Great North Lodges Blog

Ski Season Starts Early

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:50:00 +0000

Well what everyone is looking forward to the hills are white and we even had snow falling in the Village yesterday(Sunday 29th Nov). Please see the information from Skiclub.co.uk.

So Lets all cross our fingers and the chance of a White Christmas looks good for this year!!

New Arrival at Wildlife park

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

For all of you nature lovers out there you must get along and see the new arrival at The Highland Wildlife Park. Mercedes the Polar Bear has settled into her new surroundings and feels the climate suits her more. With properties such as Glenfeshie House and Otter Pool near the Wildlife Park plus others in nearby Aviemore Great North Lodges is ideally suited for your needs

New Property for Christmas and New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Due to the high demand for properties for this very popular and busy time of the year. Great North Lodges has sourced a new property for these two weeks called Balnacraig Lodge. This 4 bedroom sleep up to 8 property is 10/15 minutes just outside Aviemore in a wondefully stunning location near Loch Insch and is available from either Monday 21st or Monday 28th for 7 nights, with an outside Hot Tub it has everything you need for a Highland Getaway

First Snow of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Well no jokes its here! Well if your at the top anyway. We have Snow so lets hope this is the start of things to come, snow at the top and sun in the village the perfect blend

The Golden Spurtle

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Hi Folks with the Summer drawing to an end we are still blessed with fantastic weather, lets hope it stays. Just a wee reminder for those up in the October Holidays not to miss the World Porridge Making Championships with the chance to join in the Worlds Biggest Porridge Breakfast to help feed needy children in some of the poorest countries across the globe. This annual event is on Sunday 11th October 2009 and should not be missed with other great events in Carrbridge over this weekend.

Big Splash is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Hi everyone, just a wee reminder for those up over the weekend of the 21st August not to miss The Big Splash down by The Old Bridge Inn. See all the Odd balls and Superstars of the area.

http://www.bigsplashaviemore.co.uk/

Mountain Bear Stays upto Date

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Hi folks following the launch of the new ESPN channel we can confirm this is now active at Mountain Bear so you will not have to miss those important SPL or Premier League games.

Grantown Highland Games

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:29:00 +0000

On Sunday 23rd August Grantown holds its annual Highland Games, If you still wish to come along and stay the weekend and enjoy this fantastic show we still have Heather Cottage sleep up to 6 available for the weekend.

For more info on the Games please see the link below
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=14128

Thunder In The Glens 2009 28th August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Hi everyone its nearly upon us again the gentle humming of Harleys, We still have two properties The Shieling and Heather Cottage still available for this weekend or the week if you fancy coming down to enjoy one of THE greatest weekends in Aviemore, for more info please see the link below

http://www.thunderintheglens.com/

New Additions to Mountain Bear Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Like proud parents the owners of MBL would like us to let you know they have just installed two brand new dishwashers into the Lodge, this along with the recent refurb done in May that saw a new range, wine cooler, beer fridge, flooring and a massive 42inch plasma in the Living Room has made Mountain Bear more irresistable for you.

Bookings are looking good for 2010 with next availability 26th March 2010.

Whats on in The Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Hi Folks

Well the Summer is here and the sun is peaking out today after a week of not so nice weather, Aviemore is really busy and everyone seems to be having a great time.

We have recently lauched our New property Otter Pool Lodge which we start letting from September 11th (already booked tho) but it seems to have captured your imagination as well as ours, going by the bookings so far.

There is lots on in Badenoch and Strathspey over the Summer and I thought for those of you who are coming or are thinking of coming I would put this link on so you know were to go and what to look out for

http://www.visitaviemore.com/events

I hope you all have a great Summer and the sun stays out for the duration.

Welcome to Ian Cameron

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:44:00 +0000

New Office Post

After sterling service to Great North Lodges, Linda Milne left the office last month for pastures new. We wish her well in her new career. Linda's replacement in the office, Ian Cameron, started in Mid February and has adapted well to his new position as Assistant reservations Manager. Ian has lived in the Aviemore area for many years and brings a wealth of local knowledge to the post, he has experience in the holiday accommodation industry and we look forward to a long relationship with him. I am sure that all of our clients will find Ian's knowledge and friendly manner useful when booking their Holiday with us.

New Lodge
Great North Lodges are delighted to announce a fantastic new addition to our Portfolio - the Stunning Osprey Lodge Osprey Lodge is in a fantastic rural setting and can sleep up to 8 guests. It has many luxury touches, including a superb outdoor hot tub. The lodge owners, Nicholas and Gaynor Russell, already run a hotel and have created a fantastic holiday retreat in Osprey Lodge. We wish them well and are sure our guests will enjoy this stunning property.

Extras
You may be unaware, but 5 our lodges now boast outdoor hot tubs - Mountain Bear Lodge, Beaver Creek Lodge, Ptarmigan Lodge, Osprey Lodge and Wolf Lodge. Luxury holidays just got even better!

A stay at The Shieling in Aviemore, includes membership of the nearby Dalfaber Golf & Country facilities. These include a 9-Hole Golf course, Indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, sauna, gym, indoor sports, Snooker, tennis etc.

Staying at Heather Cottage includes use of the Indoor Swimming pool (with Flume), saunas, steam rooms and gym at the Aviemore Highland Resort.

Hot Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:50:00 +0000

Wolf Lodge has had it's new hot tub installed!

We now have outside hot tubs at Mountain Bear Lodge, Beaver Creek Lodge, Ptarmigan Lodge and Wolf Lodge.

Watch the web site for updated pictures of Wolf Lodge.

Snow sports

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Some handy information from the Cairngorm Mountain:

The Christmas/New Year holiday can be a busy time and due to the large number of visitors it is likely there will be queues for services like the ticket office, ski hire and ski school. Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit.

Opening times: (from Saturday 20th December 2008)
First public train up is 9.00 am. (Other uplift may open earlier subject to conditions). Competent skiers and snow boarders are encouraged to use the lift system (if open) to reach higher runs and relieve congestion on the funicular. Last train up 3.20pm. Last train down 4.00 pm. Lifts at the top of the mountain will close earlier due to the limited numbers of day light hours.

Please note that we will be closed on Christmas Day but will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and New Year's Day. Sight seeing visitors are most welcome and we advise them to plan their visit between 11am and 2.30pm to avoid the early and end of day congestion with skiers.

Equipment hire.
During holiday periods there can be pressure on the availability of children's ski equipment. There are other hire outlets in the area so if you are not an early riser we strongly advise you to hire off-site.

The Ski School.
They still have lesson availability but please pre-book by calling 01479 861319 (10.00-16.00). If the enquiry line is busy please leave your name and number and the Ski School will call you back.

Sledging.
The Sledge Park will be open by 10.30am daily subject to conditions. It is located just outside the Top Station and tickets can be purchased from the Shop at the Top. The presence of streams and rivers under the snow pack makes it dangerous to sledge other than in the designated area.

Walking. We recommend non skiing visitors consider a walk down the Allt Mor Trail from Coire Cas Car Park. This picturesque, easy, downhill walk (approx 2 hrs) goes from high moorland through Caledonian pine forest and finishes at Glenmore (you can return either on foot or by public bus). Full details available from the Ranger Base.

Buying Tickets
Non-skiing visitors and sledging visitors will require a funicular ticket to ride the train. If you plan to visit us more than 1 day you may want to consider purchasing a Friends of CairnGorm Mountain ticket.Snowsports visitors require a skiing ticket ? this includes unlimited use of all lifts and the train. All equipment hire and lift tickets should be paid for at the ticket office prior to collecting equipment from the collection point on production of your receipt and rental deposit - credit card or cash (�200) ? no passports, car keys, mobile phones or pets please!
Purchase your tickets on line at http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/buy-tickets-online/ or buy and collect your snow sports tickets on Friday night up until 10pm from Aviemore Ski and Board Hire next door to the Aviemore Laundry Service (underneath the Post Office) in the Myrtlefield Shopping Centre. (Call Carol or Brian on 01479 811711 or 811917 to let them know what you need.)

Catering.
The Ptarmigan Restaurant (Top Station). Snacks, hot drinks, bar and hot menu. Open from 9am.
The Cas Bar (Day Lodge). Bar, Hot drinks and light snacks. Open from 9am.
Consider taking an early or a late lunch. Ski school classes do make the lunchtime period very busy between 12.30pm and 2pm.
Packed lunches can be eaten on Level 2 in the Day Lodge.

Parking, Car Sharing and Public Transport.
If you are planning to visit consider car sharing with friends (from Aviemore) or taking the public bus. This will help car park availability for everyone. Park and Ride Shuttle Bus will operate from the Ciste Car Park subject to demand.

Ski Ambassador Tours.
Tours of the ski area led by our Hilton Ski Ambassadors will take place daily ? meeting point Top Station exit doors at 11.30am. These are free of charge for all skiers and snowboarders. Suitable for level 3/4 skiers and above (i.e. not beginners).
Shop at CairnGorm Mountain. Hats, gloves, goggles, wrist guards and helmets - all on sale in our both our shops.

Hill Photographer - Peter DienderThrouhgout the holiday period a Hill Photographer will be out and about taking pcitures. He is highly visibile in his high vis vest. There is no obligation to buy but you can visit his web site for shots. www.action-heroes.co.uk

Setanta Sports at Mountain Bear Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Just a note to highlight that Mountain Bear Lodge now has the full Setanta Sports package along with the full Sky package.

Ptarmigan Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Ptarmigan Lodge now has a new outside Hot Tub!

Watch the web for new pictures

Let it snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:55:00 +0000

The forecast is for a lot of snow and the mountain is reporting it may open next week for skiing if the forecasts are correct.

keep an eye on http://www.cairngormmountain.org.uk/

Plenty on in the area see http://www.visitaviemore.com/ for the whats on details

The Outsider Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:49:00 +0000

New web site launched for this festival with more details to follow

http://www.outsiderfestival.co.uk/Front.html

The Outsider Festival programme announcements will start next year but as it is the "Year of homecoming" this should be a great weekend and is being held on the 20th and 21st June 2009 so book now to ensure you can go, most of our properties are still free for this week.

Lets pray for sunshine this time!

Early Snow Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:25:00 +0000

As you may know we have had snow for several days and the report from the Cairngorm Mountain is as follows:

"Ski Patrol reports that the snowfall to date is largely cosmetic, there is no base, there are lots of rocks and if a run can be created it will be very narrow and there will be some walking involved at the zig zags to reach the middle station. Conditions will not be suitable for beginners. If skiing is possible ticket prices will be priced �15 (adult) for the day and �10 (child). "

But if this weather keeps up I am sure conditions on the hill will improve.

However the funicular railway will be closed to the public for annual maintenance from Monday 3rd November through until the 5th December.

Red Stag Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Red Stag Lodge has now been sold, hopefully clients that have enjoyed it over the years can try some of our other Lodges like The Shieling or Beaver Creek Lodge all of which are nearby.

Homecoming Scotland 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:07:00 +0000

We are supporting Homecoming Scotland 2009 which is a celebration of all things Scottish in 2009 including 250 years since the birth of Robert Burns, also being celebrated are Golf, Whisky and innovations. The latest announcement to the events for 2009 is that Scotland will stage the final round of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge in November in Perthshire not far from us!

http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com/

Grillkota at Mountain Bear Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:08:00 +0000

The new BBQ Hut or Grillkota is fully installled and working at Mountain Bear Lodge. It was imported from Finalnd and it's origins are from North of the Artic Circle when the Sami Reindeer Herdsmen travelled across the tundra.

October

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:35:00 +0000

Some highlights for October are

World Porridge Making Championship 2008, 12th October

Half Marathon 18th and 19th October

The Cairngorm Charmer 25th October

We do have some properties free over these dates but October is very busy so call now if you want to experience any of these events.

2009 prices and updates

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:43:00 +0000

Our 2009 prices are now on the web site under tariff.

Watch out for the new hot tub at Ptarmigan Lodge and Wolf Lodge - details and pictures will follow when these are up and running!!

Carve Carrbridge

noreply@blogger.com (Great North Lodges) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:33:00 +0000

Next weekend is Carve Carrbridge, the Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Competition at Carrbridge. It is an amazing site to see large pieces of wood become eagles, golfers, bears or whatever else they can imagine! The scultures are auctioned off at the end of the day so you can get your self a lovely garden ornament if you can get it home!! People come from all over the world to compete and see this amazing event.

If you want to see it then we have Eagle Lodge or Ptarmigna Lodge still free.