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Expanded Snowsports Touring Access With New Funicular Railway Pass
March 3rd, 2026.
Expanded Funicular access to Cairn Gorm’s backcountry terrain – when conditions allow.
We’re pleased to announce a new option for ski tourers and splitboarders visiting Cairngorm Mountain this winter with limited touring access via the Funicular Railway, available on selected days when snow cover and conditions are right.
This change has been developed to improve the touring experience while continuing to protect Cairn Gorm’s sensitive arctic, alpine environment.
What’s changing?
Whilst we have been offering a Touring Uplift Pass for over 12 years, allowing use of two surface lifts when snow cover permits, there has always been a restriction on tourers using the Funicular for access beyond the Ski Area.
This is due to the conditions of our long-established Visitor Management Plan, a legal agreement between Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited & Highlands & Islands Enterprise, NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park Authority, and the Highland Council. This plan ensures that access via the Funicular does not negatively impact protected habitats and wildlife.
On days when conditions allow, ski tourers and splitboarders can now purchase a Funicular Touring Pass which includes:
- One ascent on the Cairngorm Funicular Railway.
- Exit at the Top Station to begin touring (does not permit further surface uplift on the Ptarmigan T-Bar).
During the season, our mountain operations team assesses:
- Snow depth and continuity.
- Snowpack condition.
- Weather and wind.
- Ground vulnerability, particularly early and late season.
If snow cover reduces, or late-season snow protection protocols apply, touring tickets – including those allowing Funicular access – may be withdrawn at short notice. This is the same proven process that has been used successfully for touring uplift since 2012.
Who is access for?
The Funicular Touring Pass costs £19 per person and is specifically for ski tourers and splitboarders travelling over snow into the wider mountain.
It is not available to Hill Walkers and Climbers. This distinction is required under the Visitor Management Plan and the planning conditions attached to the Funicular railway. Hill-walkers and climbers are, as always, welcome to access the mountain by walking up from lower elevations.
Dogs are not permitted on the funicular when travelling on a Funicular Touring Pass. This restriction is a requirement of the Visitor Management Plan, introduced to reduce disturbance to wildlife in sensitive high-mountain habitats. It is not a discretionary management decision and applies regardless of snow conditions. (Assistance dogs are exempt where legally required.)
Think Winter – touring beyond the Ski Area
Anyone using the Funicular for access should be suitably equipped, experienced, and informed. You are responsible for your own safety, route choice, and decisions. Once you leave the Ski Area boundary, you are entering unmanaged mountain terrain. Make sure you are aware of the Snowsports Touring Code and we highly recommend reading the valuable resources provided by Mountaineering Scotland, Snowsports Scotland, and the Scottish Ski Areas.
Before travelling – and again on the day – we strongly recommend checking:
- Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS): https://www.sais.gov.uk
- Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS): https://www.mwis.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming ski tourers and splitboarders to make the most of this new option – and to enjoy Cairn Gorm responsibly, when conditions allow.
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