When most people think of skiing, they might picture the snow-capped mountains of the Alps or the Rocky Mountains. However, Scotland offers some excellent ski resorts that cater to skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts. In this guide, we'll take a look at the best ski resorts in Scotland and what they have to offer.
Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski resort in Scotland, offering over 40km of pistes with 22 lifts and 36 runs. Glenshee also has three terrain parks with features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snow tubing and sledging. The resort also has a ski school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
Lift tickets at Glenshee start at £34 for adults and £22 for children for a full day pass, with discounts available for multi-day passes.
Cairngorm Mountain is located in the Cairngorms National Park and offers skiers and snowboarders over 30km of pistes, with 11 lifts and 30 runs. The resort has a mix of green, blue, and black runs, making it suitable for all skill levels. Cairngorm also has a terrain park with jumps, rails, and boxes for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snow tubing, sledding, and snowshoeing. The resort also has a mountain railway that takes visitors to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Lift tickets at Cairngorm start at £36 for adults and £21 for children for a full day pass, with discounts available for multi-day passes.
Nevis Range is located near Fort William and offers skiers and snowboarders over 30km of pistes with 12 lifts and 35 runs. Nevis Range also has a terrain park with jumps, rails, and boxes for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snowshoeing and winter walking. The resort also has a mountain gondola that takes visitors to the summit of Aonach Mor, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Lift tickets at Nevis Range start at £39 for adults and £24 for children for a full day pass, with discounts available for multi-day passes.
The Lecht Ski Centre is located in the Eastern Cairngorms and offers skiers and snowboarders over 20km of pistes with 12 lifts and 20 runs. The Lecht also has a terrain park with features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snow tubing and sledging. The resort also has a ski school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
Lift tickets at The Lecht start at £27 for adults and £21 for children for a full day pass, with discounts available for multi-day passes.
Glencoe Mountain is located in the Scottish West Highlands and offers skiers and snowboarders over 20km of pistes with 8 lifts and 19 runs. Glencoe Mountain also has a terrain park with features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as sledging and snowshoeing. The resort also has a mountain café that serves food and drinks, as well as a ski school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
Lift tickets at Glencoe Mountain start at £25 for adults and £20 for children for a full day pass, with discounts available for multi-day passes.
The Scottish ski season usually runs from December to April, with the best conditions being in January and February. However, conditions can vary from year to year, so it's best to check the snow reports before planning a trip.
Skiing in Scotland can be more affordable than skiing in other parts of the world. Lift ticket prices vary depending on the resort and the length of your stay, but generally start at around £20-£30 for a full day pass. Equipment rental is also available at each resort, with prices starting at around £20 per day.
If you're looking for other winter activities in Scotland, there are plenty of options available. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter walking are popular activities in the Cairngorms National Park. Ice climbing is also popular in the area, with the nearby Ben Nevis providing a challenging climb for experienced climbers.
Scotland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing, but the country has some excellent ski resorts that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the challenging terrain of Glenshee to the stunning views of Nevis Range, skiing in Scotland offers a unique winter vacation experience. With affordable lift tickets and an array of other winter activities available, a ski trip to Scotland is definitely worth considering.
While you're here, why not check out some of our other articles?
or, check out our DIN calculator to find the binding settings that you should be using.