Scotland’s ski season is fast approaching with snow reported above 800m altitude above Aviemore this week.

There’s good news and less good from Highland slopes with The Lecht investing to upgrade facilities and simultaneously cut its CO2 emissions, but Cairngorm Mountain unfortunately having issues once again with is key funicular railway, which is out-of-action once again …although its hoped it may be running again by the start of the season.

The Lecht Ski Company is spending £270,000 on a project to improve operational efficiencies that will result in a 23-tonne reduction in carbon emissions over the next three years, the centre says. The project will also increase capacity for snow sport beginners.

The investment will go on a more efficient piste groomer, a new magic carpet lift and retro fitting of more up to date controls for existing lifts which will help to reduce energy consumption.

Half of the money is coming from government agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise who have worked with the centre for more than 25 years and has supported investment in plant, equipment, infrastructure, marketing, strategy development, business modelling, mentoring and digital advice.

The Lecht already has its own wind turbine which produces enough green power to offset that used by its TechnoAlpin all-weather snow-making Snow Factory machine.

Pic credit S McKenna