Winter is coming... and we can’t wait

Snowfall starts ski season on stunning Scots slopes

OH, the weather outside is frightful, but the skiing is so delightful, and since we’ve many places to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Scotland boasts five ski resorts with the best outdoor skiing and snowboarding in the UK – and the slopes are surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Even better, all the Highland and Aberdeenshire sites are easily accessible from the cities.

Glenshee, CairnGorm Mountain, Glencoe Mountain, Nevis Range and The Lecht offer a variety of slopes and runs on real snow, catering for all abilities – from first-timers to experts.

CairnGorm Mountain, by Aviemore and a short distance from the A9, is a hot spot for winter sports and for taking in the stunning scenery from the summit.

Travel by Scotland’s only funicular railway to the top for panoramic views from 3,500ft.

There are seven green ski runs, six blue, eight red and one black piste, as well as 12 lifts across the slopes. Don’t miss the designated area for freestyling. Over at Glencoe Mountain Resort in Argyll, there are 20 runs, eight lifts, an avalanche transceiver training park, sledging area, ski school and hire, and two cafes featuring fresh homebaking.

Glencoe, on the West Highland Way, is popular year-round with walkers and its incredible natural beauty has made it a location for a number of films and TV shows.

The large plateaus of the mountain create the perfect sheltered setting for skiing – even into late April and May, if weather and conditions permit.

Up at Fort William’s Nevis Range you can tackle Aonach Mor, the eighth highest mountain in Scotland. The centre boasts an extensive network of red and black runs, as well as a Boardwise Terrain Park, easy green and blue runs, sledging, snowboarding, and even snowshoeing.

Don’t miss out – there’s something for the whole family.

Heading north to Aberdeenshire, the Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski resort in the UK and covers more than 2,000 acres of mountains and valleys.

It has 21 lifts and tows, 36 runs, and various terrains so you can really test your skills.

Throw down some moves on the freestyle terrain, which is suitable for skiers and snowboarders, or try Ski Touring to explore the fantastic landscapes of the surrounding areas.

The Lecht, near Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, features 20 runs, 14 lifts, a Penguin Park for children between two and eight, and an on-site snow-making facility – making sure you don’t miss out on a sensational snow sport experience.

The site – reached easily from Speyside, Aviemore, Donside, Aberdeen and Royal Deeside – is a diverse centre that caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and provides opportunities for little ones to learn.

But if you want a bit of indoor practice before hitting the slopes, head to SnowFactor in Glasgow – Scotland’s only year-round snow sports resort, and the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope.

Try sledging, ice-climbing, skiing and snowboarding, and learn some insider skills, tips and tricks on the dedicated teaching and instruction slope.

And don’t forget to visit the Ice Bar for a cool cocktail!

For more information, see visitscotland.com/see-do/active/ skiing-snowsports.