Having just returned from a weekend in the Cairgorms during the ski season I thought a review of this railway would be of interest both to non skiers who might choose this time to go up and also wheelchair users.

The railway itself will take you from the base car park up to the top of the mountain where many of the ski runs begin. As the sides, front and back are all glassed windows, it gives for stunning views of the surrounding vista (not for those with vertigo). At the top, if you are a skier or boarder, you are able to access all runs and weather permitting ski all the way back down. Non skiers can have a look around at the top either at the viewing station or by going outside and can also stop for refreshments in the café or to buy some gifts in the shop. Although I have not been up during the summer myself, I noticed that they are now offering guided walks down for anyone who travels up then.

During the season it will also stop at the middle station to pick up those who have skied down and want back up to the runs. This weekend not all runs and tows were open so this stop was busy with skiers both on the way up the mountain and down. I didn't see anyone left behind due to the train being full at middle station but it is a bit jammed in places with all those skis and boards.

The train caters very well for wheelchair users who get the added advantage of travelling in the front section so get full view of the panorama. There are wheelchair straps to lock the wheelchairs in place if required. There is a small gap on entering and leaving the train but the guard has a handy mini ramp to cover it. At the base, access is directly from the main platform which can be accessed by left from the car park. At the top, access is to a small landing which has a lift to the main café and hillside, access to the viewing area and a disabled toilet. The door to this is kept locked and opened and closed by the guard. For the return journey a simple buzzer will alert the train staff that a wheelchair user is waiting.

Overall we found the journey very enjoyable and simple and straightforward for the wheelchair user. Although the train was busy with skiers, the guard always allowed the wheelchair users fisrt entry and other skiers and boarder showed great consideration with their equipment.