbucks at 4.30pm to be told 'We're closed !'

Might add that last week I was able to have a coffee in the Snowgoose at Nevis after the lifts shut, before getting the gondola down just before 5pm.

Some ski areas know what their customers want!

I'm sure when it was Cairngorm Mountain Ltd they used to serve till 5pm. I certainly remember sitting outside at the end of the day with a coffee.

We stayed in our caravan at the Coe back in february - just one day's skiing, but all in all it felt like a mini ski holiday, because we patronised the bar, enjoyed the views and the atmosphere, got to the slopes as early as we wanted...

Glencoe are making the effort, with heart and intelligence.

What on earth are Cairngorm doing?

Both should stock rizla or raw papers for those that'd prefer a big doobie at the end of the day instead of the harder drugs on offer

Off to camp at Glencoe next weekend - they are offering free camping while the snowsports season is still go! Excellent - and of course we will be only too happy to patronise the restaurant and bar.

On Saturday the hill closed at Glencoe as the gusts really picked up in the afternoon.

No problem though. We retreated down the chair and straight into the cafe. We warmed up in front of the roaring stove, drank coffee, chatted, connected to the free wifi, read the free copies of 'The Skier',had some beer, gazed out the picture windows at the intermittent views then blizzards outside..... Perfectly relaxing and appropriate.

Hi Peter,
indeed the base station at Glencoe is a great place to hang out. Being open until 8:30 p.m. each evening makes it such a convienent place to relax and dry out in all weathers.
Looks like there might be a convergence of like-minded Winterhighlanders hanging about this weekend?
Just need to remember not to get too "relaxed" and leave skis & poles propped up outside overnight! ;-)

Happy days :-)

The base station cafe at Glen Coe s=is great but it would be even better if the clutter of magazines etc was cleared away from the table closest to the main door.

The Cas Bar was good I thought but there is a real culture problem within the Cairn Gorm operation. I might actually go tomorrow though as I have an all areas pass.

I spent a lot of time working in the US and managed to visit a number of the local small ski centres at the week end. Many had family friendly ranch type bars / restaurants. Once the lifts stopped live music kicked off and buckets of chicken wings, burgers and pizza were consumed, American style. The places were always heaving with a great atmosphere and was a superb way to unwind after a good days skiing. It was all part of the visitor experience and very enjoyable. not a pink fluffy cardigan or green welly in sight, cash registers ringing though.

It was interesting today on Cairngorm the staff were discussing this thread and many nods in agreement.

The cafe at the coe is great for a beer before strolling down to get the bus back to Glasgow. Agree it would be good if they sold tobacco, thankfully the lovely lass on the till gave me a fag to roll my dooby with. And I managed to hitch a lift before the bus came (not from a copper this time, phew).

is this free camping true? could i go camp monday night for free if the lifts are running?

Yes, camping free until we stop skiing and the grass grows back a bit.