First ski day

Headed off with 42 into the unpromising murk in search of our first ski of the season.

Grey and damp at low levels, gradually getting greyer and damper as we got higher culminating in proper rain at the ski station... had to overcome a certain amount of reluctance to even get out of the car, but it was worth it in the end. 42's description probably does it justice, but if you set your expectations low enough (we had), Scottish skiing can be pleasantly surprising.

On the downside, there were only a few runs open (largely due to lack of punters rather than lack of snow), and visibility was rubbish. On the up, it was uncrowded, there was enough snow, pleasantly soft if a bit inconsistent, no wind, and I didn't see a patch of ice all day.

If you can overcome your alpine-induced prejudice that a ski slope should be deep and wide and brilliant white and accept that the run may be narrow, may have some grey patches, may have a bit of heather poking through, but is still perfectly skiable, then a good time can be had by all.