Cairngorm Mountain in 'summer mode'

Cairngorm Mountain in Scotland is switching into "summer mode" a month earlier than usual due to lack of snow. 

The last two winters have brought bumper snowfall to Scottish ski areas (in 2010, Cairngorm stayed open until early June and the 2009-10 season was best in 14 years), but this year has been very disappointing for Scotland's skiers and snowboarders. 

Colin Kirkwood of Cairngorm Mountain told BBC Scotland: "It is almost unheard of to not be skiing in March and as a result of that we have had to lay off our seasonal staff a lot earlier than we would normally. There is no guarantee of skiing in Scotland at any particular time, but Easter is a time when we would expect to be skiing. We've had glorious conditions - not skiing conditions - but certainly for walking in the last week."

Guided walks, called Walk @ The Top, are starting a month earlier than usual. The Walk @ the Top times will be 10.20 a.m and 1 p.m. Throughout April visitors who are still in possession of four-day snowsports vouchers will be able to use these for a guided walks. The walks can be booked on 01479 861341.    

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