Never, when writing my post HIE’s crumbling empire on Wednesday (see here), did I guess that Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd (CMSL) would have confirmed my analysis within 24 hours with this admission that the one ski resort in Scotland with natural snow, high in the Ptarmigan bowl, was inaccessible due to the lack of uplift.
This would not have happened had either HIE decided to install a modern chairlift, instead of repairing the funicular, OR management at Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd (CMSL) had used the snow cannons to maintain the t-bar uplift tracks.
A day after announcing their new “operating model” in which Cairn Gorm would be closed two days a week due to lack of the white stuff, it snowed over much of the Scottish Hills. By 10am on Friday Glencoe Mountain, which has had a very difficult season, had siezed the opportunity and had uplift operating to the top of the mountain.
By contrast CMSL staff announced they were assessing conditions at 8.15 am. As usual, staff were then allowed the whole day to prepare after a storm, with no lifts and no pistes open apart from the magic carpets at the bottom of the mountain. At 4pm CMSL finally announced the M1 Poma and the Ptarmigan T-Bar would be open today, Saturday.
Another day of lost revenue without which even this lavishly funded “commercial” business cannot remain open seven days a week.
The problems with HIE’s crumbling empire are both structural – the wrong infrastructure – and operational. Climate change in Scotland is making the continued operation of downhill snowsports ever more challenging but it remains possible with Cairn Gorm having a natural advantage because of its altitude. HIE’s failure to make use of that natural advantage and maximise use of what they have got is why the local community should be calling for a change of management. If that doesn’t happen it won’t be long before the facilities at Cairn Gorm will be closed for more than two days a week and it will be contributing even less to the local economy.
Given the ongoing effects of climate change, there is an urgent need for a knowledgeable and objective review of snowsports in Scotland and the development of a realistic and cost-effective plan for the industry going forward 15 to 25 years to enable any available public funds to be appropriately focussed on transitioning the industry to be smaller, leaner and more cost-effective. It is almost impossible to believe that the CairnGorm funicular can have any part in this future. Given the abysmal and totally biased track record of HIE over several decades, this organisation cannot be permitted to participate in any way in this much needed review.
I realise that excluding HIE from being involved in such a highly-needed review appears at first sight to be illogical, but HIE has had its chance and has spectacularly failed. Persons involved is such an industry review must be able to demonstrate outstanding knowledge of the industry and the changing market and climate as well as excellent business acumen – none of which HIE has in any respect.
Few would disagree with your assessment of HIE’s monumental incompetence. Their actions, and inactions, have all but led to the destruction of skiing as we knew it on Cairngorm. Taking the cutting torch to the Ciste chairlift was the ultimate act of sabotage in my view.. What business anywhere would remove any form of back-up from their infrastructure – even if it were mothballed. And that was done in the teeth of stiff and orchestrated resistance… However, where is that resistance now? If there is to be a community led alternative to institutional management – where is it? Where are the local leaders prepared to step up and take this on? Genuine question.
Niall. The resistance is still there but unfortunately the S.G. and some MSP’s just aren’t listening. We’ve tried. As to the local community, HIE set up the funicular (no)response group which morphed into the Cairngorm (no)action group. It was obvious that this was just a means for controlling the narrative and local businesses, see the post on Gaslighting, cock up or bullying! Until all concerned leave HIE’s control or HIE are removed as owners, there will be no change. Peoole who have spoken out against the funicular over the years have been told to watch what the say, the latest was a comment on the Cairngorm FB page which was removed by the CM(S)L censor police. No doubt that person will now find himself barred as a number of others have been. The situation is changing though as it is now noticeable that the press, radio and tv are now getting more involved. My opinion is that HIE know the funicular in its current form is finished but have not got or cannot get any more out of the S.G. and are too scared to admit it. We’ll keep plugging away in the hope that one day will see the end of the HIE/ CM(S)L incompetence and mis-management.
If there is no skiing season on Cairn Gorm, then I don’t see how any operation can be retained on site. Even years ago i recall that Nevis Sport gained only about 10% of its income from the winter season and lost money on it but continued with it as it allowed it to retain year round staff. Otherwise the would have to employ seasonal staff annually. But, even supposing seasonal staff could be found, to operate something like the funicular and skiing you need skilled and experienced staff. Without summer uplift much more than the funicular is redundant, including the top station, and that opens a whole series of nightmare decisions. Behind it all of course is the political cost of a funicular closure to HIE. It would damage its reputation but that has survived the closure of an Aluminium Smelter at Imvergordon and the pulp mill in Fort William. A late friend of mine, with long experience in the paper making industry, was sent to close the latter and simply told me that the thing has been designed with the wrong process.
Weather forecasters have for some years been finding it increasingly difficult to estimate the intensity of weather events. Yet it is still hard to understand why ski area staff are not retained to be available every single day during the March spring snow period. There is surely a lot they could do to maintain the “estate and buldings” if managed effectively ?
Of course those directors sitting so far from the area they adminster, cosy in HIE HQ, may not understand too much about mountains and weather. But closing these March days down, and reducing the potential for any profit at all when spring time cold is predicted to continue for some weeks yet, is heavy handed…if not daft.
Do they even know that while the forces within global weather events get more unpredictable, local accuraacy of prognosis for up to a week continues to develop. Uncannily accurate ..If anyone disbelieves this …just watch http://www.windy for their home region for a week or two. (On of many online sites that provide this level of information. )
It’s a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. “We are closing as there’s no demand” yet there is no demand as the ski area is closed.
Maybe don’t treat hillwalkers like second-class. Money they are also losing. Last summer, we wanted to spend the day at Carn Gorm, a wee trip up, get off the train and go to the summit. Was told no and they lost around £80 revenue. That’s one group. I’m sure we’re not the only ones. And how much revenue are the losing in the cafe due to this idea? Totally understand in the winter for skiers to get priority, but this? Sad and daft.