After a week of low temperatures and frequent snow showers across Scotland, Cairngorm Mountain has announced plans to open a ski run this Saturday, November 9th.
The ski area close to Aviemore, currently in the process of being sold from state to private ownership, intends to operate one trail along side the Ciste tow near the top of the ski runs.
It has reported the snowline is down to 700m, nearly 400 vertical metres below the top of the lifts.
Tickets will be approximately half the full price for 13-14 at £15 for adults and £10 for children.
Ski hire will not be available on site but can be ordered at various shops in the area if required.
The centre has noted that currently the tow has not had its bars out in place for the new season and while the team working at Cairngorm plan to do that today, forecast strong winds gusting at up to 70mph may hamper the process, in which case it may need to be completed on Saturday morning, possibly delaying the planed start of the ski day at 10am.
Scotland's other four centres have also reported healthy snowfalls but no others have reported plans to open as yet.
Nevis Range said snow cover there so far, "looks pretty but there is no base." Glencoe says snow is now beginning to fill in the upper runs but that their access chair is closed for the next few weeks for essential maintenance. Glenshee and The Lecht do not have updated information and web cam images appear to show inadequate cover, at least at The Lecht.