FAQ’s

Looking for essential information? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions below:

Visiting Cairngorm Mountain

What are your opening hours?

Find out our latest opening times on our website here.

Are there charges for parking at the resort?

Charges for parking vary throughout the year. For the latest information on parking please visit the dedicated parking page of our website.

Parking is free year-round for disabled visitors.

Are you dog friendly?

Yes, we are dog friendly! You can bring your furry friends into most of our facilities and there’s also great walks you can do from the main car park. Please note, dogs are not permitted to travel from the Base Station to the Top Station on the Mountain Railway. You can find more information here.

Can I fly my drone at the resort?

We understand that many visitors want to capture the spectacular landscape surrounding Cairngorm Mountain using their drone however, due to safety concerns for other mountain users, employees, Search and Rescue Aircrafts, ski area property and ropeways, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, for commercial purposes or by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists – without prior written authorisation from the company. This restriction includes drones for filming and photography, as well as any drone used by the media operating above the ski area or launched from the beyond the ski area boundary.

Please contact CMSL if you have any questions, or if you are seeking prior approval to operate any aerial drones.

Email: info@cairngormmountain.co.uk | Phone: 01479 861261

The Mountain Railway

How long does the journey take?

During the snowsports season we run at a faster speed to allow for skiers and snowboarders to get up and out onto the slopes quickly, the journey takes approximately 5 minutes each way.

Outside of the snowsports season, we slow the train down so visitors can enjoy the views on the way up. During this time the journey takes around 8 minutes each way.

Can I bring my dog?

In order to protect the plateau, and comply with our Visitor Management Plan, dogs are not permitted to travel from the Base Station to the Top Station on the Mountain Railway, with the exception of assistance dogs. This is due to there being no outdoor access from the Top Station when the closed system is in place outside of the snowsports season.

If you have walked up the the Top Station with your dog you are welcome to come in and use the facilities however, we ask that all dogs are kept on a lead and under close control especially when in the Ptarmigan Restaurant.

What facilities are there at the top?

The Top Station at Cairngorm Mountain is a great day out for all ages and includes:

• The Ptarmigan Restaurant (the UK’s highest restaurant at over 1,065 metres above sea level).
• The Cairngorm Gin bar serving a range of local drinks, hot drinks and soft drinks.
• An extensive viewing terrace where you can take in the panoramic views down to Loch Morlich and beyond*
• 270 degree immersive exhibition with breath-taking views of the landscape surrounding us.
• Cairngorm Learning Zone featuring interactive sandboxes great for all ages to be creative.
• The Shop at the Top, selling a wide range of quality gifts, toys, clothing and other treats.

*Open subject to weather conditions

Can I go for a walk at the top?

During the snowsports season, railway passengers are allowed to go outside but must stay within the ski boundary area. If you are a walker/climber and wish to go outside of the ski boundary area, you cannot travel up on the railway, however you can purchase a down ticket from the Top Station.   

In order to protect the plateau, when we are not open for snow-sports funicular passengers are not permitted to exit the top station building to go onto the mountain unless they are booked onto a guided walk. Access to our Ptarmigan Restaurant, exhibition, learning zone, shop and viewing terrace are available all year round (weather permitting for the terrace).

Do we need to book in advance?

Advance booking isn’t essential however, you can save money on your Mountain Railway tickets by ordering them online in advance of your visit. Please visit our webshop to book.

Is the funicular accessible to all?

The Mountain Railway is fully accessible for all abilities including wheelchair access. You’ll find lift access on the lower floor of the Base Station to take you to the railway platform. Once at the Top Station you’ll also find lift access to reach each level of the building effortlessly.

If you require any further assistance, just speak with our Ticket Office Team when you arrive or give us a call ahead of your arrival to discuss on 01479 861261.

I've booked my tickets online, do I still need to go to the Ticket Office desk?

No! If you have booked online, you can head straight to the Mountain Railway queuing area. Please ensure you have your QR code tickets ready for scanning at the entrance turnstile, these can either be printed or scanned via your mobile device. Each member of your party will have to scan through the turnstile individually so we can manage capacity in the carriages.

Winter Snowsports

When is the best time of year to visit for snowsports?

With the changeable climate and weather conditions we experience in Scotland, it is very difficult to predict when is best to visit for snowsports during the winter months. It is recommended to check the long range weather forecasts and keep an eye on our mountain report, and live webcams for the most up to date information on conditions throughout the season.

How do I check what terrain and uplift is available?

Our Mountain Report is updated daily throughout the snowsports season and is the best place to find information on lift status and available terrain: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/mountain-report/

We currently only have limited snowsports available on our beginner’s zone at the base of the resort. This is a small area of snow serviced by our magic carpet conveyor belt lifts.

Can I go sledging at the resort?

Sledging is not permitted anywhere within the Cairngorm Ski Area Boundary. This is a managed ski area for snowsports customers and there are no safe places for sledging in the surrounding mountain area.

If you have any questions, please contact us via info@cairngormmountain.co.uk

I've never been skiing or snowboarding before, can I book a pass and go out on the slopes?

For the safety of all, it is essential that beginner’s are either under instruction, or are assisted by a competent skier or snowboarder. If our team feel you are not of a capable experience level you may be refused access and directed to one of the snowsports school operators to arrange instruction.

We work closely in partnership with highly qualified, local businesses who operate independently on the mountain to offer quality instruction and provide our customers with the best learning experience possible. You can find out more about arranging lessons on our website: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/learn-to-ski-and-snowboard/

Do you have equipment rental available?

Yes, if you have purchased a day pass online you will be able to arrange equipment rental at our facility on level three of the Day Lodge. You can find out more information about equipment rental here: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/equipment-rental/

I've not managed to book online, will I be able to get a pass and equipment rental on the day?

If you have not managed to pre-book lift passes, we may have some capacity for on the day sales however, this will be on a first come, first serve basis and we cannot offer any guarantees. Any additional passes will be available from the Ticket Office, which opens at 9:00AM.

I am trying to book several weeks/months in advance but there doesn't seem to be any availability, is this possible?

Due to the unpredictable conditions we experience in the Cairngorms, we can’t guarantee when there will be sufficient snow cover on the mountain. Due to this we operate our booking system on a short advance notice period, this is usually 7 days however, if the forecast is looking positive this may be extended further. Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for bookings announcements.

Mountain Biking

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, provided your bike is well maintained, with functioning brakes, and suitable for the chosen trails. You can also hire our bikes.

Is the bike park open in all weather conditions?

Our bike patrollers will inspect the trails and weather conditions throughout the day, and will determine if the bike park is safe to open.

Can I bring my dog in the bike park?

No. Due to the safety of all riders we do not allow dogs in the bike park.

Can I use a child's bike seat or trailer?

None of the bike trails are suitable for bike trailers or any child bike seat. Only mountain bikes can be used on the trails.

Is the bike park suitable for wheelchair users?

The trails are not suitable for wheelchair users as they are gravity style mountain biking trails. We are however, reviewing the suitability of the trails for different types of adaptive bikes. We will update on this in due course. Currently we can only allow for mountain bikes.

Is the bike park suitable for adaptive bikes?

We are currently reviewing the suitability of the trails for the use of different types of adaptive bikes. We will update on this in due course. Currently we can only allow for mountain bikes.

What is the minimum age to use the bike park?

We recommend a minimum of 4 years old as there is a requirement for the user to use a brake appropriately to control their speed. This is necessary due to the gradient of the trails.

Why are there charges to use the bike park?

To ensure the safety and enjoyment for all users, CMSL operate the Bike Park a managed facility and therefore during operating hours access rights are not exercisable. To access the Bike Park, please purchase a ticket from the Ticket Office in the Base Station, or online at cairngormmountain.co.uk. The revenue from the park is used to pay for the cost of the services provided which include trail maintenance, staff and first aid assistance. For further information on access rights, please contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

Tubing Slides

When do the Tubing Slides open?

Our Tubing Slides usually run from the beginning of May to the end of October. We aim to offer Tubing 7 days a week during UK school holiday periods. Outside of these times it is limited to weekends, with the exception of some bank holiday’s. During the winter months we may open on an ad-hoc basis if there are milder periods of weather. 

Can I book my session in advance?

Yes, once open, it will be possible to book your session on the Tubing Slides online, in advance of your visit. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for information regarding online bookings. Please also familiarise yourself with our cancellation and refund policy which can be found in our terms and conditions: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/terms-conditions/#tubing-park

Are there age and height restrictions for participating?

The Spindrift and Cliffhanger “big slides” are suitable for ages 4+ and between 1 metre and 2 metres tall. For younger/smaller children, the Snowflake “wee slide” is available as part of our Adventure Play Park activity.

Please refer to our terms and conditions for more detail: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/terms-conditions/#tubing-park

How long does a Tubing session last for?

Sessions on the Tubing Slides are approximately 30 minutes long and you get as many goes down as you can manage in that time.

Do you offer children's parties?

Yes, we can accommodate groups of between 10 and 15 for parties. For more information please see the dedicated children’s parties page of our website: https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/childrens-parties/

Mountain Carting

What is the minimum age to do Mountain Carting?

Due to the nature of this activity it is strictly for ages 14 or over. Customers aged 18 or under must provide photo ID on the day. We reserve the right to refuse participation if you cannot provide photo ID.

What clothing do I need to wear?

All participants will be provided with appropriate clothing and PPE for the activity. This will include gloves, helmet, and goggles – all of these items are mandatory. Boiler suits are available should you wish to use one. If you do not want to wear a boiler suit you must have long sleeves and trousers. Suitable footwear must be worn such as trainers, or walking shoes – no open top shoes such as sandals or flip-flops.

Can I wear my own helmet?

No, due to the nature of this activity you must wear the helmet provided to you for safety.

Can I wear glasses?

As we will provide all participant with safety goggles, we recommend contact lenses where possible. Sunglasses are not permitted.

How many runs are included?

The Mountain Carting experience is a single run consisting of a journey up the mountain on the Funicular Railway and then a single run in the cart down the 3.4km track. If you would like a double session please book two sessions.