Anyone able to get to Scotland's five ski areas between this autumn and next summer might consider acquiring one of the limited edition All-Area Season Passes just released (www.ski-scotland.com).
The passes are valid at all five areas - Cairngorm above Aviemore, Nevis range at Fort William, Glencoe on the West Coast and The Lecht and Glenshee on the Eastern side of the country from December 2012 through to October 2013.
"This is the only ticket that keen skiers and snowboarders need to enjoy a winter of great sliding and sport in the Highlands," said Chair of Ski-Scotland Heather Negus. "It not only gives the freedom to follow the best snow and weather conditions, but also means any queues for tickets can be bypassed – you can find the best snow and hit it first!"
Scottish snow cover is of course notoriously unpredictable. Areas have opened as early as October in the past (The Lecht) and offered skiing right through to July (Cairngorm) but last winter the country's slopes were closed for most of March due to the unseasonably warm weather.
Until the end of the weekend (September 30), the ticket can be bought at a special Early Bird price. Only a limited number are available, with sales finishing at the end of November, or when the quota is reached if this comes sooner. The early bird price is £430 for adults, £235 children. The Child ticket applies to age 5-17 at 1st December 2011. From 1st October the prices rise to £465 and £270.
Tickets booked and paid for on the Ski-Scotland stand at the Scottish Snowsports and Outdoor Show at the SECC, Glasgow on 20 and 21 October will also benefit from the Early Bird prices.
"There's no limit to the number of times the All Area Season Pass can be used," continued Heather, "so it offers tremendous value for adults and children aged five to 17 – under fives don't need a lift pass at all."