Mountains, snow & winking owls – Skiing in Scotland should not be dismissed

Most people that ski in Scotland are in fact Scottish. The fact that most English or Welsh skiers don’t bother taking a drive across the border, but would rather fly to the Alps, is in some respects understandable. Scottish skiing is not comparable to what you get in the major alpine or Pyrenean resorts. But, with the current economic climate and the difficult exchange rate with the Swiss Franc and Euro, has Scotland become a serious alternative to a ski holiday in Europe or the States for British skiers?

Probably not, as there are some amazing deals to be found in the Alps. But, if you were used to jetting off for one week here and one week there, plus a long weekend in between, but simply can no longer justify the cost, then Scotland could be a good option.

Snow conditions have been pretty reliable during the last few winter seasons and normally skiing is available between December and April. Because the weather in the Scottish mountains is very un-predicable, the snow conditions can change rapidly, you simply cannot guarantee fantastic snow and clear blue skies. That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen sometime as well.

Here are the 5 ski areas available in Scotland and some facts about each one:

Cairngorm Mountain

Nearest accommodation: Aviemore – drive to slopes: 25 minutes
Number of Lifts: 11
Website: http://www.cairngormmountain.com/

Cairngorm is the most commercial ski area in Scotland. The Cairngorm Mountains form the highest range of peaks in the UK and the area has been designated as a national park. The scenery here is stunning and views from the top on a clear day are un-beatable. The town of Aviemore has a real ski resort feel during the winter with lots of choice for accommodation and restaurants. There seems to be so many pubs and bars in Aviemore that you just don’t know where to go, but The Winking Owl is an old favourite and has a great section of whisky to keep you warm on a cold winters night. There is a good selection of ski runs including some very steep slopes for experts only, the White Lady being a highlight as it dominates the front face of the hill.

Glenshee

Nearest accommodation: Braemar – drive to slopes: 15 minutes
Number of lifts: 21
Website: http://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/

Glenshee has the largest and most extensive ski area in Scotland. The ski lifts span both sides of the main road between Braemar and Blairgowrie with an abundance of chair and drag lifts to get skiers up the mountain fast. Glenshee is also the closest ski area to the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, so combining a city break with some skiing, providing you have a car, is relatively easy. The slopes are mostly suited to intermediate skiers, but there are good options for beginners plus a few chances for expert skiers to find some steeper stuff.

Nevis Range

Nearest accommodation: Fort William – Drive to slopes: 10 minutes
Number of lifts: 12
Website: http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/

The Nevis Range is the newest ski centre in Scotland and is situated on the west coast near the town of Fort William. The skiing itself can be some of the best in Scotland, especially in good snow conditions. The Snow Goose run is one of the widest in the country and holds the snow all through the winter. The area is also well known for its off piste and back gullies which on a good day provide some real freeride style action for the more adventurous. Fort William has a wide choice of accommodation from hotels to hostels and good quality B&B’s. The drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh is one of the most scenic in the UK.

Glencoe

Nearest accommodation: Various villages around Glencoe or Fort William (30 minutes drive)
Number of lifts: 7
Website: http://www.glencoemountain.com/

The Glencoe area is world famous for its stunning beauty and controversial history. During the summer months it’s a haven for walkers and mountaineers. The ski area has been through some rocky periods in the last 10 years, with un-reliable snow and its location away from any major town, contributing to financial difficulties that have seen the centre being forced to close. Fortunately today, things are looking up for Glencoe. Snow seems to arrive in abundance and the fact it is a little more isolated has attracted a more hard core element to the area. This is also driven by the fact Glencoe boasts the steepest and longest lift access skiing in Scotland. The scenery is spectacular and it is often less crowded than some of the other Scottish ski centres. Beginners are not forgotten here though, there are good nursery areas and plenty of blue run options to choose from.

Lecht 2090

Nearest accommodation: Ballater or Grantown on Spey – Drive to slopes: 40/50 minutes (note, village of Tomintoul is closer and has some accommodation).
Number of lifts: 12
Website: http://www.lecht.co.uk/

The Lecht might not have the largest vertical descent in Scotland, but it is situated relatively high up and has a very good snow record throughout the winter season. The ski lifts and runs straddle both sides of the A939 on the north eastern side of the Cairngorms national park. A wide selection of ski runs suit all levels although the area is particularly suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. The Lecht can be reached from Aviemore, Grantown on Spey and the east coast towns including Aberdeen. If you are based in Aviemore for a few days and have your own car then it’s definitely worth making the journey for at least one day.