Interview: Working Up Cairngorm Mountain

While most of us are tucked away in our warm offices, sipping on coffee and checking emails, we probably couldn’t imagine driving up to the seventh highest mountain in the UK to start a day of work. But that’s just what Aviemore-local, Colin Matthew, has done – for almost 30 years. Looking up at the beautiful, wild, Cairngorm Mountain, we wanted to know exactly what it’s like to work on this iconic ski hill.

How long have you worked for Cairngorm Mountain and how did you get into the role?

My first season was in 1984. I had just returned from a year in Australia and my older brother was working in the ski patrol, so he got me a start in patrol. I worked most winter seasons since then, working my way up to Head of Ski Patrol and winter Operations manager.

I became full-time Head of Technical Operations in 2010. I also had a parallel career in the summer, working as a rope access technical in the oil and gas industry.  

You must be kept very busy all year round. What are the main tasks that fall under your remit as Head of Technical Operations?

My main task in my current role is overseeing all the technical aspects of the site and running the winter operation. I am lucky to have a great team of multi-skilled people who make sure all the maintenance and repair of all machinery, plant, vehicles, buildings, ski lifts and snow-making infrastructure is undertaken to the highest standard and is compliant with all statutory requirements. 

Also, a lot of time is spent in researching, planning and bringing to completion various projects and future development plans.

Do you spend much of your day on the mountain itself, or are you tucked away in a nice warm office somewhere?

I try to get out on the hill as much as possible when I can – quite a lot of the summer is desk-based, however I get out a lot more in the winter during the ski season keeping an eye on the daily operations across the site. Got to sample the product on powder days!!

Winter 2020/21 must have been really tough for Cairngorm Mountain due to the incredible snowfall. What was it like seeing all the snow and knowing that the ski area was closed due to covid?

Yeah, it was a tough winter, especially when we had all that snow!! However, myself and a small crew were still on site every day keeping the infrastructure maintained and serviceable. The engineering and grooming guys still had a great deal of work de-icing and keeping access tracks passable across the hill. All the buildings had to be checked daily to ensure the heating, water and fire protection systems remained in good condition. We had a lot of reindeer, mountain hares and even the odd ski tourer for company!

What top tip would you give to someone who’s never been to Cairngorm Mountain before and wants to spend the day skiing/snowboarding?

Top tip would be to regularly check the weather forecasts, especially the night before or early morning on the day of their visit. Our social media updates in the evening will have a pretty good take on the prospects for the following day. In good snow and weather conditions, arrive early and book your ticket and hire equipment online. 

We have ski hosts on duty outside the base buildings who will have up-to-date information. Keep an eye on our website and socials for the latest information and weather updates. Most of all, bring a positive attitude and a sense of humour for when the weather changes…

And finally – what are your aspirations for Cairngorm Mountain as a leading Scottish ski resort. How would you like it to develop in the future?

The aspiration I have is aligned with the published Masterplan for Cairngorm, with a phased plan of investment in new ski lift infrastructure, mountain biking, car park upgrade, new day lodge building and further development of the snow-making infrastructure – making the mountain more of a year-round attraction and being environmentally sustainable. 

We are working hard behind the scenes to hopefully have a mountain bike product for next year subject to funding and planning approval.

Sounds like there is plenty in the pipeline to keep you busy! Thanks for chatting to us and good luck for the 2021/22 winter season.