Rare summer snow fell last week in Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountain ski area after cold air arrived in the British Isles on Tuesday, June 4.
While the lower areas of the ski area were only covered in a dusting, the snow lingered at higher elevations. The ski area’s highest point is situated at 4,300 feet. The resort is located in the northwest of Scotland, in the Cairngorms National Park, which hosts five of the ten highest mountains in Britain.
While snow at the beginning of summer is a rare phenomenon, especially in Scotland, it is not unheard of and can occur every three to five years. In 2010, the resort even reopened parts of its terrain during the summer. This year’s snow and cold temperatures were caused by cold air moving to Britain from the Arctic.
The cold air caused multiple unusual weather patterns throughout Europe. In Tyrol, Austria, a hail shower damaged 30 cars. The hailstones measured almost three inches in width. In southern Germany, temperatures fell to 57 degrees Fahrenheit, nearly 10 degrees below the usual monthly average.
The resort is open for skiing from December through April and offers 19.8 miles of slopes and 11 lifts. It is also home to Britain’s highest restaurant, located at 3,600 feet. Britain’s only mountain railway is located on the mountain. In summer, the resort is open for mountain biking and hiking.
