Supporting The Next Generation | BSSSA & Cairngorm Mountain

April 23rd, 2025.

Another Successful Season For Badenoch & Strathspey Schools Snowsports Programme

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL) has helped over 100 local pupils to learn to ski and snowboard this season, enabling more children of all backgrounds to access and enjoy snowsports.

In partnership with the Badenoch & Strathspey Schools Snowsport Association (BSSSA), Cairngorm Mountain provided free slope access and equipment hire for 121 Primary Seven pupils from seven schools in the surrounding area. Nearly half of the youngsters were learning to ski or snowboard for the first time.

Provided by CMSL partner ski school, Free-Ski, the lessons ran from 4 – 23 March, with children participating from primary schools in Aviemore, Carrbridge, Abernethy, Deshar, Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Alvie.

The BSSSA promotes the physical and educational development of schoolchildren within the Badenoch and Strathspey area by providing them with opportunities to participate in snowsports. Led by volunteers, the BSSSA has supported school children skiing for 13 years.

“We’re proud to have provided free access to our slopes and equipment hire to local schools again this year, in collaboration with BSSSA.”

Tim Hurst, Interim CEO of CMSL, said: “We’re proud to have provided free access to our slopes and equipment hire to local schools again this year, in collaboration with BSSSA. Every child that grows up in our community should have the opportunity to try snowsports and appreciate the spectacular offering that we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep. This programme plays an important role in our community and the future of the resort. We hope these lessons inspire a love of the sport and the mountains for some of the kids who were experiencing it for the first time.”

Euan Baxter, Chair of BSSSA, said: “With half of the local primary 7 children having not been on the mountain or skied before, it is clear the BSSSA program is keeping snowsport and all its benefits as part of our local heritage and culture, while making a difference to the well-being of our community.”