Today, Thursday, 26th January, is a significant day for winter sports enthusiasts in Scotland as it marks the reopening of the 2km funicular Cairngorm Mountain Railway up the Cairngorm Mountain.

The UK Department of Transport has carried out significant engineering works and testing and has issued safety certificates to enable Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) to reopen Scotland’s only funicular railway for the rest of this year’s snow sports season.

The railway is Scotland’s only funicular railway, and the Ptarmigan building at its summit is the highest in the UK at over 1,065m above sea level.

Before the railway could be reopened, reinstatement works were carried out that included a complex engineering project to strengthen the viaduct and install a new control system. These all had to be done within the strict environmental requirements of a unique mountain environment.

As long as weather conditions permit, a regular service will operate to take winter sports enthusiasts on a 5-minute journey to the top of the slopes. As well as reopening the railway, new ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts have been installed for the beginner slope, and improvements made to the car park.

The resort is owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and operated by the Cairngorm Mountain team. It is one of Scotland’s iconic locations, and with the reopening of the railway, the mountain environment is accessible to not only snowsports enthusiasts, but visitors of all ages and abilities throughout the year. Environmental rangers who oversee the protection of the site are available to offer insights on its unique nature, whilst visitors can also learn about the Cairngorms and Scotland’s mountains.

The Ptarmigan building, which houses the UK’s highest restaurant, has also been refurbished. It is located at the top station of the mountain railway and has a 270° immersive exhibition space and a viewing platform. The restaurant has been redesigned to provide a light, contemporary space with an open-plan gin bar, a cosy log fire, and floor-to-ceiling windows so that visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range.

At the foot of the mountain, cafés and shops are open throughout winter selling outdoor clothing, food and drink by the log burner, and seasonal gifts. As well as attracting winter sports enthusiasts, the resort offers interest all year round and following on from the new improved visitor experience it plans to introduce mountain biking this summer.

Further information about the railway can be found at www.cairngormmountain.co.uk, and snowsports passes can be purchased at https://cairngormmountain.skiperformance.com

Susan Smith, CEO of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said: “The Cairngorm Mountain team is thrilled to be welcoming snowsports enthusiasts onto the funicular railway once more. The improvements across the resort have brought major changes to the visitor experience and we are so pleased to see the railway transport people to the upper slopes as well as our refurbished Ptarmigan building.

“Weather permitting and with the hope that our capacity will expand further as the season continues, 2023 promises to be a landmark year for our business, team and the local community.”

Dave Macleod, head of property and infrastructure with HIE, said: “It’s wonderful to see the mountain railway back in action again. This will make a huge improvement to the customer experience at Cairngorm and strengthen the appeal of the wider area to attract visitors throughout the year.

“Reinstating the funicular has been uniquely challenging, not only in engineering terms but also for the care that had to be taken to protect the environment during these works while also contending with some of the most severe and changeable weather that Scotland has to offer.

“Cairngorm plays an important role in the local economy as an environmental, educational, and sporting asset and the funicular will enable people across a huge range of ages and abilities to enjoy the mountain not only in winter but every season.”