Home > Uniquely Unspoilt Magazine > Issue 24 > Skiing
~~ Skiing in Scotland by Lisa Fuchs ~~
While skiing may not be the first activity that springs to mind as you plan your break in Scotland, it is definitely one that's worth considering, as the country boasts a thriving snowsports industry, with no less than five distinctive Scottish ski areas to choose from.
Scotland is not only perfect for snowsports beginners - with world-class instruction - but when the conditions are good, the pistes and the terrain parks can compare with anywhere else in the world, offering exciting challenges for skiers and boarders of all abilities.
On the west coast of Scotland lies the famous pass of Glencoe and the ski centre of the same name. The closest Scottish Ski Centre to Glasgow, Glencoe has established a devoted following of hardy snowsporters throughout its fifty years.
Generally considered to be the most alpine of Scotland's ski centres, Glencoe has also more recently become a haven for snowboarders who love its varied and rugged terrain - from invitingly easy to challenging. The mountain boasts Scotland's steepest (the infamous Flypaper) and the longest (at one mile) black runs.
A few miles north of Fort William is Nevis Range. Sitting in the massif that includes Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, it's easy to see why some consider Nevis Range to be the most spectacular and imposing of Scotland's ski centres. Though other places run it close, there is a very special atmosphere here in Lochaber - a sense of open space and endless mountains sweeping down to the sea.
But despite its grandeur, this is an ideal spot for all the family, including spectators and non-skiers. The staff on Nevis Range are an amiable and helpful bunch and the excellent facilities include a crèche and the panoramic views and home-cooking of the Snow Goose restaurant.
Over on the east of Scotland, between Braemar and Ballater, about 1.5 hours' drive from Edinburgh and an hour from Aberdeen, you'll find Glenshee. Ranging over four mountains and three valleys with 21 lifts and 36 runs, Glenshee boasts the UK's largest ski lift system and offers a whole lot of variety for all standards of snowsport enthusiasts.
Glenshee is a good choice for families and groups of mixed abilities as its varying terrain offers challenges for all, while all the main facilities are right next to where you park your car.
Also popular with families, Lecht 2090 is the ideal place to learn to ski and snowboard. The Lecht may be relatively small but it's perfectly formed and the facilities, including the new day lodge and the ski and board school are second-to-none.
With the nursery slopes - including the new magic carpet (a travellator-type ski lift for beginners) neatly grouped around the day lodge, it's a delightfully safe and convenient environment for small children and beginners while intermediates will find much to challenge them. There's often good early snow - either natural or made by the snow cannons and sometimes both at once!
The Lecht lies on the eastern Grampians and is about an hour by car from Aberdeen and 40 minutes from Aviemore and Inverness.
Finally, the best-known ski area in Scotland is CairnGorm, about seven miles from the A9 and the nearest village, Aviemore. The north facing corries and slopes of CairnGorm Mountain enjoy one of the best snow-holding records in Scotland and offer one of the most spectacular natural landscape settings for winter snow sports in the country. The terrain on CairnGorm offers something for everyone, from day-one novices to expert, with a lift system that includes the UK's highest railway.
More information and the latest snow conditions can be found online.
Lisa Fuchs, Development Officer (Highland), Snowsports Scotland
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