The centre should be ready by 2004

The Lecht 2090 centre will give skiers caf�, ticket office and equipment hire facilities under the same roof - before they negotiate the slopes.

Due to be completed in 2004, the centre will cover 1,200sqm and also cater for summer sports.

It will also introduce online equipment booking and road, snow and weather reports using WAP mobile phone technology.

Centre plans

James McIntosh, director of The Lecht Ski Company, said the increased threat of global warming would not affect the busy slopes.

He said: "Of course we realise the climate is changing.

"But the last three winters have been some of the most successful seasons ever for The Lecht, and in 2001 we had the best snow I've ever seen here.

"Since 2000, we have also been much more than a winter operation, with innovative new fun activities.

"We hope the new, improved caf� facilities will put us on the itinerary of many more touring coaches, and also offer our summer visitors an even better experience."

A view from beside the slopes

Mr McIntosh said summer visitors will be attracted by the prospect of quad bikes, fun karts, d�valkarts, summer tubing, kiddie karts and chairlift rides.

He said the centre's design took advantage of the lie of the land, with the lowest floor below ground on one side, while opening out to the hillside and chairlift on the other.