Did you know that the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, has ski areas? One of the nicest mountains is Cairngorm Mountain, which features mostly T-Bars and Pomas to get skiers and riders up the slopes. One lift stands out in particular: a Funicular. These are a form of cable railway that ascends a steep slope on railroad tracks that have two cabins on altering sides.
The Press and Journal report that two of the major projects are underway this offseason. The first is the much-anticipated renovations of their funicular railway. The lift has been shut down for nearly three years due to various mechanical issues, which has caused the owners of the mountain to sue the developer and designers of funicular just last month for 14.5 million pounds. The hope is to have the funicular ready for 2022. At the summit of the mountain, the Ptarmigan Restaurant, which is serviced by the funicular, is undergoing major renovations to prepare for the funicular reopening.
Cairngorm Mountain was not able to run during the 2020-21 ski season due to the nationwide lockdowns faced throughout the United Kingdom. A variety of loans, revenue funding, and grants from the Scottish Government helped the mountain break even during the shutdown. The mountain has since reopened for summer activities like tubing, guided nature walks, ziplining, and hiking. There are thirty-one runs, twelve lifts(all surface lifts minus the funicular), numerous terrain parks, backcountry access points, and is located in the Cairngorm National Park.
Image Credits: Cairngorm Mountain, Wikipedia
