Opening Times

May – October 10am until 16.30 daily. Funicular is closed for annual maintenance in November. December – April open daily, times vary.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

CairnGorm Mountain provides a unique setting for children to learn about a wide range of subjects. There is a vast choice of activities available that would be impossible to find elsewhere.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Pupils and students of all ages can participate in a wide range of curriculum based activities. We offer them the chance to build their confidence, learn something new, contribute to the day and have fun while learning about sharing responsibility for this special place.

What are the activities?

Explore the mountain with a ranger, navigate on an orienteering treasure hunt, visit the weather station and take measurements with an anemometer, listen to the stories and legends of the Cairngorms, study and sketch the landscape using the camera obscura, learn about the plants still here since the ice age, help to plant trees in this hostile environment, ride the train and discover how a funicular works, experience the impact of altitude on weather and the landscape, discover in the mountain exhibition what it takes to survive at 1097m.

What is the age range of the activities?

We welcome pupils and students of all ages

Sample programme of the activities:

A tailored presentation on environmental or other topics in the Aonach education room, a practical workshop in the natural outdoor environment on the hill. A look at the camera obscura in the mountain garden and a ride on the funicular railway, visiting the viewing terrace and interpretive mountain exhibition.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

This is dependent on the activities arranged

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

No limit on group size. We will provide enough to staff to cover the size of any group.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Teachers can arrange for their own risk assessments to be done. We have public liability insurance of up to £5 million.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Teachers are welcome to come and visit us prior to bringing a group.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

We can supply packed lunches which can be eaten onsite. We also have food available to purchase in the Cas Bar and the Ptarmigan restaurant which is located at the Top Station. This includes hot soup and rolls, hot and cold drinks and sandwiches and snacks. Hot lunches are available at the Ptarmigan restaurant.

Is specific clothing required?

Waterproof and warm clothing including hats, should be brought along especially if the programme involves spending time outside on the mountain. Also sturdy footwear is required.

Do you have first aid on site?

We have first aiders on site and ski patrollers during the winter months.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No