Skiing in Scotland

Skiing in Scotland is both friendly and unpretentious and it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages.

You don’t have to kit yourself out in all the latest high-fashion clothing (though you can if you want) for skiing here is more about fun, improving your skills and having an enjoyable break in a wonderful environment.

There are four main ski areas operating this winter (please note Glencoe is closed this season) and tuition at all four is excellent. The easy-to-reach slopes are also ideal practice ground for dedicated skiers (and indeed snowboarders) to keep up their standards.

Below is a brief summary of what’s on offer at the four ski areas, all of which are within a few hours’ drive of Edinburgh and Glasgow and virtually on the doorsteps of northern cities like Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. For further information visit
www.ski-scotland.com and booking for all four is on 0845 22 55 121.

The Nevis Range
Access to the slopes is via Scotland’s only Mountain Gondola – a breath-taking ascent with an alpine feel. The Nevis Range offers the highest skiing in Scotland with modern facilities and a variety of slopes to test any skier or snowboarder. It also boasts the best off-piste in the country in the back bowls of Coire Dubh. Expect friendly service, long runs, artificial ski slope in the beginners area and a handy crèche.

CairnGorm Mountain
Probably the best known of the Scottish resorts with a good range of non-ski alternatives and nightlife in nearby Aviemore and surrounding villages. The new funicular mountain railway has greatly increased access to the slopes and there’s a great choice of ski schools, equipment hire and on-mountain restaurants. There are good transport links and an excellent variety of skiing with reliable snow at the top of the funicular.

The Lecht (Ski and multi activity centre)
Here you’ll find a friendly, family-orientated approach to both skiing and boarding. There are plenty of classes for kids and adults on easy slopes with tuition for all abilities including race training. There are snow making canons and for the non-skier there are fun activities like snow tubing and devalkarts. Runs are more limited for the advanced skier but this is a sheltered resort which stays open when bad weather closes the others.

Glenshee Ski Centre
Glenshee has the largest lift system in Scotland, with runs spreading over three valleys and four mountains. There are easy runs for beginners, no less than 26 blue and red runs for intermediates and the fearsome Tiger for the experienced. There’s good equipment hire, good restaurants and snow machines on hand. Historic Braemar, just down the valley, is the ideal place to stay.


Photograph: Copyright VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint