Calling out all skiing lovers, Scotland is a haven for adventure seekers. The country is more than just about castles, highlands, lochs, and whisky. Skiing is something that attracts tourists from across the globe.
Therefore, if we talk about Scotland’s ski resorts, well, there are plenty of choices to hit the slopes to enjoy an ultimate adventure. Scotland has some of the most beautiful and well-facilitated ski centres that are easily accessible from all parts of Scotland.
With that being said, let’s explore a list of all the best Ski resorts in Scotland that you can look to explore if you are planning an adventure trip to this beaut nation.
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A Complete Guide To the Ski Resorts In Scotland – What is the Best Ski Resort In Scotland?!
- Where to Stay in Scotland
- Glencoe Ski Resort
- Nevis Range
- CarinGorm Mountain
- Lecht Ski Centre
- Glenshee Ski Centre
- Does Scotland Has Indoor Ski Resorts and Artificial Ski Slopes
- Cross-Country Skiing or Nordic Skiing in Scotland
- Backcountry Skiing in Scotland
- Before you leave for Scotland
Glencoe Ski Resort
Counted among the oldest and the best ski resorts in Scotland, Glencoe Ski Resort is known to offer a real thrill to all adventure seekers. It was the first commercially operating ski resort in the country.
The first ski lift was opened in 1956 at Glencoe Ski Resort. However, it was then known as White Corries. Located in the Glen Coe Valley, the ski resort is one of the most surreal Scottish highlands locations.
In total, there are 8 ski lifts which ensures a smooth and seamless trip for visitors to the Glencoe Ski Resort. It is a relatively smaller resort with 20 runs, and the difficulty level ranges from easy to very difficult.
The easy ones are marked in green, and the extremely difficult ones are in black. Almost every ski resort in Scotland offers some amazing views but Glecoe is the one which should be rated high when it comes to picture views.
Talking about the passes, there are available for half day. If you want to get the pass at the best rates, you can choose to visit Glencoe Ski Resort mid-week. The season ticket is also available on the site.
You also don’t have to worry about the equipment rental as you can get them from the resort itself. Whether you are visiting the site individually or in a group. Glencoe Ski Resort has got you covered for all your equipment requirements.
Adding up to the seamlessness of this ski resort is the route which is easily accessible by public transport. Glencoe has its own railway station, and from there, there are public buses that run to Glencoe Ski Resort. You can visit the place by car as there is a good parking facility at the site.
Unlike Glenshee Ski Resort, Glencoe has accommodation facilities which makes it a perfect weekend getaway. There are micro lodges that are basically small pods that are well insulated and heated and can accommodate up to 4-6 people.
Nearest Airport: Glasgow Airport
Nevis Range
The ski resort in the UK, Nevis is one such ski resort that offers consistent snowfall. It has an off-piste terrain that falls towards the east from the long ridge of the mountain.
Nevis Range Resort is located in near proximity to Fort William. The resort offers great access to high slopes via a gondola. The resort has a wide range of pistes, and the difficulty level ranges from easy to difficult.
The resort offers a skiing experience that takes you up to 3900 feet, and the slopes are ideal for both skiing and boarding. In case you don’t know, it has the UK’s only Mountain Gondola, located at the base of snowsports areas at the car park facility.
If you are a beginner, this resort has plenty of gentle slopes to experience the thrill of skiing. However, there are also slopes for advanced skiers where you can go and challenge yourself in deep powder.
If you are a snowboarder, there is a fun terrain park along with a half-pipe which is perfect for honing your skills. You can also watch pros showing off their skills of spins and flips here.
Nearest Airport: Inverness Airport – 70 miles
Glasgow Airport – 105 miles
CairnGorm Mountain
Featuring the highest ski slope in Scotland, CairnGorm Mountain is a popular ski spot in Scotland that offers the ultimate experience. The ski resort has a vast stretch of 30 km of pisted runs that make it Scotland’s second largest ski resort after Glenshee.
With some astonishing views, the ski slopes are ideal for both beginner and advanced skiers. The easy ones are marked in green, and the difficult ones are in black. If you are into freestyle skiing, there is a dedicated terrain with plenty of snow.
The best part of visiting CarinGorm Mountain is that it has a number of ski schools in the region for beginners. They offer on-site lessons for ski learners. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the equipment as they also offer rental facilities.
Talking about the ticket, you can either buy a one-day ticket or a full-season pass. The resort is also equipped with amazing facilities, including a huge parking space along with two restaurants – one of which is the highest-located restaurant in Scotland.
Aviemore is the nearest town that connects you to CairnGorm Mountain. It has a train station that even connects you with major cities like Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Tickets can be booked online either from London North East Railway or Trainline websites.
Not only this, you can also choose to travel via overnight sleeper from London also runs directly to Aviemore. Overnight trains from other locations also run to Aviemore. From Aviemore, there is a bus that takes you to CairnGorm Mountain Ski Resort.
Nearest Airport: Inverness Airport – 50 miles
Lecht Ski Centre
Also known as the Letch 2090, it is another ski resort located in Cairngorms National Park. If you are planning a family ski trip in Scotland, this is the best place to be for ultimate fun and great family time.
The centre has 20 pistes, and the difficulty level ranges from easy to advanced. The easy ones are marked in green, and the advanced ones are in black. Lecht Ski Centre even has a snow park for those who want to indulge in freestyle snowboarding and skiing.
Despite being a family-friendly ski resort in Scotland, Lecht Ski Centre is less popular than other ski resorts in Cairngorms National Park. However, that also gives you the option to choose a less-crowded ski resort to visit in Scotland.
This also means that you can spend as much time on the snow here in Lecht Ski. The site offers equipment rental facilities for visitors. The tickets are available for a day or for a season, with a range of lesson packages available for both private lessons and groups.
However, if we talk about the accessibility to Lecht Ski Centre, it is quite complex to reach here. Thus, the best way to visit Lecht Ski Centre is either by taxi or by your own car.
In addition, there is no on-site accommodation for visitors. However, the ski resort offers parking facilities for campervans. If you want still want to book proper accommodation, the nearest town is Tomintoul.
Nearest Airport: Inverness Airport – 50 miles
Glenshee Ski Centre
The largest ski resort in Britain, Glenshee Ski Centre is known to host more tourists than any other ski resort in Scotland. The most amazing part of visiting Glenshee Ski Resort is its strategic location. The resort is situated in Cairngorms National Park.
For ski lovers, this ski centre offers a vast 40 km of piston runs that vary in difficulty ranging from easy to difficult. The easy piston runs are marked in blue whereas, the difficult ones are marked in black.
The official season to visit Glenshee Ski Centre runs from December to April, which is also the best time to ski in Scotland. This is the only time when the ski lifts run, and the ticket office is also open for visitors. The resort can be accessed via A93, and the route is also quite clear. However, bad weather can sometimes create road blockages. So, make sure to check it beforehand.
During the winter season, there is no public transport to Glenshee Ski Centre. Besides, you can book the tickets for a half or full day. However, long passes are also available, which include a 5-day or 7-day season pass.
If we talk about the equipment, you can hire them from the centre itself. Not only this, you can also book a group or a private session through the snowsport school, which is located on-site.
In addition, Glenshee Ski Centre boasts great facilities with three cafes and a parking facility for up to 1200 vehicles. Though the site has no accommodation facility, there are still a few electric hookups for visitors with campervans.
If you are someone who’s looking to go wilder, Glenshee Ski Centre has a few good off-piste options.
Nearest Airport: Edinburgh Airport – 82 miles
Does Scotland Has Indoor Ski Resorts and Artificial Ski Slopes
If you are looking for a few hours fun, then there are a few good options for indoor ski resorts and artificial ski slopes. In total, there are ten artificial ski slopes along with an indoor ski resort.
These places welcome you all year round, and hence, they give you the opportunity to learn snowboarding and skiing throughout the year. They serve as the best places to hone your skills.
Here is a list of some of the best indoor ski options available in Scotland that operate year-round for ski lovers.
- Midlothian Snow Sports Centre
- Snow Factor
- Aberdeen Snowsports Centre
- Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre
- Firpark Ski Centre in Firpark
- Lagganlia Centre for Outdoor Learning
Cross-Country Skiing or Nordic Skiing in Scotland
If you are an avid ski lover and want to take your experience a step ahead, then Cross-Country Skiing or Nordic Skiing is something that you must do in Scotland.
All you need is just enough snow on the ground to do skiing anywhere apart from those ski resorts in Scotland. However, there are also groomed trails that boast more reliable conditions, ideal for cross-country skiing in Scotland.
Clashindorrach Forest, located near Rhynie in Aberdeenshire, is one popular spot where you can do cross-country or Nordic skiing in Scotland
