Scotland's biggest winter sports resort, which had one of its worst-ever seasons last year, was celebrating an early snowfall overnight.

And CairnGorm Mountain's owners are hoping it is a sign of things to come after their 50th anniversary season had the fewest number of days suitable for snowsports the resort has seen in 14 years.

The centre attracted 66,463 people during the season, which opened on December 10, 2011, and ended on May 26, 2012.

Snowsports were possible on 110 of those 169 days, the lowest number since 1997/98.

CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood confirmed yesterday that last winter was "challenging" but with a fresh snowfall, was keeping his fingers crossed for a very snowy winter to come.

Although there was insufficient snow for sports, walkers enjoyed an early winter scene as they walked to the summit of the 1245-metre mountain, Scotland's sixth highest.

Fresh snow had fallen overnight above 2780ft metres as temperatures dropped to 2˚C.

A group from Orkney had come to CairnGorm Mountain to take advantage of the opportunity to go up on the funicular then walk the remaining 490ft to the summit on the resort's guided Walk @ the Top.

Further snow showers above2780 are expected today, with good visibility.

The resort expects to continue to offer its guided walks from the top station of the funicular until the end of October, weather permitting.

In addition, every day during the October half-term visitors will be able to try a guided mountain bike descent of the mountain, an experience which was introduced this summer.

Mr Kirkwood said: "It is not unusual for there to be snow showers at this time of year, but it tends not to lie for long.

"Visitors enjoy looking at it and it serves as a timely reminder to our snowsports customers to order their season tickets for the coming winter."