Cairngorm Mountain x CMRT: Commitment To Mountain Safety

December 2nd, 2025.

Cairngorm Mountain Resort supports lifesaving work with winter training access for Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to mountain safety by supporting the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) with dedicated access to the funicular railway for essential winter training. This collaboration ensures that rescuers can prepare effectively for the demanding situations they can face throughout the season.

The Cairngorms in winter are among the most stunning places in Scotland, drawing thousands of climbers, snowsports tourers, and mountaineers, but they can also be among the most dangerous. The sub-arctic environment paired with the unpredictable weather patterns we experience can create some of the UK’s most challenging winter conditions there for the role of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, one of Scotland’s busiest volunteer rescue teams, has never been more crucial.

“Access to the funicular railway, which offers a rapid and reliable route to higher elevations, enhances the mountain rescue team’s ability to train in realistic conditions”

Access to the funicular railway, which offers a rapid and reliable route to higher elevations, enhances the team’s ability to train in realistic conditions whilst reducing the time and physical load associated with climbing to the training locations.

Iain Cornfoot, Head of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team said “Like other teams across Scotland, we’re made up entirely of volunteers, so training plays a crucial role in making sure we are aligned and ready to go when a call comes in. Using the funicular railway for access makes delivering our training programme so much easier – we can get the whole team up the mountain and onto the plateau within minutes, allowing the team to focus more intensively on skill development and scenario planning.”

“Like other teams across Scotland, we’re made up entirely of volunteers, so training plays a crucial role in making sure we are aligned and ready to go”

Speaking on the partnership, Mike Gifford, Chief Executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited said “supporting the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team strengthens the safety network for everyone enjoying the Cairngorms during winter – skiers, snowboarders, hillwalkers, and staff alike. By supporting CMRT’s training capabilities, the resort contributes directly to faster, better-coordinated rescue responses, ultimately helping to save lives.”

The support CMSL provides extends far beyond facilitating training exercises. Cairngorm Mountain’s Technical Operations and Ski Patrol teams have assisted with numerous rescues over the years, offering help in a variety of ways – from providing the CMRT with uplift to higher areas using piste machines, to calling out snowplough drivers during the night to keep the access road clear, and even accommodating emergency vehicles at the resort.

As winter approaches each year, this collaboration plays a vital role in ensuring that trained, capable rescuers stand ready when they are needed most.

As winter approaches each year, this collaboration plays a vital role in ensuring that trained, capable rescuers stand ready when they are needed most. Remember, if you are out exploring the Cairngorms, check the snow conditions, and make sure you are properly prepared – if the unexpected happens call 999 and ask for “mountain rescue”.

You can find out more about the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and offer donations by heading to: cmrt.org.uk

Heading outside the Ski Area? Remember to Be Avalanche Aware: beaware.sais.gov.uk

To find the latest information on mountain weather conditions we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service: mwis.org.uk