5 best resorts for skiing in Scotland

If you think Scotland is like the French Alps with copious chalets, fondue, and vast trail networks, you might want to sit down for this … Scotland is wilder, with five ski areas set in high, remote areas of the Highlands. That’s what we love most about it, though. Scotland has its own thing going on and is 100% worth experiencing. You can access each ski area from Scotland’s cities and soak up groomer laps, ski lessons, park sessions, and off-piste runs… all in potentially exceptional conditions and against mind-bogglingly beautiful scenery. 

Check out our guide to shredding Scotland. Oh, and don’t worry if the annual snow figures throughout this article seem a bit light – most ski areas use artificial snow to top things up. So, book a flight and prep for epic days with our epic new collection. It’s made for your best days on the mountain (and in the Highlands!). 

Ski mittens

Ski thermals

Top skiing destinations

Cairngorm Mountain

First, we head to Cairngorm Mountain. This is Scotland’s highest ski resort, with the loftiest lifted point at 4,035 feet/1,230 meters. Don’t forget to add that fact to your Insta caption! There’s something for every rider here – from cruisey greens to get-your-edges-in, demanding blacks, from impressive off-piste to thigh-testing bump fields. See yourself as a park rat? Lap Scotland’s largest terrain park, which changes location depending on snow cover. Our fave? The Ptarmigan Park lower down the hill. Expect massive kickers and technical rails! You can also send it in the backcountry, exploring beyond the Cairngorm plateau and across the Northern Corries. 

Need to take five? Stop for a bite at the cozy Cairngorm Café, serving hot chocolate, breakfast rolls, and meals made using locally sourced ingredients. After the lifts stop spinning, why not venture into Aviemore, only nine miles away? You can stay there, too. Our top picks are the Old Bridge Inn for a whiskey by the roaring log fire (dreamy, right?) or booking a room at the awesome Cairngorm Hotel. The Old Bridge Inn and ‘The Cairn’ have folk bands and Celtic music playing most nights – prep for fiddle tunes and fun vibes. 

Top tip: Take the overnight sleeper train from London and wake up in Aviemore! How sweet to be cruising Oxford Street one day and ripping Cairngorm the next?

Glencoe Mountain Resort

Did you know Glencoe Mountain was Scotland’s first commercial ski resort, opening in 1956? Now you do! This OG shred spot is in Rannoch Moor, a truly stunning location. Don’t believe us? Glencoe offers near-endless views over the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most epic mountains! In fact, it was the highlight of James Bond’s Skyfall. If you’re after a Bond-style challenge, take on the formidable Flypaper, the UK’s toughest in-bounds trail! It’s a black, steep ‘n’ gnarly ungroomed chute, showcasing Glencoe’s 2,395 feet/730 meters of vert (Scotland’s largest). Oh, and watch out for the rocks around the edges! You might want to practice your jump turns before attempting this one…

Once your legs are clapped out, stay at one of Glencoe’s heated wooden micro-lodges at the area’s base. If that’s not your vibe, book a room at Kingshouse Hotel, a five-minute drive away with the Way Inn bar on site. Alternatively, bed down at Ballachulish (a 20-minute drive away) or Glencoe (around a 25-minute drive). On Glencoe Mountain, check out White Corries Café, serving drinks and hot food (including a Full Scottish breakfast with Haggis) alongside panoramic views towards Buachaille Etive Mòr.

Top tip: Swap slopes for sleds and take on Glencoe’s sledding run! This 246-foot/75-meter run is an absolute must!

Glenshee Ski Centre

Next, we’re heading to Glenshee, the UK’s largest ski resort, with 25 miles/40 kilometers to rip ‘n’ cruise across three glens (it’s Scotland’s version of the Three Valleys!). Glenshee takes its name from the Gaelic term meaning ‘Glen of the Fairies.’ But don’t let that fool you into thinking Glencoe is mellow. Instead, you'll find slopes for intermediates and the 1.2-mile/two-kilometer-long Glas Moal descent. All abilities can get their fix here, though, with eight green slopes alongside open bowls, tree runs, narrow gullies, and more, all hidden deep in the Cairngorms National Park. 

When it’s time to refuel, there’s no better spot than Tea@TheShee, Glenshee’s base-lodge cafe. Our food pick? It has to be their incredible black pudding bap (only around $4!). We warned you Scotland differs from France’s fondue vibes! Ready to bed down for the night? Book a room at Braemar, nine miles away. While you’re there, stop off at Farquharson’s Bar and Kitchen for homely food, local beers on tap, and good vibes. What more do ya need?

Top tip: Buy a Four Area Pass! You can use this unlimited times in Glenshee, Glencoe, The Lech 2090, and Nevis Range. It’s the perfect way to maximize your chances of finding the best snow.  

The Lecht 2090

We’re switching things up now, moving from the biggest ski resort to one of the smallest. The Lecht 2090 (also known as The Lecht Ski Centre or just ‘Lecht’) is pretty pint-sized, with 15 winding runs and a handful of bunny trails (with a magic carpet) in the middle of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. If you’re just starting out, you’ll love The Lecht. That’s because it’s mainly aimed at newbies and lower-level intermediates looking to build their confidence. Families return regularly, too! 

Fewer trails on offer have a plus side – you’ll find short lift lines! Yep, The Lecht is typically quieter than its Cairngorms counterparts, so it’s ideal for dreamy groomer laps with more time on the snow and less queueing for the chair. There’s a day lodge but no accommodation at The Lecht. That’s nae bother, though. Stay in nearby Tomintoul, a small village seven miles away. Our fave spot? The Glenavon for rest and whiskey. This hotel and bar has it all – including Lucie, their mega-friendly pub dog! 

Top tip: Jib rails, slides, and tubes at The Lecht’s rail park! 

Nevis Range Mountain Resort

You might hear skiers wax lyrical about Scotland’s ‘epic’ off-piste. They’re likely talking about Nevis Range on Aonach Mòr (Ben Nevis’ mountain neighbor). Nevis Range is famous for the mind-blowing Back Corries, three expert-only bowls, often filled with windblown pow. This classic Highland wind can create steep cornices, which usually sit precariously at the top. However – cornices or not – Nevis Range’s Back Corries are hella fun off-piste routes. They’re lift-accessible when the rest of the resort is open, too. If you need a hand, Nevis Range sometimes runs Back Corrie workshops to help you get the most out of the conditions and terrain. 

Back on the groomed stuff, you’ll find everything from mellow greens to advanced blacks. Nevis Range is also the only Scottish ski area with a gondola, whisking you from the car park to the beginner area and restaurant at the top, alongside the rest of the ski area. Want to stay super near the gondola? Check-in at the Base Camp Hotel. Alternatively, why not stay in the cute ‘n’ classic Fort William? It’s only a 15-minute drive away and has a shuttle bus to the resort. Oh, and the Ben Nevis Distillery is in Fort William, too… Whiskey tasting in the Highlands has to be done, right?  

Top tip: Tackle the Summit Run, one of the UK’s highest slopes at 1,219 meters/4,000 feet! This cruisey blue has insane views toward Ben Nevis and Loch Eli.

Wrapping up

Let’s give a high-five to Scotland’s big five! What an amazing alternative to the Euro resorts, right? Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on Scotland’s famous wild weather, especially in the Cairngorms. Is your chosen ski area closed because of a storm? Another area could be completely open, so set your alerts and stay flexible. You can also cruise at Glenmore Lodge and Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Scotland’s two dry slopes.

Already skied Scotland and want others to know your insider tips? Join our Dope Snow Community Facebook Group and join like-minded riders in sharing trip tips, epic pics, or asking location questions. We post in there, too. So, keep your eyes peeled for exclusive collection previous, pro rider collaborations, in-resort meetups, and more.

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