Latest Snowsports Season Draws Millions For Scottish Economy

An extended snowsports season was worth about £23 million to the Scottish economy, according to an industry body.

The majority of skiing and snowboarding runs on CairnGorm Mountain, Glenshee, Glencoe the Nevis Range and the Lecht Ski Centre remained open until Sunday with snow falling later in the year than usual.

Ski-Scotland said an estimated £4.6 million was spent on the slopes while more than £18 million has been spent on accommodation, travel, food and drink in towns and villages close to the resorts.

Heavy snowfall last year saw Scottish resorts covered with more of the white stuff than some of Europe's most popular skiing areas.

Ski-Scotland said that encouraged more skiers and boarders to come back this year with “unprecedented” late-season snow.

Investments in facilities and transport at Scotland's five resorts are now planned over the summer to make improvements for next season.

Ski-Scotland chair Heather Negus said: “In many ways, this season was very similar to last year.

“We had excellent snow at most resorts and the five snowsports areas were able to operate for a total of 463 days, better than last season's 441.

“Great winter-quality powder brought out more skiers and boarders to slide late-season. Usually by April people are thinking of other activities, but not this year.”