SCOTLAND'S snow sport centres are gearing up for the new season after an early snowfall over the Cairngorms.

The slopes of the mountains near Aviemore were covered in an unexpected blanket of white, much to the delight of tourists making the most of the October school holiday.

It was reported there was at least an inch of snow on the summit of Cairn Gorm, while there was a dusting in the car park, which is around 2000ft above sea level.

Colin Kirkwood, chief executive of the Cairngorm ski resort, claimed the early snow would be good for business over the coming months.

He said: "It's quite early this year. Although it's not unusual, it certainly wasn't what our half-term visitors were expecting, but they seem to be delighted with it. It appeals specifically to our younger visitors.

"We'd like to think it spells a good winter season. We're just coming up to the Scottish Ski and Snowboarding Show in Glasgow, so it has been nicely timed. Now that people know the snow is here, they'll start to make their preparations for visiting.

"A lot of people have already bought season tickets and I expect we'll be getting some calls to find out if there's enough snow to ski, but there isn't. We're not expecting that until the beginning of December. How-ever, the snow gets people thinking about coming to the mountain and making plans."

Jane Harvey, of Snowsport Scotland, added : "Snow at any stage is always welcome and we're all geared up and ready for the upcoming season."

The snow is unlikely to spread to lower ground until later in the year, with forecasters predicting long periods of rain over the next month.