A Guide to Scotland's 5 Ski Resorts
The Nevis Range
Accessed by the only mountain gondola in the UK, the slopes of the UK’s eighth highest mountain, Aonoch Mor, provide a wide range of options for both beginner and expert alike. The Nevis Range Mountain Resort has 32 different runs, from greens and blues all the way up to black. Thanks to the gondola, and the access roads to the carpark mostly being coastal, the resort is often accessible when the others further inland are cut off by snow on the roads. The snow is best in February and March but sometimes accumulates earlier. With exciting backcountry ski options, the Boardwise terrain park, and even sledging on offer, this resort has something for everyone.
Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Torlundy, Fort William +44 1397 705825
The Lecht
The Lecht is surrounded by beautiful views and outstanding roads to drive, with the Cairngorm Nation Park stretching out in each direction. The first runs here opened over 40 years ago, and in that time the resort has gone from strength to strength. Now there are 20 runs and 14 lifts in operation and the resort prides itself on its ski and snowboard teaching facilities. If you want to learn how to handle the slopes, this is definitely worth a consideration. In summer it is also possible to take your mountain bike up to the tops on the ski lifts.
Lecht Ski School, Lecht Road, Aberdeenshire +44 1975 651412
Glencoe
Scotland’s oldest ski resort, Glencoe is surrounded by stunning views and some of the best scenery in the UK. There are 20 runs, including the steepest black route in the UK, the “Flypaper,” an avalanche training centre, a free sledging area, and an excellent beginner’s plateau area. It is often possible to ski into late April and even May at Glencoe, and there is a wealth of summer activities available once the snow has finally melted.
Glencoe Mountain Ltd, Glencoe +44 1855 851226
Glenshee
Even the name “Spittal of Glenshee” sounds exciting, and the ski and ‘board conditions here are certainly that too. Glenshee means “steep valley of the fairies” in Gaelic, which perhaps tells you all you need to know? Known for the variety of different natural runs and terrain, Glenshee Ski Centre has a rather impressive 36 runs, stretching over 40 kilometres (25 miles) and making it the largest ski resort in the UK. For the boarders among you, or those who like different lumps and bumps, the terrain park is definitely worth checking out. The best snow is often in January.
Glenshee Ski Centre, Cairnwell, Braemar +44 1339 741320
Cairngorm
This is the resort with arguably the most snow, and the team who run the pistes certainly know how to make the most of it, with excellent skiing lasting into March and April. With Scotland’s only funicular mountain railway to get you to the 38 runs (and Scotland’s highest restaurant), the longest of which measures 3.3km (2 miles), and close to the almost-Alpine town of Aviemore, this is a busy and beautiful resort. There is often a wealth of off-piste powder too, if you are experienced enough. The conditions on the tops can change quickly, so do keep up to date with the weather forecast, and heed the warnings. Cairngorm can be a challenge, but those views are worth it.
Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore +44 1479 861261
