Rescuers used their tracked all-terrain vehicle to reach the summit of Cairn Gorm. Photo: Cairngorm MRT

Two ski tourers survived a night on the Cairngorms plateau after they dug a snow hole for shelter.

The pair were airlifted to safety on Wednesday after a major night search by rescuers.

Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Tuesday night to search for the skiers, who failed to return from their trip. Cairngorm MRT members were joined by Glenmore Lodge MRT and the Inverness Coastguard helicopter.

A Cairngorm team spokesperson said its Can-Am all-terrain vehicle to reach the mountain summit, from where members battled difficult deep snow and poor visibility, into the early hours of Wednesday.

The spokesperson said it was ‘a happy conclusion’.