Despite Funicular Crisis Cairngorm Promises To Open For Skiing This Winter

The Cairngorm funicular railway has stopped operating as a safety precaution, while further investigations are carried out into new concerns raised in a recent routine inspection.

If the funicular remains closed during the skiing season this leaves the only access to the ski area as via the Fiacall ridge poma or the car prk T bar. Both lifts are heavily reliant on good snowcover. There will also be a markedly reduced uplift capacity.

The resort says "Visitors to Cairngorm will still be able to access skiing and snow sports by using the ten surface lifts in operation. As the lifts rely on good snowfall to operate, however, it is worth bearing this in mind when planning your visit to Cairngorm Mountain for skiing. Sadly, the funicular is the only method of transport to the Ptarmigan building, which means visitors to the mountain will be unable to use the facilities and visit the Ptarmigan while the structural investigations are ongoing. The Day Lodge will continue to provide refreshments and toilet facilities during the Ptarmigan closure."

Without the funicular in action, vistors might well be joining lift queues in Glenmore....

The concerns relate to structures supporting the track. Engineers recommended a reduced service be implemented until this is investigated fully and any remedial work carried out. They further recommended a number of operation limiting procedures including temperature, windspeed and the load on the train. Cairngorm Estate, including the funicular, is owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The resort and its infrastructure is leased and run by commercial operator, CairnGorm Mountain Limited (CML). HIE and CML have commissioned specialist engineers to carry out a detailed structural assessment of the area of concern. This will specify what work is needed to bring the funicular back into operation. This investigation will last several weeks, during which the funicular will remain closed. The work will include excavation to enable the inspection of foundations around the area of concern. The extended period of closure of the funicular will cause inconvenience for people using the facility. It will also have serious implications for CML’s commercial operation of the business, as the funicular is the integral part of the visitor experience throughout the year.

Ewan Kearney, Chief Operating Officer at CairnGorm Mountain said: “As operators of such a unique visitor attraction as the funicular, we take our responsibility and duty of care to the public and our staff extremely seriously. It is in everybody’s best interests to close the funicular to allow the engineers to conduct their investigation. Our priority is to get a clear picture of any faults with the funicular in order to develop a course of action that addresses these concerns. Rest assured, we do not underestimate the significance of this situation to the entire local area, including our own employees, and are working to resolve this situation quickly and safely, for the future benefit of all mountain visitors. “At this stage, we are unable to provide a detailed timeline for the re-opening of the funicular and will issue further updates as we are able to do so.”

Susan Smith, HIE’s head of business development, said: “This is a highly regrettable situation, over which we have very limited control. “Clearly it will have a considerable impact on the commercial operations on Cairngorm, and be of concern to those employed at the resort. Our thoughts are very much with them as well as those who use the mountain and its facilities. “We are treating this as extremely urgent and doing all we can to address the problem and have the funicular returned to full service as quickly as possible. In the meantime, safety must come first and we fully respect CML’s decision to act on the precautionary advice of the inspectors.”

The findings of the detailed investigations are expected in November. This should also confirm what remedial work is necessary and how long that is likely to take to complete. A report following inspection of the Cairngorm Funicular was delivered to CML on 28 August 2018 and copied to HIE on 3 September. Restrictions to funicular service were introduced on 5 September and on 10 September, specialist contractor COWI, was appointed to carry out the detailed investigation, which is now underway.

Every year following the winter season specialist engineering company, ADAC, carries out a detailed inspection of the Funicular railway. Last year this identified a serious issue with one of the beams, the repair of which was completed in September of 2017

Wednesday 10 October saw the first meeting of key stakeholders in a new response team, set up to address the potential impact of the current closure of the Cairngorm funicular railway.

All partners recognised the significant importance of Cairngorm to the Badenoch and Strathspey economy. They agreed there was a real need to pull together to ensure its success as a year-round visitor attraction, both now and in the longer term.

Landowner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and operator CairnGorm Mountain Ltd (CML) confirmed they are exploring all options to ensure the hill is ready for business when the winter snow arrives. The aim is to deliver the best possible skier experience without the funicular. 

A key component of the plan will be the potential to utilise snow making equipment at lower levels. This will make the mountain accessible for beginners, and reduce congestion in other high traffic areas.

Earlier this year, HIE supported trials of snow making technology at three of Scotland’s ski centres – Cairngorm, the Lecht and Glencoe – with generally positive results.

During the meeting, HIE and the Highland Council also committed to support local businesses that might be affected by the present situation. This includes offering one-to-one advice, and access to loan funding, where appropriate, through Highland Opportunity.

The response team members also agreed to work together on a programme of marketing and communications.  This will keep the local community and mountain sport enthusiasts informed of developments. It will also promote the strong wider message that Cairngorm and Strathspey are open for business.

The meeting was arranged by HIE and chaired by Highland Council Convener and local Councillor Bill Lobban.

Cllr Lobban said:

“I was really impressed that everyone who attended shared a very positive attitude and a strong desire to work together to achieve a way forward at Cairngorm. 

“We all agree that snowsports play a vital role in the economy of Aviemore and the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area, and it is in the whole community’s interest that Cairngorm is a successful attraction.”

Ewan Kearney of CML said: “There is no doubt that this is going to be a challenging season, but we have operated for skiing without the funicular in prior winters; and are confident that with additional planning and resource we will be able to continue to offer great skiing this winter as well. 

“It’s also worth highlighting the range of other activities that are still available for visitors this autumn, including our café, nature trails and forthcoming Christmas market.”

Charlotte Wright, HIE chief executive, said:

“We’re delighted to have such strong support from the local business community and other public organisations, all of whom are committed to working in partnership for the benefit of the whole area.

“As well as addressing the current, urgent situation, there was also a strong appetite to look to the longer term, and work towards a shared vision for Cairngorm and Badenoch and Strathspey as a leading ski centre. 

“Wednesday’s meeting was the first of several we’ll be hosting, and it brought forward a variety of great ideas that will form the basis of an action plan for us and our partners to take forward over the coming weeks and months.”

The meeting included representatives from: Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, Aviemore Business Association, Cairngorm Mountain Trust, Cairngorm Business Partnership, resort operator CairnGorm Mountain Ltd (CML), the Cairngorms National Park Authority, HIE, the Highland Council, Snowsport Scotland, and VisitScotland.