Which ski resort should you head to in the Cairngorms National Park?
Skiing in Scotland is great when conditions are good. There’s a choice of three ski resorts in the National Park: Cairngorm Mountain, The Lecht and Glenshee.
The Lecht is particularly well set up for beginners because it boasts a wide, easy-to-ride magic carpet, which in particular kids love. Parents also love The Lecht because they can watch their wee skiers from the comfort of the large glass-fronted café, while cupping a hot chocolate. It’s also a favourite with freestylers due to its rail park and hosts competitions during the season. The new snow factory makes beginner skiing more of a guarantee.
Best For: Beginners & Families
Nearest Village: Tomintoul
Where to hire equipment: On site or Goodbrand & Ross nearby at Corgarff
Glenshee If you’re a fan of chairlifts and like giving your weary legs a rest on the way up, then head to either The Lecht or Glenshee. Glenshee has more terrain and has more scope for more advanced skiers. There is a huge car park here and the amazing journey up over the Cairnwell pass along the SnowRoads to get here is well worth the visit. Snow factory snow gives them a great base area too in most conditions.
Best For: All Abilities/Groups of friends willing to car share the journey
Nearest Village: Braemar
Where to hire equipment: On site or nearby at Braemar.
Cairngorm Mountain probably offers the most challenging skiing of all three, especially when the Coire na Ciste side of the mountain with access to mogul fields and good off-piste, is open. It is often the most snow sure with snow lasting well into April and sometimes May. Being so close to the lively apres ski in Aviemore, and the huge choice of other things to do should the weather turn bad, often makes this a first choice destination. The snow factory has created a dedicated beginners area at the foot of the mountain accessed by a magic carpets. The funicular railway (currently closed Winter 2024) transports you to the top of the mountain to access the higher runs and the fantastic Ptarmigan building boasting a restaurant (the highest in the UK), panoramic views and immersive exhibition.
Best For: All Abilities
Nearest Village: Aviemore
Where to hire equipment: On site or at various locations in Aviemore
Top tip: Depending on weather and wind direction one resort could be storm bound when another is open. So keep an eye on the weather forecasts too when making your decision! Also follow the ski resorts facebook pages which are updated daily with conditions.
https://www.facebook.com/lecht2090
https://www.facebook.com/GlensheeSkiCentre
https://www.facebook.com/cairngormmountainscotlandltd