CairnGorm Mountain has a reputation as one of the most beautiful - and sometimes challenging - places to ski in the UK, as well as boasting Scotland's only funicular railway. It's also Scotland's most popular resort and is located just a short distance from the main A9 arterial route which runs between Perth and Inverness. Whether you're a skier or not, the ride on the train to the Ptarmigan Top Station is a unique experience with an opportunity to take in fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding area. For non-skiers, the end of the journey offers a chance to visit Scotland's highest restaurant, shop, mountain exhibition and viewing terrace or go outside to watch ski-ing before returning to the base station by the train. Walkers and climbers may descend on the funicular after walking up, but essential conservation guidelines prohibit their using the funicular for their initial ascent. However, during the winter season there is an alternative way to descend the 400 vertical metres from the top station to the base station - on skis or a snowboard.
