Scottish ski resorts recorded an increase in visitors this winter despite the country's financial crisis.
CairnGorm Mountain reported that 65,000 tourists visited the Aviemore cold spot this season, 4000 more than the previous year.
Around half of all visitors over the winter break came in February, when heavy snowfall coincided with the school half-term holidays.
Ian Whitaker, chief executive of the resort, said: "The season has been robust and has helped restore confidence in the Scottish skiing product. The strength of the euro against sterling resulted in many UK visitors opting to try Scotland for the first time " Bill Wilson, owner of Aviemore Ski School, claimed the Cairngorms had not witnessed such an influx of holidaymakers for 20 years: "We were absolutely mobbed.
"We ran out of skis to hire out for a week in February and took in half of our average year 's turnover in that month alone. Our customers were mainly English and Scottish skiers who chose to ski locally " Hotels in the area also confirmed a good winter season Iain Miller, general manager of the Hilton Hotel in Coylumbridge, said: "We expect an increase in turnover during the half-term period every year but I can't remember it ever being as good as it was this February. " Glencoe mountain resort announced high numbers of visitors, however, centre manager Bobby Munro claims it will take more than one good season to save the area.
The ski centre, which employs more than 30 staff during the winter, is looking for new investment after being put on the market several weeks ago as it struggles to keep up with attractions such as the Cairngorms which receive government funding.
"We are looking for club members to keep the centre going. It will take more than one good season to save us."
