Ski Resorts in Scotland

The five BEST ski resorts in Scotland

ASTLES, whisky and Nessie; Outlander, kilts and bagpipes - Scotland is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for a variety of reasons.

But skiing? You might be surprised to learn that the Scottish Highlands are home to no fewer than five ski areas, each unique in character.

1. GLENCOE MOUNTAIN The oldest ski centre in Scotland (pic above) - it may be small but it’s perfectly formed.

Highlights

3 Amazing views from the summit. 3 Consistent snow and the best natural terrain in Scotland. 3 Varied, interesting slopes cater equally well to beginners and experts. 8 Small car park can get full during weekends.

Closest airports

Glasgow Airport - 72 mi (1.5 hour drive).

Glencoe - also known as White Corries - is the oldest ski area in Britain. The upper third of the mountain is basically a freeride playground with natural half-pipes and jump features. The steepest runs are never groomed and include Scotland’s gnarliest black: the Flypaper, with gentle beginner slopes covering the plateau below. 2. GLENSHEE SKI CENTRE Scotland’s largest ski area, spread over three valleys with an ever-improving lift system.

Highlights

3 Great beginner-friendly slopes for families. 3 Excellent intermediate cruising runs. 3 Lift system generally copes well with crowds. 8 Close to Edinburgh and the Central Belt can mean weekend queues.

Closest airports

Edinburgh Airport - 82 mi (2 hour drive). Glenshee is Scotland’s biggest ski area, boasting runs spread across three valleys with the most interesting skiing at either end. Stand at the top of Glas Maol and it feels like you’re on the edge of a vast wilderness. In the middle, there’s a decent amount of easier ski terrain, though not much for absolute beginners.

3. NEVIS RANGE Scotland’s newest ski area, boasting legendary terrain and offering fabulous views.

Highlights

3 Expert off-piste terrain is what sets this resort apart. 3 Spectacular “high mountain” views from the summit. 3 Notable lack of queues on all but the busiest days. 8 Beginner slopes are low and can suffer from poor snow.

Closest airports

Inverness Airport - 71 mi (2 hour drive) Glasgow Airport - 105 mi (2.5 hour drive) Nevis Range only opened in 1989, at the top of Scotland’s only mountain gondola. From the top, there are sensational views of Ben Nevis and Loch Eil. For experts, but the back of the mountain is where it gets really interesting: the yellow itineraries marked on the trail map are epic, ungroomed runs. 4. CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN Historically Scotland’s most popular ski resort (pic above), with snowsure top bowls.

Highlights

3 Most reliable snow in Scotland. 3 Plenty of activities to do in the area on bad weather days. 3 Decent tough terrain in the underused Ciste sector. 8 Long queues during Christmas and school holidays.

Closest airports

Inverness Airport - 49 mi (1 hour drive) Cairngorm splits into two parts, with exposed but snowsure beginner bowls at the top. The right side serves mostly intermediate terrain whereas over to the left, you’ll find the steeper Ciste sector for advanced skiers. Cairngorm Mountain is also not far from Speyside where you can sample a dram of whisky, and just 10 minutes away from Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd. 5. LECHT 2090 The best beginner slopes and learning facilities in Scotland.

Highlights

3 Family-friendly resort for kids and beginners. 3 Often quiet even when nearby Cairngorm is crowded 8 Low altitude can mean poor snow quality

Closest airports

Inverness Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Aberdeen Intl. Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Lecht may be one of the smallest Scottish ski areas but it’s a popular choice for families, mainly due to its low lift ticket prices. Additionally, this family-orientated resort has focused its attention on developing the country’s best beginner facilities, with a row of sheltered magic carpets and drag lifts right next to the restaurant and Day Lodge. If you want to avoid crowds, Lecht is definitely a better pick over Cairngorm

For more information about these resorts, plus details of the packages available, visit: snowpak.co.uk

Mountain. 3 A reasonable selection of trails for all abilities.