With the Cairngorms National Park home to 3 out of Scotland’s 5 ski resorts, it’s an ideal base for discovering snowsports…
Each resort offers something slightly different. Cairngorm has been in operation for over 50 years and boasts 30 km of ski trails and comprehensive facilities; Glenshee, ‘Glen of the fairies’, is the largest resort in the UK known for its challenging black run ‘The Tiger’; and the Lecht is famous for being particularly family-friendly.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to 3 of Scotland’s 5 ski centres – CairnGorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht.
Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore is the best known of the ski and snowboard areas in the National Park. It is also the highest and holds the snow well throughout the season. There is lots of variety at Cairngorm Mountain and the terrain park’s, kickers and rails (usually appearing later in the season) have attracted some of Britain’s best snowboarders and skiers to the area. A snow factory at Cairngorm Mountain provides base station level skiing for beginners accessed by magic carpet lifts. The funicular railway (currently closed winter 2024) transports you to the Ptarmigan at the top of the mountain to access higher runs, the Ptarmigan Restaurant with panoramic views and an immersive exhibition experience.
The Lecht lies on the Snowroads Scenic Route on the A939 between Tomintoul and Strathdon and has something for everyone. It is particularly good for families and beginners with excellent nursery slopes and even a magic carpet to help get you started! The Lecht also has a great park for skiers and snowboarders who wish to test their skills on the jumps and rails. A snow factory provides guaranteed skiing on the beginner slopes throughout the season.
Glenshee lies on the A93 near Braemar on the road from Blairgowrie. Glenshee is the largest ski and snowboard area in Scotland and home to the infamous Tiger, one of the most challenging black runs around. Glenshee also has lots of terrain – both natural and manmade - to keep all abilities happy with endless gullies, bowls, jumps and hits to explore. On a clear day the views across the Cairngorms National Park are a sight to behold. A snow factory creates a great base station area throughout the season.
For those who wish to leave the lifts and the crowds behind, the Cairngorms National Park offers endless opportunities for ski touring and back country exploring just make sure you check the weather forecast and avalanche report before you go and ensure you have all the right equipment and know how to use it! There are lots of guides and training courses available in the area to make sure that you can make the most of the snow in the Cairngorms National Park in safety so why not give them a try?
See the list below for businesses to help you make the most of Snowsports in the Cairngorms National Park.
Check out this great wee video by Northport Studio of the Lecht 2090 with the friendly Loch Insh Outdoor Centre crew with some Glenshee Ski Centre & Cairngorm Mountain clips too....
The Park is home to three out of Scotland’s five ski resorts: Cairngorm Mountain, the Lecht and Glenshee. Cairngorm is the highest, the Lecht is particularly good for beginners and children and Glenshee is the largest.
Yes. Ski touring is becoming increasingly popular for those who wish to leave the crowds behind and be more adventurous. This is a great option for intrepid explorers and confident skiers, just ensure you check the weather forecast and avalanche report before you go, and that you have the right equipment and know how to use it. There are also world-class training providers here, too, who run regular skills courses.
Each of the 3 ski resorts in the Cairngorms have ski hire facilities. However, there are also local providers which hire out equipment which may be more convenient / nearer your accommodation. Browse the listings for contact details.
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