Best resorts for skiing in Scotland
At first glance, Scotland might not leap out as a top ski destination. However, with sprawling mountain ranges, a handful of super fun resorts, and tons of terrain in a totally unique setting, you’ll regret overlooking it. So, check out our guide to skiing in Scotland!
Scotland is famed for many things — kilts, haggis, rain … But did you know that all that rain turns to snow in winter, and Scotland becomes a completely under-the-radar ski destination? So why not consider it for your next adventure?
Explore and ride from December to April and find epic lines inside and outside the ropes of five sizeable resorts. And if you’re headed somewhere new, make sure you’ve secured new ski clothing to go with it! Check out the latest range from MONTEC to discover your next ski jacket or ski bib.
Best ski areas
Glencoe Mountain Resort
- Total slope length: 15.1 miles/24.3 kilometers
- Number of trails: 19
- Number of lifts: 9
- Top elevation: 3,510 feet/1,070 meters
Glencoe Mountain Resort is one of Scotland’s best-known ski spots! You’ll discover a bit of everything – from easy-going, wide-open groomers ideal for beginners to tricky, steep terrain for advanced riders. It’s a stalwart choice for many sizing up a Scotland ski trip. It’s also one of the easiest resorts to reach, just a two-hour drive from Glasgow. Be ready for one of the most scenic drives, too. You’ll cruise along the A82 with its stunning scenery and wind north into the mountains.
The resort base is compact and cozy, with a café, rental shop, and ski school. Keen to find lodging and somewhere to knock back a pint (or a scotch!) at the end of the day? Aim for the nearby village of Glencoe. The village is gorgeous, set on the water with tons of scenery. Glencoe also has impressive hiking, so it’s a prime choice for early or late season, perhaps when the snow quality isn’t 100%. Glencoe has a chairlift and surface lifts but limited snowmaking. That means conditions can be a little hit or miss, so head there in peak winter for the best chance of solid coverage.
Glenshee Ski Centre
- Total slope length: 25 miles/40 kilometers
- Number of trails: 36
- Number of lifts: 22
- Top elevation: 3,504 feet/1,068 meters
Glenshee Ski Centre is the biggest Scottish resort – and next on our list. This shred spot is around a two-hour drive from Aberdeen Airport. The resort base is small, with necessities covered but little else. For the best lodging and food options, stay at Braemar or Ballater, the nearest villages, or in Blairgowrie and Rattray, the nearest town.
In terms of terrain, Glenshee hosts the country’s largest ski area, with runs spread across four separate peaks. You’ll find a variety of lifts, but snowmaking is limited, so aim here mid-winter for the best snow quality. Much like Glencoe, you’ll be staying off the mountain, so having your own transport is pretty necessary. Okay, you won’t find a five-star hotel nearby. Still, Blairgowrie and Rattray has a good variety of accommodation and a few pubs and restaurants to enjoy. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the ski center.
Nevis Range
- Total slope length: Approximately 12 miles/19 kilometers
- Number of trails: 35
- Number of lifts: 12
- Top elevation: 3,900 feet/1,190 meters
Nevis Range is a smaller resort, about two hours from Inverness Airport. Near Fort William, this bustling little mountain village is oozing with Highlands charm and has plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants to check out. At the resort itself, you’ll find a café, ski hire, and ticket offices. However, there’s no dedicated ski school, so Nevis Range is better suited to those with more experience.
Nevis Range is named after Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. So, that should give you a clue as to what it’s famous for: challenging terrain and the country’s highest ski runs. Yep, Nevis Range is the best ski touring choice and awesome for more technical riding. The resort also features the only mountain gondola in the country. While snowmaking is limited, its altitude and location mean that natural snow is reliable. However, hitting Nevis Range mid-winter is still your best bet for copious freshies.
Cairngorm Mountain
- Total slope length: 19.2 miles/31 kilometers
- Number of trails: 32
- Number of lifts: 11
- Top elevation: 3,599 feet/1,097 meters
Cairngorm Mountain is only a one-hour hop from Inverness Airport. This is a fairly large Scottish ski resort in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park with a respectable snow history and terrain for all levels. It has a funicular railway to ferry skiers up the mountain alongside some of the most well-developed snowmaking in the country. Check out the Ptarmigan Bowl, famed for its deep snow. It’s an epic choice to venture off the groomed runs and into something floaty.
Stay nearby in Aviemore for the best selection of accommodation and dining options. This traditional Scottish town is super charming and offers a warm welcome. After skiing, hit The Old Bridge Inn to experience a taste of typical Scottish pub culture and a great selection of Scotch whiskey. Don’t forget that skiing is also an epic hangover cure…
The Lecht 2090
- Total slope length: 12 miles/20 kilometers
- Number of trails: 20
- Number of lifts: 13
- Top elevation: 2,090 feet/637 meters
Rounding out our list is The Lecht 2090 (also known as just ‘Lecht’), which is approximately an hour by car from Aberdeen Airport. At the base, you’ll find a rental shop, café, and ticket office. Want to nail your first turns? Lecht is particularly popular with beginners, thanks to its mix of easy-going terrain. Plus, with extensive snowmaking – especially on the beginner runs – you can ride all winter long.
There isn’t much snowmaking higher up. And, due to the lower elevation, natural conditions can often be marginal. So, if you’re looking for deeper snow and advanced terrain, head to one of the other resorts instead. When it’s time to rest your head (and legs), stay at Tomintoul. Keen to pop out for a classic Highlands drink? Aim for Glenlivet House and sample some of the finest whiskey in the country. Well, that’s certainly a hot topic of debate in Scotland…
FAQs
Is it worth going to Scotland for skiing?
This all depends on what you want out of your trip! Scotland doesn’t have huge resorts like the Alps, high-speed lift networks, or deep powder. And there’s little in the way of traditional European après. However, line up Scotland if you crave a unique landscape filled with amazing history, off-the-beaten-track touring, and skiing somewhere totally different! And who wouldn’t want that?
Is there backcountry skiing?
Yes! There’s lots of impressive backcountry to ride in Scotland. The vast Highlands, Cairngorms, and Nevis Range are all famed for their treeless and grassy terrain, which means you can ski with very little snow coverage. Basically, if you can see it, you can ski it! We recommend doing your homework, though, and going with a guide where possible.
Wrapping up
Well, that’s it! We’re stoked to ride Scotland and tick it off our shred checklist. And, hopefully, you’re now as stoked as us – if not more!
Need extra information? Think we missed something or even got something wrong? Reach out to us at crew@montecwear.com and let us know. Otherwise, we’ll see you out there!
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