Police issue warning for drivers heading to Scotland’s ski slopes this weekend

POLICE have issued a reminder to people heading for Scotland’s ski slopes this weekend to be prepared for the weather.

A yellow weather warning remains in place with Scots urged to reconsider any plans to head to Highland ski centres.

Excessive traffic in these areas, combined with the snowfall, is expected to cause blockages.

Snow showers are set to lessen over the next few days but drifting snow will continue to be a problem on many of Scotland’s roads.

In January, traffic was queued for miles around Glencoe with many drivers becoming trapped.

Local people and gritters could not get through due to the amount of abandoned vehicles.

Superintendent Helen Harrison of Police Scotland, said: “People who thought they could take advantage of the snow simply got stuck in their cars, blocking access to the area for local people too.

“Gritters were unable to get through and we had to seize abandoned cars to get the roads clear.”

The yellow warning remains in place for the next few days, and police are hoping drivers heed the advice to take extra care.

Superintendent Harrison added: “We understand that people want to make the most of the snow but conditions on the roads, especially on the routes at higher levels remain hazardous and the yellow weather warning does not mean that roads are now clear.

“I would urge people to think carefully before travelling and to consider going to the slopes at places like Glenshee and Glencoe another weekend.

“A number of the resorts have been closed so if anyone does choose to travel please check ahead, plan carefully and stay on top of weather updates.”

Today, skiiers in Aviemore were unable to make the most of the conditions after access roads were shut.

The Courier’s Gayle Ritchie, who is on holiday in the area, said she had been unable to go skiing after the access road to the ski centre was shut due to the volume of snow.

She said: “The snow plough, even that’s struggled to get up there, in fact it hasn’t been able to get up there in the last few days.”