Sparky

Climate change is being blamed for forcing Britain’s largest ski resort to start building mountain bike tracks on its slopes after one of the worst seasons in living memory.

Saved from receivership in 2004, Glenshee ski centre, which has 21 lifts, used to enjoy about 90 days of skiing each winter and would attract skiers from all over Britain.

“Decidedly Average season”
But despite a strong end to the season in 2006, after 30 “decidedly average” days this season, and the mildest weather in recent history, the operators have decided to diversify.

The loss of snow has also resulted in one hotel in the glen, on the border of Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, being abandoned, and another being turned into housing.

“Recent winters have been diabolical”
David Stewart, the chairman of the local tourism association, said: “Recent winters have been diabolical for skiing. The snow just isn’t there, it’s as simple as that.”

Stewart Davidson, a director of Glenshee Ski Centre, said it was one of the worst years he could remember. “It’s been unseasonably mild and we’ve just not had the snow. We only had 34 days of skiing this year. It is very concerning.” he said.

“The future of skiing in Scotland, not just at Glenshee, is in grave danger of being wiped out.”

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]