Slopes of hope: how Scotland’s ski resorts are speeding back to business – a photo essay

After two disastrous winter seasons for the 30m Scottish ski industry, the country's five resorts are opening up again. We take to the powder at Glenshee

Arriving alone in early-morning darkness at Glenshee ski centre in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, I am greeted by friendly voices in the tiny ticket queue and eagerly join the small posse. The forecast is good and the centre has brought forward limited opening of the facility in response to a fresh dream topping of snow suddenly coating the glen down as far as the car park. We plan to make the most of it.

But today's enthusiasm has to be set against harder realities. The pandemic has significantly restricted the past two winter seasons. The coming months are pivotal to the recovery and future of the industry after its long forced hibernation.

The ghost resort of Glenshee, locked down and half-buried in snow in February 2021.