Skiing in Scotland

Winter walking in the Cairngorms National Park

For those of you that like the idea of skiing in the wilds of winter, Scotland is the place to go. Leave the crowds, noise and rules behind and head for the isolated beauty of the snow covered Scottish Highlands. For the last two years Scotland has had the best ski seasons to date with perfect powder snow peaking in January, and expectations are high for this year as well.

Cairngorm Ski Map. Map: Cairngorm Ski ResortCairngorm is one of the largest mountain parks in Scotland, with 17 slopes and a host of apres ski activities in the local town Aviemore. And the good news is its only two and a half hours from Glasgow (three hours from Edinburgh), making it the perfect compliment to soaking up a bit of Scottish city culture whilst you're there. Activities include skiing, terrain park, snowboarding and sledging. There are over 30km of ski runs and a fully maintained snow board fun park, suitable for all levels from beginner to expert. Cross Country, telemark, ski touring and ski mountaineering are also available from specialist operators. There is a recognised ski school that operates on site and Disability Snowsports UK also offer lessons for those with special needs.

For more information on all the ski resorts in Scotland see www.scottishsport.co.uk/skiing/guide

This is just one of many ski resorts in Scotland and the North of England. The Ski Club of Great Britain has some great resources to find out about skiing in the UK; be it on dry, artificial or real mountain slopes including this map (go to their website for the interactive feature).

Map of UK Skiing. Map: The Ski Club of Great Britain

For more info & advice online from the Ski Club of Great Britain on skiing in Scotland: Ski Club Skiing in Scotland

Cairngorm Ski Resort. Photo: Scottish Sport

And don't forget that wherever you are you can have a greener experience by adhering to a few simple rules. Take a look at the Ski Club's Respect the Mountain initiative for skiing in general: Respect the Mountain Guide

If you are heading to The Alps this year The Ski Club of Great Britain has made it easier for you to pick an environmentally responsible resort. The following link lists how green each ski resort in the world is based on six criteria:

• Recycling
• Traffic Reduction
• Proper Sewage Disposal
• Green Power Usage
• Climate Policy 
• Green Building Policy.

For more details go to: Ski Club Green Resorts Overview