Image caption It could become one of the longest skiing seasons on record

Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders dressed for the summer have been enjoying a "carnival atmosphere" as the sun shone on a Highland ski resort.

About 200 snow sports fans took to the slopes at CairnGorm Mountain to enjoy the unseasonably warm temperatures of 21C on the slopes.

Operations manager Colin Matthew said skiing was still possible right down to mid-mountain level.

He said it was set to become one of the longest skiing seasons on record.

Mr Matthew said: "CairnGorm today has had a real carnival atmosphere with the public out in shorts, shades , t-shirts and even the occasional kilt.

"The sledge park and the fun park have both been really popular today.

"Snow conditions are soft and a bit like summer skiing on a European glacier with the temperature on the top slopes well into the lower 20s - the only difference is that we're short a few thousand feet on altitude here at CairnGorm."

He added that he hoped skiing would continue until at least the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.