My sister and I loved our visit to the Ptarmigqn on Cairngorm. It was great to see the skiers out in the snow and stepping outside for a short while was quite an experience - not one to be missed. Railway staff were lovely and polite but some of those inside the restaurant were somewhat lacking in professionalism at times. The exhibition is beautiful to watch, it’s like flying on the back of an eagle. Although we are Scottish, we felt the voice over for the exhibition was a bit fast at times for us to fully understand.

I finally made the trip up to Scotland after seeing that snow was coming and wasn’t disappointed. I arrived on Saturday, keen to get up the mountain on Sunday. I found out pretty quickly that the busses to the mountain don’t run on Sundays but managed to get a ride up and down after putting a message on their fb page. Day 2 was very snowey, 35cm during the day so the mountain closed after a few hours. Day 3 was amazing, lots more snow coverage and more runs and lifts open. It wasn’t too busy and the mountain railway was really handy to get up and down the hill. The snow was great, a bit heavier that what I’m used to in the Canadian Rockies but the groomed slopes were fast and the upper mountain was full of deep powder. This was my 25th ski resort in my 7th country and I think I hit the jackpot as far as it comes to Scottish skiing and I feel so fortunate.

Easily accessible by public transport, although you do have to plan around the timetable as it isn’t as regular as you may think. However, this made the trip up enjoyable for all as we could sit back and appreciate the view. Good facilities when you get there too. Would go earlier in the morning next time and stop at Rothiemurchus on the way back for a bite and some shopping.

Great views from the top and great ride on the train. Gift shop very expensive. Sad dogs can’t go up on the train. Surely they can just nip out of the top station for a wee then be allowed back inside. One person had to miss out on the trip to the top as our dog isn’t fit enough to walk up. Heard lots of other people saying the same thing which is a shame. Cafe and tubing closed. Later found out tubing is only on weekends but no info on cafe on website. Apparently staff issues so we couldn’t get dinner from base camp with our dog. Still a lot of works being done so maybe next time we visit it will be better. Website defo needs updating with cafe opening so people can bring food if it’s not open.

Four adult family members made the trip up to the mountain railway in May this year. The weather was good. The railway itself is very interesting going up and down the mountain. There is a huge cafe and restaurant at the top. But the viewing areas really feel like an afterthought. The viewing platform facing down the mountain is a bit tricky to find and why did they not build a platform with 360 degree views? Can only face one direction. It’s a bit underwhelming as a viewing area tbh. Would not go up again but was a must do for us who are not good enough walkers to hike closer to the top ourselves.

VERY disappointed! The veiwing area was half open with workmen laying paving. This would have been OK if we had been warned. Booked online- no notice there, no notices at the bottom, Told about the work on our way up!! GEE, thanks! Totally spoilt our trip. To make matters worse , you cannot go outside, supposedly to preserve the mountain top- REALLY? If loads of people walk up they can go where they please AND to add insult to injury, can come in , use the facilities and the same "viewing" area- what a joke. We felt totally ripped off, ALSO , on the way down no tickets are checked. We could have walked up for free AND got the train back down without paying!

Understand that the Funicular Railway has recently re-opened - I went on the group rate of £14 which others in the party considered expensive. The ride up only takes 7/8 minutes and at the top you enter a complex, which comprises a shop, restaurant, gin bar and viewing platform. It was a sunny day but view was still a bit misty from the viewing platform. I would guess that you would get a fantastic view, in the winter with the snow covered peaks. As others have said you can't get out onto the mountain - I don't think this message is clearly articulated, although I understand the rationale. A Gin and Tonic was £7 which is broadly similar to London prices. Nice to sit and ponder the view with a G&T in hand but combining that with the cost of the Funicular, makes it an expensive drink. Having done the Nevis Gondolas, I would recommend that as trip as at least you get out in the air and stretch legs. A very expensive option for families and sadly I think its a one off trip for most.

We enjoyed our drive up to the railway but unfortunately not the experience we had hoped for. The sound quality on the train was poor and as a previous visitor stated there was no attempt at making it available to overseas visitors. The viewing gallery was very small and yes the workers were there laying another area. On the whole the area was a bit of a building site and certainly not value for money. Five minutes spent and we returned down to the car park.

The Cairngorms have always had a special place in my heart, we had been planning this trip for a while and read ahead on the pricing and policy once up the mountain. I do find the reduced rate of £17 quite costly, nevermind the full rate once the maintenance has been completed. I understand they have had set backs on reopening the railway and getting it back up to spec but that shouldn't be charged back to tourists and skiers. They have definitely modernised the whole experience with a refurbished carpark/ticket barrier system, modernised restaurant and viewing terrace at the top with a theatre experience all about the Cairngorms. I couldn't believe the views as you travel up/down the mountain, definitely worth a picture or two! Staff were really friendly at the base station and on the train but found the restaurant staff at the top quite unfriendly which let down the experience slightly. I would have expected more for the £17 whether it include a coffee/cake at the top or a short tour into the mountain range but I suppose with current inflation and the location it will make its money. All in all it was great to finally get on the funicular railway and have lunch at the top of the mountain although the cafe is quite costly and the selection of sandwiches are a bit poor if you are just wanting a bite to eat rather than a hot meal.

We had a quick lunch at the Cairngorm Cafe, and it was lovely. We had sandwiches and tea and sat out enjoying the fabulous sunshine and the incredible views. We didn't have time to take the funicular nor did we have time to take a walk on the mountain (unlike our last visit when we spent a lovely afternoon walking). Its a wonderful place to visit and far more enjoyable, I think, than Aviemore.