70 years ago virtually to the day, the first mechanised ski tow in Scotland began spinning on the slopes of Meall a Bhuiridh, on the eastern approach to Glen Coe. Fast forward to today, and Glencoe Mountain is still coming up with the goods.

Much-loved among the west-coast ski fraternity, and beyond, our local area has had it's downs & ups over the decades. It never got the public handouts that certain Scottish centres did. (no bad thing when considering the basket-cases they turned into) Under the current stewardship, it's always been about going forward, diversifying & reinvesting, whilst keeping that shaky faith in Scottish Winter.

It's technical upper runs are ingrained in Scottish ski history & folklore; Happy Valley, Spring Run, The Flypaper. For the unitiated, it may be a slightly intimidating place at times, but always with the right rewards for giving it a go. The terrain changes every season, depending on how it's filled in, or not. It's also got the finest panoramas, bar none - from the alpinesque face of Buachaille Etive Mor to the extraordinary desolation of Rannoch Moor.

Generations come & go at Glencoe - my own family is on it's 4th to ski here. Those that already know, don't need any of this. But if you haven't yet, just get up when you can. Here's to the next 70.