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Cairngorm

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Cairngorm Mountain

Based just outside Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain is an environmental, economic and sporting asset for Scotland.

Cairngorm is a place of outstanding natural beauty - a wild mountain environment that is home to many examples of flora and fauna. As a mountain resort, it is also a key driver of the economy of Strathspey and Badenoch, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

In public ownership through HIE, Cairngorm estate has strong potential to grow and sustain its reputation as one of Scotland’s most important tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year and playing a key role in the country’s mountain resort sector.

We’re committed to protecting and enhancing Cairngorm estate’s wonderful natural environment. We’re also working to optimise the mountain’s positive impact on the local economy by helping to build a sustainable resort business that caters to thousands of visitors every year.

 

 

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Cairngorm masterplan sets out 25-year vision for mountain estate

A set of 10 strategies to shape development of the publicly-owned Cairngorm Estate over the next 25 years was published by HIE on 2 June 2021.

The 3,500-acre estate (1,418 hectares) includes footpaths and trails offering access to wild areas that provide habitat for rare mountain flora and fauna, in addition to the well-known snowsports centre and funicular railway.

HIE prepared the Cairngorm Estate Masterplan following widespread consultation and public engagement.

The outcome is an overarching vision for the estate as: ‘a world-class mountain environment where nature thrives and people of all ages and abilities enjoy access to outdoor sport, recreation and education opportunities in every season of the year’.

Aiming to unlock Cairngorm’s full potential as an environmental and economic asset for the area, the masterplan is a framework to shape future plans on themes including ecology, sustainable transport, mountain biking, electrification, facilities development and more.

Read the Cairngorm masterplan

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Strengthening the future of Cairngorm Mountain

A hugely complex programme of civil engineering works to strengthen the 1.75km Cairngorm funicular viaduct was conducted between November 2020 and autumn 2022. A new funicular control system was also installed, followed by a period of testing and safety certification, and the railway came back into service on 26 January 2023.

The decision to reinstate the funicular was taken following a detailed options appraisal as part of a business case that also considered replacing it with alternative uplift infrastructure, or removing it entirely.

In August 2023, the funicular was withdrawn from service again, after an inspection found that a number of 'scarf joints' that link beams and piers, did not meet the recommended tension. A programme of remediation works was then undertaken by HIE's contractor Balfour Beatty.

On 26 February 2025, HIE and CMSL announced that the funicular was ready to resume service 

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Cairngorm Mountain - Freedom of Information

In response to public interest, we are gathering a wide range of information on Cairngorm into a single resource.

Cairngorm Mountain - Freedom of Information

Cairngorm Mountain Scotland

Visit the Cairngorm Mountain Scotland website for the latest snow reports, ski conditions and information on year-round activities on the mountain.

Cairngorm Mountain Scotland

Cairngorms National Park

Find out what's on in and around the wider area of the Cairngorms National Park.

Cairngorms National Park

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Cairngorm Advisory Group

The Cairngorm Advisory Group first convened on 27 May 2021. It brings together public, private, community and sporting organisations who share a common desire to help Cairngorm Mountain Estate achieve its full potential.

Membership covers a broad range of interests and experience, reflecting Cairngorm’s impact on local people and businesses, the wider economy, the environment, sports, heritage and education.

The group usually meets quarterly to advise Highlands and Islands Enterprise on its strategy for managing Cairngorm.

Meeting notes

2024

2023

2022

2021

About Cairngorm

1,100

Cairngorm hosts the UK's highest restaurant

1.8

million visitors to Cairngorms National Park each year

250

jobs supported by Cairngorm Mountain

Where to next?

Find out more about our region and the major projects we're involved in.

Our region

Find out why the Highlands and Islands is a great place to live, work, and grow — with support for local businesses and opportunities to invest.

Regional investment opportunities

Over the next 15 years, it’s anticipated that the Highlands and Islands region will see a total investment of over £100bn. Find out more.

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