Scotland is home to some of the world’s best ski slopes. Here’s where to go skiing in Scotland, when to go, what to expect, and where to stay.
Hit the Scottish slopes
Where to find the best skiing in Scotland
Although Scotland has just five ski resorts to choose from, you won’t be short of choice with more than 130 runs to try out across its mountains.
Thanks to the country’s small size, these resorts are all fairly close together. In fact, if you don’t account for ski time, you could pick up a car from Glencoe and drive to Glenshee, stopping in at the other three, in under five hours.
Skiing in Scotland: The 5 ski resorts
With only five choices, you might be tempted to give them all a try. Read on to find out about the biggest, the best for beginners, and get a better idea where you should go first.
The Lecht
55 miles from Aberdeen Airport
The Lecht is Scotland’s youngest ski resort, opening in 1977. It was originally created with beginners in mind, and today it remains a great spot for first-timers, families, and those who are a bit rusty on their skis. Today, it has 14 lifts and 20 slopes.
The season normally begins in mid-December with factory made snow on the beginner slopes. The bigger runs only open when enough natural snow has fallen.
On site you can find equipment hire (which can be reserved online before you go), a cafe, a bar, and a snow sports school.
Fun fact:
The Lecht is the most northerly ski resort in Scotland.
Glencoe
70 miles from Glasgow Airport, 110 from Edinburgh Airport
While The Lecht is the newest place to go skiing in Scotland, Glencoe is the oldest. The first ski lift was built in 1956 and, since then, it’s added another seven to help get up some of the 21 runs. Amongst these is The Flypaper, Scotland’s steepest black run. For a slower run, there’s also a dedicated sledging hill.
You can hire equipment at the pistes, enjoy the cafe facilities from 8am to 8pm, and book in for private lessons. You can also camp, bring your caravan, or book into one of the onsite lodges.
Glenshee
80 miles from Edinburgh Airport
However you look at it, Glenshee is the largest ski resort in the UK. Boasting 36 runs with 40km of pisted snow over four mountains, Glenshee is a spot you can visit over and over again. Its longest run alone is over two kilometres. Glenshee makes use of machine snow to extend its season. In 2023, it started on 1 December and ran towards the end of April.
Stop at one of three cafes for a warming cup of tea, a bite to eat, or a wee dram after you’ve finished for the day.
Nevis Range
115 miles from Dundee Airport
Nevis Range is a great stepping stone for a new-ish skier who’s keen for a challenge. The bulk of the resort’s 28 runs are rated as beginner or intermediate, but there are a number of difficult (and one very difficult run) once you’re ready for the challenge. It also lays claim to be the highest spot for skiing in Scotland.
The season typically runs from late December into April. However, the Nevis Range is also popular in summer months with hikers, mountain bikers, and those looking to enjoy the views from the UK’s only mountain gondola.
Cairngorm
50 miles from Inverness Airport
With 34 runs, Cairngorm gives Glenshee a run for its money in terms of diversity and choice. Thirteen of these are marked as easy, ten as intermediate, six as difficult, and two as very difficult.
Cairngorm has plenty to do off the pistes as well. Once you’ve had enough of the snow, head to the mountain tubing park and ball runs, activities that mostly have families in mind. Likewise, the mountains here are worth a visit in the summer with plenty of outdoor activities available.
Top tip:
There are no ATMs on site, so make sure to bring cash for the cafe, bar and gift shop.
Top tips:
Driving in snowy conditions can be dangerous. Hire a car in Scotland and let them know where you intend to drive.
The unpredictable weather means you might experience all four seasons in one day while skiing in Scotland!
Although you can hire ski equipment at resorts, buying small items like goggles and gloves can be cheaper.
Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
