Off on the piste again? We were the other day when we popped up a delivery to the gorgeous Glenshee Ski Resort in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. What spectacular scenery and fantastic ski slopes!
Scaffold Towers and Ski Slopes in the Hill of the Fairies
That said, skiing in Scotland isn’t quite like the Alps. The weather is harsher, the terrain more rugged, and the snow is far less predictable. This makes flexible, durable infrastructure vital, and that’s where our scaffold towers come in.
Courtesy of Glenshee Ski Resort
Normally, our access equipment is spotted on building sites and the properties of DIYers. So our driver was really curious to know exactly how our towers would be used in this snowy setting in the Scottish Highlands.
Our client, Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski area in the UK and can be found nestling in the Cairngorms of Scotland. Its expansive terrain and variable weather conditions necessitate robust infrastructure to ensure safety and functionality.
By the way, the name Glenshee means Hill of the Fairies.
Once known as the glen of the fairies it takes its name from the Gaelic “sith” meaning fairy and the old meeting place at the standing stone behind the present-day church is called Dun Shith or Hill of the Fairies
Courtesy of Glenshee Ski Resort
7 Eye-Opening Reasons To Pair Scaffold Towers and Ski Slopes
Scaffold towers are integral to ski resorts like Glenshee, serving multiple purposes.
- 1. Maintenance Access: They provide safe platforms for technicians performing repairs on lifts and other high structures.
- 2. Event Support: During competitions or events, scaffold towers are used to erect temporary spectator stands and media platforms.
- 3. Safety Monitoring: They serve as mounting points for safety equipment and signage, aiding in avalanche monitoring and hazard warnings.
- 4. Elevated Work Platforms: Whether it’s maintaining chairlifts, repairing signage, or adjusting snow fences, scaffold towers provide stable platforms on uneven, snow-covered ground.
- 5. Temporary Event Structures: During competitions or winter festivals, scaffolding supports temporary viewing platforms, judging booths, and camera towers.
- 6. Access Solutions: When snowbanks block usual routes, scaffolding is used to build bridges, stairs, or raised walkways that keep staff and visitors moving safely.
- 7. Avalanche and Safety Monitoring: In higher-risk areas, scaffold towers serve as mounting points for sensors or barriers to help manage snow movement.
Safety is paramount at Glenshee. The resort’s Ski Patrol, trained by the British Association of Ski Patrollers, conducts daily inspections of pistes and infrastructure. They monitor for hazards, manage avalanche risks, and ensure that all safety protocols are upheld. Visitors are advised to stay within marked boundaries and report any hazards to the patrol.
Additionally, Glenshee has invested in a fleet of five Pisten Bully grooming machines, including a PB600 acquired in 2021, to maintain optimal piste conditions. These machines operate throughout the day and night, ensuring that slopes are groomed and safe for skiers and snowboarders.
The combination of scaffold towers for structural support and rigorous safety measures ensures that Glenshee Ski Centre remains a secure and enjoyable destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Courtesy of Glenshee Ski Resort
Scaffold Towers and Ski Slopes: Why You Need To Think Safety First in Extreme Conditions
Working at height is already risky—but doing it on an icy slope in a gale-force wind? That’s another level. That’s why safety is non-negotiable.
Anchoring & Stability: Scaffold towers used on ski slopes are specially designed for stability on uneven, frozen terrain. Base plates and adjustable legs are often used in conjunction with snow anchors to prevent slippage.
Weather Resistance: High-quality materials like galvanised steel resist corrosion from snow and ice, and scaffold sheeting helps protect workers from wind and snowfall.
Compliance & Certification: Installations are carried out by trained professionals who follow UK regulations, including TG20 guidance and SG4 fall prevention protocols, to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.
Regular Inspections: In an environment where conditions can change by the hour, daily inspections are common. Ice build-up, shifting snow, or high winds can all impact structural integrity, so teams need to stay alert.
While most visitors focus on the thrill of the snow, scaffold towers and ski slopes are part of the hidden infrastructure that keeps the mountains running smoothly. They might be temporary by design, but their impact is lasting—supporting safety, operations, and the winter sports experience in some of the UK’s wildest weather.
You may also like to discover about our early days delivering scaffold towers to Scotland. Hint: there were some language issues!