Cock Bridge, Strathdon AB36 8YP, United Kingdom- After a disappointing 2023-24 season, a Scottish ski area may be closing permanently.
The BBC News reports that the Lecht Ski Centre has launched a public crowdfunding campaign to remain open for next winter. If they can raise more than £35,000 GBP (nearly $44,000) through lift ticket sales, they’ll operate next winter. If not, the ski area, which has been around since the 1970s, could close for good. One way that they’re offering people to help is by purchasing lift tickets for next winter. Lift tickets can be purchased for £35.00 GBP (around $44), while a kid’s day pass is £20.00 (around $25). The funds will go towards various maintenance projects.
The 2022-23 winter was a good one for Lecht. Early snowfall led them to sell out of lift tickets on January 2nd, only the second time that happened in 45 years. This past winter was brutal for them, as a lack of snow resulted in limited terrain and lost revenue. Still, though, Chairman Pieter du Pon said that they were able to create some positives from a disappointing season:
“Even in this dire season, using the advances in modern snow making technology we have still managed to put over 6,500 children onto our slopes to enjoy the experience that snowsports has to offer…We do not want to be forced to shut down the centre and so I would like to ask if you could help by just buying one lift pass, or more, as a donation, so we can continue into 2025.”
They aren’t the only Scottish ski area in rough financial shape. After reopening its funicular following years of repairs, Cairngorm Mountain’s funicular broke down again, making the future of the lift uncertain.
You can donate to the Lecht Ski Centre here or to the JustGiving campaign.
Image Credits: Lecht Ski Centre