When it comes to skiing, Scotland is, without a doubt, a great place to experience the thrill of the slopes. Its captivating mountains offers a skiing experience like no other. With five ski resorts, including The Lecht, Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee, Glencoe, and Nevis Range, all easily accessible by trunk roads, rail and flights to Inverness, Scotland truly has terrain for everyone.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert skier, or you’re passionate about ski touring and mountaineering, there’s an adventure waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll explore our favourite skiing destinations in Scotland including the Cairngorms and The Lecht, where Active Outdoor Pursuits offers experiences for varying levels of skiers.
Skiing In Scotland
The Scottish ski season typically graces us with its snowy presence from January through to April, creating a generous window of opportunity for enthusiasts to indulge in their love for skiing. With a season spanning these winter months, Scotland becomes a great choice for those yearning to carve their way down the slopes. So, without further ado, let’s delve deeper into our favourite skiing locations.
The Best Ski Lesson Locations in Scotland
Whether you’re a novice taking your first turns or an accomplished skier seeking a challenge, the Cairngorms cater to all levels of expertise. Nestled within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Cairngorm Mountain Resort stands as a picturesque stage for your skiing escapades. With breathtaking scenery, the Cairngorms transform into a winter wonderland, a landscape adorned with snow-draped peaks and enchanting, verdant forests. The view is a true spectacle, captivating the soul. At Active Outdoor Pursuits, we take immense pride in our ski lessons at Cairngorm Mountain Resort
Most of our ski lessons are conducted at The Lecht Ski Centre east of Aviemore, as it’s the best learning environment for skiing in Scotland. Although The Lecht is the smallest among the five ski centres in Scotland, it still holds its own. It is located 2,090 feet (approximately 645 metres) above sea level in the Eastern Cairngorms. Before its opening in 1977, the area was relatively sparse, save for a layby. This region possesses the ability to draw and maintain snow, making it an excellent site for developing a ski area suitable for all proficiency levels. This natural playground offers exhilarating outdoor activities for both the summer and winter seasons. The Lecht boasts mainly beginner and intermediate slopes, making it an ideal place for beginners and intermediates to build their confidence on the snow however, it also boasts a few red and one black runs to challenge experienced skiers. Our team of skilled instructors are trained in Colorado and Vermont and are members of the world’s largest ski instructor association PSIA The Professional Ski Instructors of America, providing a supportive environment for learning the basics and advancing your skills.
Active Outdoor Pursuits takes great care in selecting the optimal location for ski lessons, ensuring that the chosen location aligns with the prevailing weather conditions and the client’s skill level. If you wish to explore skiing in a location other than The Lecht, we are fully committed to accommodating your request. One excellent alternative for skiing in Scotland is the Glencoe Mountain Resort. Noted for its remarkable natural beauty, this resort offers an impressive array of 20 runs and eight lifts, catering to skiers of all proficiency levels. What truly distinguishes it is the range of terrains it offers, including some of Scotland’s longest and steepest runs, making it a favourite destination for experienced skiers.
Our Favourite Areas For Backcountry Skiing in Scotland
For those with a touch more experience, the mountains within Cairngorms National Park reign supreme as the prime mountain destinations for ski touring in Scotland. The high plateau of the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest arctic mountain landscape, consistently offers touring possibilities, even during challenging winters. These mountains are perfectly suited for snow sports touring. Despite their vastness, many of their slopes feature gentle, open terrain with ideal skiing angles. The mountains are adorned with open gullies facing different directions, ensuring a supply of fresh, stable snow. The true skill lies in selecting the right spot.
Our backcountry ski mountaineering and touring days are centred in Cairngorms National Park, nestled in and around Newtonmore and the Aviemore region. At Active Outdoor Pursuits, we primarily explore the slopes of the Cairngorm mountains, widely regarded as Scotland’s finest for ski touring. However, if conditions are in our favour, we may consider venturing to the Creag Meagaidh area or the Monadhliath mountains.
Our team of experienced guides are local experts, intimately familiar with the region’s best spots for ski touring. They are skilled in guiding you safely through the untamed backcountry. We also equip you with essential safety gear, including an avalanche rescue kit, and can provide touring skis, boots, and skins if needed.
Where to Stay When Skiing in Scotland
For ski lessons and courses hosted by Active Outdoor Pursuits, we suggest staying in or around the Cairngorms area in the Highlands. There are plenty of options to choose from in the area, from luxury hotels to bunkhouses and campsites. It’s recommended that visitors check out the Cairngorms Accommodation Finder to help choose somewhere that’s suitable for you and your party.
If you’re part of a larger group enjoying activities hosted by Active Outdoor Pursuits in the area, our Cairngorms Adventure Centre offers accommodation in Newtonmore, just 14 miles from Aviemore. The lodge is situated within the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to ski in the Scottish Highlands. Our Centre provides accommodation year-round, making it a fantastic hub for various outdoor activities, including mountain, water, and snow sports. The cosy lodge can host up to 78 people and can be divided into two separate wings, each with its own accommodation, lounges and kitchens. It’s the perfect venue for a wide range of group gatherings.
Take to the Scottish Ski Slopes
Scotland offers a diverse range of skiing experiences, and Active Outdoor Pursuits is your go-to provider for lessons and ski mountaineering courses. Whether you’re looking to conquer challenging runs off-piste, enjoy family-friendly slopes at The Lecht, or explore the stunning terrain of the Cairngorms, we’ve got you covered.
So, don’t miss out on the fantastic skiing opportunities available in Scotland! Plan your winter adventure with Active Outdoor Pursuits and discover the magic of skiing in this breathtaking part of the world. For more information and to book your adventure, get in touch.
