ML Wrote:
The wind argument isn't that major any more. Modern detachebles can operate at winds speeds you don't want to be on a mountain anyway.
While that is a valid point, the issue isn't that modern chairlifts are proposed rather it's the specifics of where they've proposed to put them! The proposed SE Group phase 2 mid mountain lift has an alignment up a crest where the prevailing wind direction rapidly accelerates over.
A slight breeze at the bottom of Coire Cas, that is a moderate wind outside the Ptarmigan Restaurant can be a difficult to stand up in wind high on Coronation Wall.
There is no question that the SE group proposed mid to upper mountain lift would be closed more frequently than the same spec of lift on the line of the White Lady T-bar.
That proposal is thus self defeating, especially as the same terrain could be accessed by a Marquis Well Tow on the lee side of the Summit from the prevailing wind, from the top of the proposed Ptarmigan Express.
More generally given the dysfunctional nature of the Funicular, if it is repaired (and our view is very strongly that it should not be) it would be absurd to build a new lift network that provides no redundancy for sight seeing and novice skiers for times when the funicular is out of service (whether that be due to snow burial, a maintenance period or a repeat of the current situation).
If the Funicular is repaired and the Ptarmigan Restaurant rebuilt as proposed, it is critical that a new non surface lift network is capable of taking non skiing sightseers and novice skiers and boarders to the Ptarmigan Restaurant and Top Basin for times when the funicular can not operate.
As such a new White Lady Express lift would allow non skiers and novices to reach the Top Basin and such a lift could be installed without prejudging the future strategy for the rest of the mountain. Such a lift should be built first, then a full all options appraisal of CairnGorm and the Glenmore approaches.