UKC

New ideas for Aviemore

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It goes without saying that 06/07 has been a very poor climbing and skiing season in the Cairngorms. Climate change is just one of the big challenges facing the newly formed Cairngorms National Park.

The local economy has a heavy reliance on tourism and local businesses are coming up with new ideas that have less reliance on winter conditions.

Here are details of a couple of events taking place in the area this month.
The Aviemore Walking Festival
The Aviemore Mountain Film Festival

In addition, Scott Muir is working to get recognition for Aviemore as The UK's capital of Extreme Sport. See his letter in the Badenoch and Strathspey Herald

Some more big events taking place in the Highlands this summer:
Highland 2007
Spey 2007 – Scottish 6 Day Orienteering Competion


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15 May, 2007
Aviemore seems to be in direct competition with Fort William to be the Outdoor Capital of Scotland (the UK ?). Lochaber stole a march on Aviemore with the cycling on Aonach Mor which seems to be a success. Why not develop another venue and try to establish a circuit in Scotland ? Why not develop an indoor snow sports venue of their own along the lines of the Ice Factor and Xscape at Braehead ? Given the unreliability of conditions in winter in Scotland and the all round popularity of winter sports I think we could sustain them. We couldnt get a single booking one Thursday in February in the Ice Factor. Its a prime example of excellence. Is Glenmore being utilised to its maximum potential for the benefit of the area ? Is it too inward-looking and 'specialist' ? Its great to have a recognised centre of excellence but could it be more ? Is the idea of the two areas combining resources to create an Outdoor Executive idealist / impractical ? Create a co-ordinated , joined-up approach ? We're not great at that in the UK. Would it just be a talking shop ? Has the National Park brought real benefits ? Should it be reveiwed ? Personally, both FW and Aviemore can be a little dismal to visit, lacking character and attractiveness. If I didnt have a strong reason to go there (the excellent walking and mountaineering oppotunities) would I really go ? How are they going to attract those who dont share that interest ? FW wins de facto with Ben Nevis, which will always bring loads of tourists. And the WH Way, too. Could Aviemore develop a route of equivalent status ? Does the Speyside way measure up ? A Central Highlands Way going thru Glen Nevis, by Loch Ossian, over the Bealach Dubh, out by Loch Ericht, round Meall Chuaich and down to the Ruthven barracks ? And a National Trekking Centre based on Glens Tromie and Feshie and Geldie and Tilt and Avon and the Lairigs Ghru and an Loaoigh ? A formal hut network, in conjunction with the SYHA or MBA ? These are just ideas, both general and more detailed to provoke a debate, either here or in Aviemore circles. I'm not saying I'm necessarily pro or anti. ahunter
15 May, 2007
There is the Outsider festival coming up soon as well, combined with run and bike race. Glenshee have made the bold step of putting in mountain biking trails in order to genereate some revenue in the summer, maybe Cairngorm should follow suit? The funicular runs all summer anyway.
15 May, 2007
........ Extreme sport is not necessarily about jumping out of planes, pulling big air on the slopes of Cairngorm or going all out or not at all. Extreme is actually at the other end of the spectrum. It's about giving people new experiences – something otherwise unachievable and personally extraordinary. ..... The area needs more exciting businesses and attractions that give no doubt to our claim as the extreme capital of Britain with the best professional adventure providers around. ...... Extreme Dream and G2 have decided to take the step to help secure the future of this area by adding the strap 'Extreme Capital of the UK' to all advertising material before this title and claim is lost as well." - Quoted from Scott Muir's letter to the local paper. I hope that the idea to start referring to Aviemore as 'Extreme Capital of the UK' is opposed. The only thing extreme about Aviemore is the poor town planning and architecture. As a keen participant in walking, climbing (and occasionally snowboarding) I find the term 'Extreme' extremely embarrassing. I applaud Scott Muir's attempts to improve the tourist economy of the area. Howver, I hope that this can be done without resorting to MTV style re- branding of the Cairngorms. Davie
15 May, 2007
Mountain biking has really taken off where ever it has been organised in Scotland. The uplift system on Anoch Mor envied throughout the country. Trouble is the Cairngorms, being a National Park are not really suited for down hilling and the mess involved. Plenty of other sites but its the lift system that makes Anoch Mor outstanding. Motor sport also needs more venues and there is planty of space but I doubt that would go down well.
15 May, 2007
What about setting up some down hill tracks closely equating to the winter pistes? The whole place looks shocking in the summer anyay so surely there wouldn't be too many conservation issues.
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