Wish you were skier..
You don’t need to go abroad for snowsports when there’s plenty of white stuff at home all year round, writes Heather Greenaway
IT’S ski season but don’t worry if your budget doesn’t stretch to Val D’Isere or Chamonix – you can still hit the slopes at one of Scotland’s superb indoor or outdoor ski centres.
Whether you are an expert or novice, there is a slope near you where you can either learn the basics or hone your skills. And with equipment hire available, kitting yourself out is not necessary.
Here, are some of Scotland’s best snowsport experiences.
Snow Factor, Intu Braehead, Renfrew
With real snow on offer all year round, this is the best place in Scotland for ski and snowboard action. The Snow Factor brings the thrilling chill of the slopes indoors and lessons for all levels can be booked in advance.
When you are done with your Alpine adventure, après-ski is available at Varia Bar & Restaurant.
Prices: Lift pass, off peak, 1hr £9; 2hrs £10; unlimited day pass £14; on peak 1hr £13; 2hrs £15; unlimited day pass £15. Prices include equipment hire.
Times: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm; Sat & Sun 9am-10pm.
Contact: Tel 0141 885 7000 or www.snowfactor.com
Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen
The centre boasts the Granite City’s only dry ski slope offering skiing and snowboarding lessons, sessions and coaching for all ages and abilities. The venue also hosts children’s parties in the Hobbit Hut with optional tubing sessions.
There are public sessions every day so that even out of season you don’t have to get out of practice.
Prices: open session £16 for adults, £12 for juniors (6-15)/ students, plus £2 equipment hire.
Times: open session Mon 4-8pm; Weds 4-5pm; 7-9pm; Fri 4-8pm; Sat & Sun 12-5pm.
Contact: Tel 01224 810215 or www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/skiing
Firpark Ski Centre, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire
This gem offer a whole range of snowsport activities throughout the year on its 120m dry ski slope. From skiing and snowboarding to blading and tubing – there is a snowy pursuit to suit all ages and abilities.
Confectionery and cold drinks are available to buy when it’s time to take a break.
Prices: Per hour per person: Adult: £9.40; Child (U16): £4.70. Prices include equipment hire.
Times: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat & Sun 9am-8.30pm
Contact: Tel 01259 751772 or www.clacks.gov.uk/culture/firparkskicentre/
Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend, near Edinburgh
All year round, Hillend offers the exhilaration you would expect from Britain’s longest and most challenging artificial ski slopes.
It’s easy to start with lessons available for all levels, or you can pay by the hour if you are just wanting to practise.
When you’ve finished on the slopes, you can chillax in Cafe 360 and enjoy the stunning views of the Pentland Hills.
Prices: Main slope, first hour adults £13; junior (6-17) £8.60; additional hour adults £6; junior £4. Prices include equipment hire.
Times: Mon-Fri 9.30am-9pm; Sat & Sun 9.30am-7pm
Contact: 01314454433 or www. midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/ snowsports_centre
Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex, Ayrshire
This community-run charity ski slope has had a recent upgrade and its ethos is to provide affordable access to snowsports for everyone.
Skiing and snowboarding tuition is available, as well as tubing for those who can’t ski or board yet.
Prices: Adults, 1hr on the slope, £8; juniors (U16s), 2hrs on the slope, £8. Equipment hire included.
Times: Mon-Thurs 10am-8.30pm; Fri 11am-4pm; Sat & Sun: 10am6pm
Contact: Tel 01560 322 320 or www.skinewmilns.com/