Skiing
Downhill skiing
With two superb ski centres and some of the longest lying snow in
Scotland, the eastern Cairngorms are a mecca for downhill skiers
and boarders. Glenshee, the larger of the two ski centres (and the
largest in Scotland), boasts over 25 miles of downhill runs, while
the Lecht, with its shorter runs and ample uplift, is ideal for
families and beginners. The snow can arrive any time from November
onwards, with the most reliable conditions being found from January
through to April.
Ski equipment can be hired at the ski centres and in and around
the nearest towns. Look out for prominent ski hire signs in the
towns and on the ski centre approach roads. Ski Centres
Glenshee
Ski Centre
Lecht Ski and Activity
Centre
Snowsports
in Scotland
Ski touring
With its high table land of undulating hills, gentle slopes and
renowned snowholding, the Cairngorms are the best area for ski touring
in Britain. The steeper corries also provide excellent sport for
the more adventurous. On a sunny winters day, when the whole of
the Deeside hills are covered in a thick layer of fresh snow, there
is no better way to traverse the hills than on a pair of cross-country
skis. Under heavy snowfall and on stormy days, the forests are ideal
for touring when they're more sheltered than the high tops. Equipment can be hired from a number of locations near the downhill
ski centres. There is also a specialist ski touring shop in Braemar,
whose staff are always willing to provide advice on how to get started. Books on Ski touring
- Scottish Mountaineering Club: Ski Mountaineering in Scotland.
SMC 1987
- Angela Oakley: Ski touring in Scotland
Further information
Ski lessons can be booked at the ski centres, while specialist cross-country
and telemark ski courses are also available locally. Contact Braemar
Mountain Sports (tel: 013397 41242), or the Nordic Ski Centre based
in Huntly click
here for more information. Under snow cover, the mountains can be dangerous and it is essential
to be well equipped and prepared. Make sure you have a map and compass
(and know how to use it), take spare clothes and food, and leave
a route map with someone before you go out. After heavy snowfall
the avalanche risk can be high, so before you leave, check with
the Scottish Avalanche Information Service, to make sure the route
you're planning is safe. Click
here for more information. Other useful links
Aberdeen
Ski Club
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