Tourism bosses in Scotland are hoping for a blizzard of fresh snow to get the country’s ski season off the slopes.
The predicted mild weather is the latest blow for businesses and resorts reliant on winter sports which have suffered because of a lack of sufficient snowfall.
Despite a cold snap earlier in the year, the ski slopes have had little snow and a predicted prolonged mild spell for early February offers little hope of the situation improving.
Some parts did receive a covering of the white stuff over Saturday night and Sunday morning but this will soon melt away during the mild spell.
The industry could be facing its worst season in a decade as unexpected weather conditions leave the slopes bare.
The season usually runs from November to April, dependent on snowfall, but so far this season has had very inconsistent conditions.
Ski slope operators and businesses that rely on the trade are under strain as the usual visitors stay away.
Janette Janson, from CairnGorm Mountain, said: “We got a couple of days in November and a couple in December, same thing now in January as the snow disappears again.”
“It affects not only us here but the whole community in Badenoch and Strathspey. It affects the shops, the restaurants, the cafes, taxis, and accommodation.”
Other resorts are also feeling the effect and Ms Janson described the financial impact as “devastating”.
Deeside and Donside councillor, Geva Blackett, said she hoped snow would be on the horizon to get the north-east ski season got off to a very late start.
She added: “We have had very cold weather, unfortunately that has not come with snow, which we so badly need.
“However, there is still time and we hope February will bring more of the white stuff.” source [
weather.com]