The 5 best places to go skiing in Scotland

Scotland might not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to skiing, but skiing holidays in Scotland can offer just as much variety and excitement as anywhere else.

Sure, Scotland perhaps hasn’t had as much luxury PR over the years as ski resorts like France or Switzerland, but dig deeper, and you might be pleasantly surprised by skiing in Scotland and the quality of some of the resorts a little closer to home.

How many ski centres are there in Scotland?

Scotland is a hilly, mountainous country, particularly in the Highland regions, and is a match for anywhere in the world as far as skiing is concerned.

There are five major ski centres in Scotland, spread across the Highland region and Aberdeenshire, each offering different experiences for skiers and snowboarders. We’ll go through each one in this blog.

Should you not fancy skiing outdoors, there are various impressive artificial indoor slopes dotted around, too.

When is the ski season in Scotland?

Ski season in Scotland can vary depending on the weather, but it traditionally kicks off in December and runs through to late March or even early April.

You’ll typically find the best snow in January and February, but again, this can change from year to year.

Scotland ski resorts

1. Lecht Ski Centre

Lecht Ski Centre is about halfway between Cock Bridge and Tomintoul, near the north-eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest national park.

The centre (often also branded Lecht 2090, in reference to it being 2090 feet above sea level) has been operating as a ski resort since the mid-70s. It’s the perfect place to go skiing in Scotland, regardless of ability or experience.

There are 23 slopes in total, the majority of which are well suited to beginners, and despite it being Scotland’s smallest ski centre, there are zero compromises.

It’s well worth your time and money, and besides skiing, it also offers expert-led snowboarding lessons with qualified instructors.

Webcam footage from the resort is also uploaded to the website daily, allowing visitors to check the weather and slope conditions before arriving.

2. Glencoe Mountain Resort

Glencoe Mountain Resort in western Scotland, roughly 75 miles north of Glasgow, is home to the country’s longest and steepest ski slope.

Originally known as White Corries, the resort at Glencoe was actually the first commercial skiing area in Scotland and one of the first in the UK, with the first overhead ski lift built here back in 1956.

Fast-forward to today, and there are now 20 slopes and eight lifts at Glencoe. It’s far from the biggest ski resort Scotland has to offer, but it’s definitely still worth a visit.

The resort’s consistently strong snow yield and natural terrain mean it regularly welcomes large numbers of skiers throughout the year.

Skiing aside, Glencoe Mountain Resort is a beautiful place to stay for a few nights. The ski campsite itself is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and has 16 microlodges available for rent, as well as space for caravans and tents.

3. Cairngorm Mountain

Labelled Scotland’s ‘ultimate winter playground’, Cairngorm Mountain is one of the nation’s most popular ski resorts.

Situated in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, these slopes have been a go-to for skiers and snowboarders for decades. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro, just starting out on the slopes, or somewhere in between, you’ll find your ‘place’ on Cairngorm Mountain.

The mountain itself is split into different zones to make skiing easier, safer, and more efficient for visitors. Beginner bowls can be found towards the top of the mountain, while the slightly more testing terrain poses a challenge for the more intermediate skier over on the right side.

Experts can head over to the steep Ciste sector on the left side of the mountain for an even tougher test.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Cairngorms National Park is double the size of the Lake District!

4. Nevis Range

The Nevis Range is Scotland’s newest and highest ski resort, located next to Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.

The ski area is at the top of Scotland’s only mountain gondola: a one-of-its-kind attraction built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the UK’s eighth-tallest mountain.

A 15-minute gondola journey (each way) takes skiers from 100m to 650m up the mountain, treating visitors to gorgeous views over Ben Nevis, Great Glen, Loch Eil, and across the Western Highlands.

Skiing at the Nevis Range is not for the faint-hearted, with plenty of expert slopes for experienced skiers to test themselves, particularly on the backside of the mountain.

The Nevis Range is only a short drive from Fort William, too, which is well worth a visit if you’re holidaying in this part of Scotland.

5. Glenshee Ski Centre

We couldn’t possibly talk about skiing in Scotland without mentioning Glenshee, could we?

Glenshee is the biggest ski resort in Scotland, spread over three valleys in the south of the Cairngorms, and with a total slope length of around 40km.

Its location in the valleys means its nickname, ‘the three valleys of Scotland’, is pretty apt, and the skiing experience is pretty special here when all three valley lifts are open to visitors.

For a busy ski resort, some of the slopes here are surprisingly remote, especially on Glas Maol, the highest mountain in the Glenshee Munro range.

The resort is well-suited to skiers of all abilities and experience levels. You’ll find a good amount of easier terrain in the middle section if you’re not quite ready for the heights of Glas Maol yet.

Specialist ski insurance through Insure4Sport

Now you know where to ski in Scotland, you’re ready to start planning a trip. But as fun and exciting as a skiing trip can be, skiing is not without its risks. That’s why you may want to consider protecting yourself financially with specialist skiing insurance.

Specialist ski insurance through Insure4Sport can provide cover for both indoor and outdoor skiing, whether you’re a qualified skiing instructor or just a casual skier.

Get a quote online today.