The Lecht Ski Centre near Tomintoul in Moray makes appeal for cash to secure future of near five-decade old venue
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THE Lecht Ski Centre near Tomintoul may be forced to shut down after a tough winter for the popular venue.
A lack of snow in 2024 has been blamed for a “dire season” with owners saying thousands of pounds are needed to secure the centre’s future for another year.
The centre has been a popular venue for locals and visitors alike for nearly 50 years having been established in 1977.
But with the launch of an online fundraiser earlier this week there remains hope that it will continue to operate into 2025.
The fundraiser has set a target of £35,000 with Chairman Pieter du Pon encouraging people to buy lift passes as donations.
Mr du Pon said: “As you know 2024 has been a tough winter season with little natural snow.
“During the winter season of 2021 we saw some of the best snow we have had for a long time, but due to the Covid 19 pandemic we were forced to stay closed.
“Each season is different, so we are very disappointed for both our customers, their families as well as us, that we could not enjoy a lot of snow this winter and offer the winter experience you deserve.
“Over the last 47 winters the Lecht has been able to provide snowsport fun especially for families and children, in good and bad seasons.
“Even in this dire season, using the advances in modern snow making technology we have still managed to put over 6,500 children onto our slopes to enjoy the experience that snowsports has to offer.
“We'd like to be able to continue doing this for many years to come but we need to ask for your support to do this.
“We do not want to be forced to shut down the centre and so I would like to ask if you could help by just buying one lift pass, or more, as a donation, so we can continue into 2025.
“By purchasing just one more lift pass you will help secure the future of the Lecht.”
Donations can be made via the centre’s JustGiving page or via the ticketing booking system on the Lecht’s website and selecting book lift pass before selecting donation pass.
