After a wet, wild but relatively mild start to 2016, this week’s sudden cold snap has signalled a late start for Scotland’s ski season.
It was a huge sigh of relief for bosses at the country’s five ski centres, which are now open and ready for their first full weekend of snowsport action.
The industry is vitally important to the Scottish economy and generates some £30 milion each year.
Around 600 people are employed directly at resorts across the country.
In the coming days, Glenshee plans to unveil its new three-seater chairlift which was installed following a £5.5m Scottish Government investment.
Centre staff say they hope to have nearly all slopes open this weekend, as Arctic conditions continue across the country.
Managing director Graham McCabe said Storm Frank had taken its toll, with difficulties getting staff and supplies from the flood-hit Ballater area.
The centre has had to cancel its plans for World Sports Day tomorrow because events had been arranged in conjunction with Aberdeen Snowsports Club.
“It’s been a bit of a challenge,” said Mr McCabe.
“But the snow is in excellent condition and we are opening up now. By the weekend we should have 80% of the ski area open.”
World Snow Day is the brainchild of the FSI (World Ski Federation) and is aimed at encouraging youngsters to take up snowsports.
Heather Negus, of Ski Scotland, said it was not unusual for the resorts to open later in winter.
She said the winter of 2014-15 was the first in years all five opened for business before Christmas.
Ms Negus added: “Even in the really, really good year of 2009-10 only four were open by Christmas.
“Looking back to the early years of Glencoe, it made no attempt to open for snowsports until mid-February.”