While Scotland might be famous for its castles, whisky, and the legendary Loch Ness Monster, it also offers some of the best outdoor skiing and snowboarding in the UK. With five main ski areas, Scotland provides a unique and budget-friendly alternative to the mega-resorts of Europe and North America.
Glencoe Mountain Resort. Source: TripAdvisor
Scott Simon, CEO of Snowsport Scotland, aptly describes the experience: "You’re going to get a Scottish experience - socially, culturally, environmentally, and certainly from a weather perspective." Embrace the unpredictable conditions and discover the charm of skiing in the Highlands.
The Five Main Ski Resorts in Scotland
Scotland boasts five major ski areas, each with its own unique charm and offerings. These resorts are within a two-hour drive of Aviemore, making it feasible to base yourself there and choose your destination based on the day's snow conditions.
- Glenshee Ski Centre
- CairnGorm Mountain
- Lecht Ski Centre
- Nevis Range Mountain Resort
- Glencoe Mountain
Here’s a detailed look at each:
Read also: PA Ski Guide
1. Glenshee Ski Centre
Glenshee Ski Centre. Source: ski-glenshee.co.uk
Glenshee is Scotland’s largest ski resort, covering three glens and 2,000 acres. It features around 40km of pistes and is accessed from the A93, which is usually kept clear. The official season runs from December to April.
Must Ski: ‘Glas Maol’ offers two kilometers (1.25 miles) of skiing from near a Munro summit. The black variant was used for the 1985 British Speed Skiing Championships.
- Tickets: Half-day, full-day, and longer passes available.
- Facilities: Three cafes and parking for up to 1,200 vehicles.
- Backcountry: Glenshee also allows backcountry skiing and walking within their ski resort area that allows visitors to use the resort lifts.
2. CairnGorm Mountain
CairnGorm Mountain. Source: cairngormmountain.co.uk
CairnGorm Mountain has the highest ski slope in Scotland and offers excellent views overlooking Loch Morlich and the Caledonian Forest. Runs vary from beginner (green) to advanced (black).
Read also: Skiing the Smoky Mountains
Must Ski: ‘M2’ offers cruisy skiing with great views over Loch Morlich and the Monadhliath beyond.
- Transport: Direct train links to Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow from Aviemore, which is 9 miles away.
- Accommodation: Aviemore is the closest town for lodging.
With the funicular railway due to reopen early in 2023, Cairngorm Mountain feels like it is back on an upward trajectory.
3. Lecht Ski Centre
Lecht Ski Centre. Source: lecht.co.uk
The Lecht is the smallest ski centre in Scotland and is designed for beginner and intermediate skiers. It’s a great option for families due to its beginner facilities and low lift ticket prices.
- Highlights: Family-friendly resort with excellent beginner slopes and learning facilities.
- Accommodation: Tomintoul, just over six miles away, is the nearest town for lodging.
4. Nevis Range Mountain Resort
Nevis Range Mountain Resort. Source: Traveller
Nevis Range is on Scotland’s west coast, near Fort William. It's the highest ski resort in Scotland, offering 35km of pistes that vary from easy (green) to advanced (black). Nevis Range is the only ski resort in Scotland to offer a gondola.
- Transport: Easily accessible by public transport.
- Facilities: Restaurant, extensive beginners’ area, equipment hire, and lessons.
From the top, there are sensational Scottish views of Ben Nevis and Loch Eil. For experts, the back of the mountain is where it gets really interesting: the yellow itineraries marked on the trail map are epic, ungroomed runs.
5. Glencoe Mountain Resort
Glencoe Mountain Resort. Source: wikimedia.org
Glencoe Mountain was the first commercially operating ski resort in Scotland, opening in 1956. It has 20 runs serviced by 8 lifts, including the longest and steepest runs in Scotland.
Take a right from the top lift at Glencoe Mountain Resort and you will quickly be confronted with one of the greatest views in Scottish skiing. The rugged bulk of Buachaille Etive Mòr, often called Scotland’s most beautiful mountain, overlooks the deep valley of Glencoe, just around the corner from the “007 Skyfall road”.
- Difficulty: Levels range from green (easy) to black (very difficult).
- Accommodation: On-site microlodges available at the resort campsite. The closest hotel is the Kingshouse Hotel, around 6 minutes drive away.
- Transport: Glencoe and Bridge of Orchy have train stations with a public bus to the resort.
Glencoe is perhaps the most beautiful. The uplift soars over frozen waterfalls, and on the other side of the resort to Buachaille Etive Mòr is Flypaper, the UK’s steepest in-boundary ski run, and the excellent Spring Run red piste.
Ski with unobstructed views over Buachaille Etive Mor, widely considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular mountains and the star of James Bond Skyfall.
On the way to the Spring Run is a sign saying “expert skiers only”. On Flypaper though, it’s safest to ignore the views - because you’ll be staring down a formidable 40-degree piste. Safely navigated, both of these runs connect back to the gentle blue and green runs lower in the resort, plus the main lifts and the mountain cafe.
Ski Touring and Backcountry Skiing
An increasing number of skiers are discovering the opportunities for off-piste skiing in Scotland. Ski touring involves walking up the mountain on skis with special bindings and "skins," allowing you to access untouched areas and enjoy the solitude of the Scottish wilderness.
“It makes you respect the lifts a lot more,” says Russell Murray, an Aviemore local. “But it’s not all about the downhill. It’s about the journey across wild landscapes, seeing wildlife as you go, and skiing sections nobody has skied before.”
Images of Scottish touring in recent years ooze adventure and have confirmed to many what long-time skiers in Scotland already knew - that this remains a country seriously underrated in terms of skiing terrain.
Year-Round Skiing Options
For those looking to ski outside the typical winter season, Scotland offers several year-round options:
- Snow Factor: Scotland’s only indoor year-round snow resort with a 200m piste.
- Midlothian Snow Sports Centre: The longest dry ski slope in Europe, located just outside Edinburgh.
- Aberdeen Snowsports Centre: Located just outside Aberdeen city centre.
- Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre: Offers a variety of slopes, including a freestyle slope, just outside Glasgow city centre.
- Firpark Ski Centre: Located near Stirling, with a 120m dry ski slope.
- Lagganlia Centre for Outdoor Learning: Found in Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore.
I used the dry ski slope near Edinburgh for a few hours before going skiing in Spain for example, as I’d not been on skis for a few years, and wanted to get my muscle memory back.
Tips for Skiing in Scotland
- Stay Flexible: Skiing in Scotland requires adaptability due to the unpredictable weather conditions.
- Plan Ahead: Have multiple plans and choose the best one based on the weather.
- Consider a Wider Highland Holiday: Combine skiing with visits to distilleries, reindeer herds, and traditional music venues.
- Be Prepared for All Conditions: Pack layers, waterproof gear, and ensure your rucksack has ski attachments.
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche risk must be taken exceptionally seriously. Familiarise yourself with, and use, the Be Avalanche Aware Process.
Avalanche forecasts, which combine weather forecast information with observed snow conditions, attempt to predict likely avalanche problems and levels of avalanche hazard in different areas around the mountain.
The next day’s forecast is uploaded in the afternoon/early evening and accessed at www.sais.gov.uk.
To get this, consider learning from the knowledge and expertise of a qualified and experienced mountain professional by joining a guided touring trip.
Shipping Your Skis
Tired of dragging your skis and snowboard through the airport? Ship Skis is dedicated to ensuring your skis and snowboard arrive safely and on-time on your ski trip to Scotland.
The cost to ship skis to Scotland is $169.99 USD for the outbound leg and $179.99 USD for the return.
Intro to Scottish ski-touring
So, whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, Scotland offers a unique and memorable skiing experience. Embrace the adventure, and you might just find that skiing in Scotland stands up there with anywhere in the world.