Skiing in Scotland: the Ultimate Guide
Everything you ever wanted to know about skiing in Scotland, including where to go, when to go, and why to go!
Before the rise of budget airlines, Scottish slopes were the only place most Brits got a taste of alpine adrenaline. As international flights became cheaper, people flocked to mainland Europe for the larger ski resorts, predictable snowy conditions, and àpres ski scene.
With sustainabilty becoming a key consideration for many travellers, skiing in Scotland is once again making a comeback. Although Scotland may not be the first destination that comes to mind for winter sports enthusiasts, its ski centres boast breathtaking landscapes and challenging slopes that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
We’re very lucky to call the Scottish capital of Edinburgh home, and to have all of this on our doorstep. Here, we’re sharing everything you need to know before planning a ski trip in the Scottish Highlands!
WHEN CAN YOU SKI IN SCOTLAND?
The ski season in Scotland varies depending on the weather, but traditionally runs from January to late March. Usually the best snow falls in January or February, making these months ideal for skiing in Scotland.
But the Scottish Highlands are renowned for their ever-changing conditions, ranging from brilliant sunshine to heavy snowfall and mist-shrouded peaks, often all in one day. Due to our lengthy coastline, snowfall is often inconsistent and unpredictable. Snow can disappear almost as quickly as it arrives. So it’s important to be flexible with your ski itinerary and have a backup plan in case the snow vanishes overnight.
Rain, and lack of snow might be a possibility, but if the slopes are closed, there’s still plenty to do in Scotland. From hillwalking, to wildlife watching, to cosying up in a bookshop in Edinburgh or St Andrews. Check out some of our best winter Scotland guides here
Check out some of our best winter Scotland guides:
A sprinkle of snow can turn Scotland into this winter wonderland almost overnight
IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE TO SKI? WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Now I don’t want to do a disservice to the Scottish ski scene, but you will not find the same experience that you would find at major ski resorts in the Alps. The ski resorts in Scotland are comparably small: the largest, Glenshee, has 36 runs in total and many of them are shorter in length than you would find in mainland Europe.
The landscapes are different to Continental Europe too. Scotland, with its rugged mountains, pristine snow-covered valleys, and limited tree cover, feels more akin to Scandinavian mountains than the tree-lined slopes of the Alps. Some might even call it bleak. But we love the Scottish landscapes in all seasons and we think you will too.
And if you’re only heading out for the àpres-ski, you’ll find yourself sorely disappointed. There’s nowhere for fancy drinks and raclette, table-top dancing or hot soaks after a day on the slopes. Instead, you’ll have to change out of your ski gear and drive yourself to a nearby village for delicious home-cooked Scottish meals and something to drink.
That’s not to insult the Scottish skiing experience: there’s still so much to enjoy! There’s a strong sense of community and genuine Scottish hospitality on the slopes. People are really happy to be skiing in Scotland and will welcome you regardless of your experience level. I learned to ski in Scotland (probably tripping countless people in the process) and everyone was super nice. Most Scottish resorts are also extremely snowboarder-friendly, and the smaller crowds contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing atmosphere.
IS SKIING IN SCOTLAND RELIABLE?
In short, no. Skiing in Scotland is not reliable.
To elaborate, the skiing in Scotland is excellent when the snow delivers, but snowfall in the UK can’t be guaranteed in the same way it can in other popular ski areas. Snowfall in Scotland is notoriously unpredictable due to our long coastline and the influence of both maritime and continental weather patterns. Additionally, temperatures in Scotland can fluctuate rapidly from week to week, meaning we could have heavy snowfall, only to see it melt within a matter of days.
That said, climate change is disrupting weather patterns worldwide, with record-breaking warm winters leading to snow melting across European ski resorts. We still think that if you’re planning a ski trip far in advance, you’re probably better off heading to areas of mainland Europe where snow is predictable and more likely to stick around. Scottish skiing is better suited to people who can plan a trip last minute.
Skiing at Glenshee Ski Centre, January 2024
HOW MANY SKI RESORTS ARE THERE IN SCOTLAND?
Scotland has five ski resorts. There are also a handful of indoor slopes and dry slopes, perfect for refining your technique outside of the ski season, but we won’t cover these here! Here, we’ll discuss each outdoor ski centre, what to expect, an overview of the on-site facilities (ski hire and ski schools etc) and how to get there.
#1 GLENSHEE SKI CENTRE
Known as the “Glen of the Fairies,” Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski resort in the United Kingdom, and also our favourite! There are over 40 kilometres of slopes spread across three valleys.
Glenshee Ski Centre is suitable for all abilities; runs vary from beginner (green) through to advanced (black). There’s a great ‘learning area’, utilising manmade snow to keep this open all winter. New skiers can quickly progress to gentle beginner slopes if the conditions are right. The landscape is beautiful and the terrain is diverse, with wide-open pistes, steep gullies, and plenty of challenging runs and off-piste areas for the more adventurous skiers.
GLENSHEE SKI CENTRE: QUICK FACTS
Number of lifts: 22
Number of runs: 36 runs (40 km); longest run 1.2 miles / 2 km
Ski season: December to April
On-site facilities: Glenshee has three cozy cafés serving hot and cold food and drinks. They also offer equipment rental and both 1:1 and group ski and snowboard lessons. Nearby villages like Braemar provide charming pubs and restaurants serving hearty meals after a day on the slopes.
Getting there: Glenshee is located along the A93 at the bottom of the Cairngorms National Park in the eastern Highlands. It’s around two hours drive from Edinburgh. Unfortunately, there is no public transport, but several companies provide shared coach transport from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Glenshee Ski Centre, January 2024
#2 CAIRN GORM MOUNTAIN RESORT
Cairn Gorm Mountain, also situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, is home to the CairnGorm Mountain ski resort. This ski centre has over 30 km of pisted runs, making it the second-largest ski resort in Scotland after Glenshee.
Cairn Gorm Mountain is the 6th highest moutnain in the UK, and the ski centre is known for having excellent views. The Cairngorm ski area is suitable for all abilities; runs vary from beginner (green) through to advanced (black).
CAIRN GORM MOUNTAIN RESORT: QUICK FACTS
Number of lifts: 13
Number of runs: 35 runs (30 km)
Ski season: December to April
On-site facilities: CairnGorm Mountain resort has a cafe, a bar, and a restaurant for you to take a break between runs. There’s a mountain shop where you can buy souvenirs or pick up any equipment you’ve forgotten. They also offer equipment rental and both 1:1 and group ski and snowboard lessons.
Getting there: CairnGorm Mountain ski resort is less than 10 miles (18 kilometres) from Aviemore, the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. The easiest way to get around the remote areas of Scotland is always to drive.
However, Aviemore has a train station, with direct train links to Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Hop on the regular public bus from Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain, which will take you directly to the ski resort. Head to the Stagecoach website and search for route number 30 Aviemore to Cairngorm for the most updated service information.
Good Scottish Skiing!
#3 LECHT SKI CENTRE
The Lecht Ski Centre is the third ski centre in the Cairngorms National Park. It may be the smallest of the five ski centres in Scotland, but this means it’s often less busy, with smaller queues for lifts.
We think that the Lecht is particularly good for beginners, with a ‘magic carpet’ learner areas offering a great introduction to ski lifts for the learner. That said, more advanced skiers and snowboarders won’t be bored: there are pistes varying from green (easy) to black (advanced). There’s also a snow park for freestyle ski or snowboarding.
LECHT SKI CENTRE: QUICK FACTS
Number of lifts: 13
Number of runs: 20 runs (25 km)
Ski season: December to April
On-site facilities: The Lecht may be small, but it has one of everything you’d need for a day on the slopes, handily located under one roof. There’s a small self-service cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks, and a shop to pick up any equipment you’ve left at home. They also offer equipment rental and both 1:1 and group ski and snowboard lessons.
Getting there: The Lecht is situated on the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul, 35 miles from Aviemore. There is no public transport to the centre so it’s recommended to have your own vehicle!
#4 NEVIS RANGE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Set against the backdrop of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the Nevis Range Mountain Resort is another popular place for skiing and snowsports in Scotland. The Nevis Range Centre is home to the UK’s only mountain gondola, which transports visitors from the base station up to 2,150 feet on the slopes of Aonach Mor.
The resort boasts a variety of slopes, including well-groomed pistes for those learning to ski and challenging runs for experienced skiers. The terrain diversity ensures that visitors can find suitable slopes based on their skill levels and preferences.
NEVIS RANGE MOUNTAIN RESORT: QUICK FACTS
Number of lifts: 12
Number of runs: 28 runs (35 km)
Ski season: December to April
On-site facilities: The Nevis Range Mountain Resort has the usual on-site facilities, including a mountain-view restaurant, cafe, and a retail shop to refuel after a day of skiing and purchase outdoor gear and souvenirs. The ski centre also offers equipment hire and lessons.
Getting there: It’s easier to have your own vehicle for getting around anywhere in Scotland outside of the main cities. But if you don’t drive, Nevis Range is one of the easiest ski resorts in Scotland to reach by public transport. The mountain resort is only 7 miles (12 kilometres) form Fort William train station, which is served by direct trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. There is a bus service that operates from the train station directly to the ski resort during the ski season.
Glenshee Ski Centre, our favourite place in Scotland to hit the slopes
#5 GLEN COE MOUNTAIN
Renowned for its dramatic scenery and challenging terrain, Glen Coe is a must-visit at any time of the year for anyone who loves being outdoors. Glen Coe is also home to Glencoe Mountain Resort. Opened in 1956, Glen Coe was Scotland’s first ski centre.
Glen Coe may be a smaller resort, but it certainly packs a punch, with both the longest and the steepest slopes in Scotland to be found here. And whilst the views from all the ski centres are good, Glen Coe has some of the best views out there!
GLEN COE MOUNTAIN RESORT: QUICK FACTS
Number of lifts: 8
Number of runs: 20 runs
Ski season: December to April
On-site facilities: Glen Coe Mountain has the usual ski facilities; a cafe, equipment hire, and snow school for beginners.
Getting there: Glencoe is situated on the A82, 26 miles south of Fort William and 23 miles north of Crianlarich. It’s easiest to drive here. If you are relying on public transport, you can take a train to nearby stations Bridge of Orchy or Fort William and get to Glen Coe Mountain by taxi. Fort William is also serviced by a daily sleeper train from London. The daily Scottish Citylink service from Glasgow also stops at Glencoe Mountain Resort on the way to Fort William
WHY GO SKIING IN SCOTLAND?
#1 SKIING IN SCOTLAND IS MORE SUSTAINABLE
With the Earth having surpassed the 1.5⁰C Global Warming Threshold set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement, caring about sustainability is more important now than ever.
If you’re from the UK, choosing to ski in Scotland rather than flying to Continental European destinations will significantly reduce your carbon emissions. Long-haul flights contribute substantially to an individual’s overall carbon footprint. Opting for a closer-to-home destination like Scotland minimizes the environmental impact associated with air travel, aligning with sustainable travel practices. But what about Carbon Offsetting? Well, sadly, it’s not that simple. Find out why here.
Ski resorts in Scotland also tend to be smaller in scale compared to some of the major resorts in continental Europe. Smaller resorts generally have a lower impact on the local environment and ecosystems, making each run down the slope a step towards responsible tourism.
#2 SKIING IN SCOTLAND IS MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY
Scotland’s ski scene presents an enticing alternative to the well-trodden slopes of France and Germany, offering a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the thrill of the experience.
Skiing isn’t seen as a cheap hobby, especially in Europe. With the cost of international flights, accommodation, and lift passes, skiing in Continental Europe can quickly add up. However, Scotland’s ski resorts won’t break the bank! Lift passes at our favourite ski centre, Glenshee, are just £35 a day for an adult ticket, with good discounts for students and families. Add full equipment hire, and you’re looking at £60 for a whole day of fun on the slopes. That’s not half bad!
Plus, if you’re fairly local, you won’t need to splash extra cash for accommodation and food. I’m not saying it’s an affordable hobby for every weekend. But, if you’re from the UK, it’s probably cheaper to go skiing in Scotland than elsewhere.
#3 YOU DON’T HAVE TO PLAN AHEAD
Planning and organising a ski trip can be a nightmare. From booking flights, to finding a hotel, to booking time off work, there’s a lot to think about. Skiing in Scotland takes almost all the stress out of planning a trip to hit the slopes.
If you’re lucky, Scotland’s ski centres will be just a few hours away by car or train, meaning you don’t have to plan quite as much ahead of time. You can also check the conditions the evening before, meaning no wasted journeys.
There are overnight sleeper trains from London almost every evening, meaning you could jump on a train after a day in the office and wake up in the snowy Scottish Highlands. What could be more romantic? If you’re living in Northern England up to Scottish Central Belt, all of the ski resorts in this post are less than a few hours drive away.
So grab your warmest layers and don’t forget a flask of hot chocolate to warm up with afterwards.
An overnight train and this could be your winter wonderland
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
Scotland’s ski resorts may not be as widely known as their European counterparts, but they offer a unique and unforgettable winter sports experience. Stunning vistas, diverse landscapes and skiing opportunities for all levels make Scotland a hidden gem for ski enthusiasts. So, gear up and discover the magic of skiing in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
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Alice
Alice is a UK travel blogger who advocates sustainable travel and being more eco-conscious on a budget. She loves coffee, her houseplants and summiting mountains.
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