This winter ski season many people may not realise that you don't have to spend money to jet away for the slopes, you can in fact find many resorts right here in the UK. Scotland offers a unique skiing experience in an alpine environment with a good amount of snow throughout the season.
Since the countries first skiing chairlift was installed in 1961, Scotland's skiing industry has flourished over the last five decades and now boasts five resorts.
An affordable place to train
For those longing for the real thing rather than a dry ski slope, the Scottish Highlands offer a brilliant place to learn skiing for the first time or to simply practice your skills. Although the resorts may not be as high or long as their European counterparts, they still provide all the facilities you can expect to find at almost any resort including runs, lifts, tutorials and ski-hire. Read on to find out more about the Scottish ski centres.
Carinigorm Ski Resort
Many people regard Carinigorm as Scotland's best-known and most spectacular ski centre. There are 12 lifts available to take you to the top as well as Scotland's only funicular train which serves seven green runs, six blue, eight red and one black slope.
However if snowboarding is more your thing then Cairngorm snow park offers boarders the chance to freestyle and practice tricks.
Glencoe
Glencoe is the original home of Scottish skiing with the centre opening in 1956. This has recently become a popular destination for more extreme skiers and snowboarders as it is home to the steepest piste run in Scotland, the Flypaper. Glencoe also offers some of the best freestyle runs in the country with plenty of natural challenges along the way, and is a great place to gain basic snowboarding skills.
Glenshee Resort
For those looking for the real alpine experience, Glenshee is the UK's largest ski centre with 25 miles of pistes and includes the longest ski run in Scotland stretching 1.5 miles.
Lecht Ski Centre
Lecht is excellent for first timers to learn the basic skills with seven blue slopes and a large 'nursery' area for beginners. For the more advanced skier, the resort also includes a race course with an electronic timer and Rapid slalom poles.
Nevis Range
Located next to Ben Nevis, this is Scotland's newest ski resort. Nevis offers a large expanse of off-piste areas for free riding attracting both intermediates and advanced skiers.
Since the countries first skiing chairlift was installed in 1961, Scotland's skiing industry has flourished over the last five decades and now boasts five resorts.
An affordable place to train
For those longing for the real thing rather than a dry ski slope, the Scottish Highlands offer a brilliant place to learn skiing for the first time or to simply practice your skills. Although the resorts may not be as high or long as their European counterparts, they still provide all the facilities you can expect to find at almost any resort including runs, lifts, tutorials and ski-hire. Read on to find out more about the Scottish ski centres.
Carinigorm Ski Resort
Many people regard Carinigorm as Scotland's best-known and most spectacular ski centre. There are 12 lifts available to take you to the top as well as Scotland's only funicular train which serves seven green runs, six blue, eight red and one black slope.
However if snowboarding is more your thing then Cairngorm snow park offers boarders the chance to freestyle and practice tricks.
Glencoe
Glencoe is the original home of Scottish skiing with the centre opening in 1956. This has recently become a popular destination for more extreme skiers and snowboarders as it is home to the steepest piste run in Scotland, the Flypaper. Glencoe also offers some of the best freestyle runs in the country with plenty of natural challenges along the way, and is a great place to gain basic snowboarding skills.
Glenshee Resort
For those looking for the real alpine experience, Glenshee is the UK's largest ski centre with 25 miles of pistes and includes the longest ski run in Scotland stretching 1.5 miles.
Lecht Ski Centre
Lecht is excellent for first timers to learn the basic skills with seven blue slopes and a large 'nursery' area for beginners. For the more advanced skier, the resort also includes a race course with an electronic timer and Rapid slalom poles.
Nevis Range
Located next to Ben Nevis, this is Scotland's newest ski resort. Nevis offers a large expanse of off-piste areas for free riding attracting both intermediates and advanced skiers.
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Skiing in Scotland can cause many people to believe the weather won't be anything like the testing conditions in the Alps, however it can be just as cold. Visit Ski and Trek's cheap ski wear sale to bag a bargain!