The Living Mountain

  

Fancy a visit to the highest restaurant and most popular winter sports venue in Britain? That can be arranged. Cairn Gorm Mountain is the UK's 6th highest mountain and the CairnGorm Funicular is the country's highest and fastest mountain railway. The spectacular panoramic views from the terrace of the Ptarmigan Restaurant, nestled just under the summit of Cairn Gorm, together with the mountain exhibition and shop, offer an excellent all weather experience that is both memorable and unique.

Opening times: (from Saturday 15th February for the half term holiday period)
First public train up is 9.00 am. (Other uplift may open earlier subject to conditions). Competent skiers and snow boarders are encouraged to use the lift system to reach higher runs and relieve congestion on the funicular. Last train up 3.45 pm. Last train down 4.30 pm. The Ticket Office, Cas Bar and Equipment Hire will be open from 8.00am daily.

Equipment hire. On a busy day we can run out of hire equipment by mid-morning so get here early. There has been particular pressure on the availability of children's ski equipment. There are other hire outlets in the area so if you are not an early riser we strongly advise you to hire off-site.
The Ski School.
They still have some lesson availability but please pre-book by calling 01479 861319 (10.00-16.00). If the enquiry line is busy please leave your name and number and the Ski School will call you back.

Sledging. The Sledge Park will be open by 10.30am daily subject to conditions. It is located just outside the Top Station and tickets can be purchased from the Shop at the Top. The presence of streams and rivers under the snow pack makes it dangerous to sledge other than in the designated area. 
Non-skiing visitors are advised to plan their visit after 11am.
Walking. We recommend non skiing visitors consider a walk down the Allt Mor Trail from Coire Cas Car Park. This picturesque, easy, downhill walk (approx 2 hrs) goes from high moorland through Caledonian pine forest and finishes at Glenmore (you can return either on foot or by public bus). Full details available from the Ranger Base.

Buying Tickets Non-skiing visitors and sledging visitors will require a funicular ticket to ride the train. If you plan to visit us more than 1 day you may want to consider purchasing a Friends of CairnGorm Mountain ticket.
Snowsports visitors require a skiing ticket – this includes unlimited use of all lifts and the train.
All equipment hire and lift tickets should be paid for at the ticket office prior to collecting equipment from the collection point on production of your receipt and rental deposit  - credit card or cash (£200) – no passports, car keys, mobile phones or pets please! 

Purchase your tickets on line at http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/buy-tickets-online/ or buy and collect your snow sports tickets on Friday night up until 10pm from Aviemore Ski and Board Hire next door to the Aviemore Laundry Service (underneath the Post Office) in the Myrtlefield Shopping Centre.  (Call Carol or Brian on 01479 811711to let them know what you need then collect on Friday.)

Catering. The Ptarmigan Restaurant (Top Station). Snacks, hot drinks, bar and hot menu. Open from 9am.
The Cas Bar (Day Lodge). Bar, Hot drinks and light snacks. Open from 8am.
Consider taking an early or a late lunch. Ski school classes do make the lunchtime period very busy between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Conditions permitting the Shieling will be open for packed lunches as will the T Bar in the Day Lodge where hot drinks will also be available.

Parking, Car Sharing and Public Transport. If you are planning to visit consider car sharing with friends (from Aviemore) or taking the public bus. This will help car park availability for everyone. Park and Ride will operate from the Ciste Car Park subject to demand.

Ski Ambassador Tours. Tours of the ski area led by our Hilton Ski Ambassadors will take place daily – meeting point Top Station exit doors at 11.30am. These are free of charge for all skiers and snowboarders. Suitable for level 3/4 skiers and above (i.e. not beginners).

The Ski School and the Snowboard School are open for business. Contact them on 01479 861319 (10.00 - 4.00 during winter)

For details of Sunset Dining click here.
For details of Highland Fling Ceilidh Nights click here.
For details of Cairngorm Mountain walks click here.
For further information on CairnGorm Mountain click here.