When I moved up to Scotland, I didn’t think I’d be able to enjoy the amount of snow I have and being South African, the white stuff is still very much a novelty to me. Records say that the UK has this year seen its coldest winter in 31 years and, with that cold spell comes snow – and lots of it! My partner and I took full advantage of the cold weather this year and enjoyed several great boarding weekends up here in bonny Scotland.
I am by no means a professional; in fact I’m more on the beginner side of intermediate so for me, the smaller resorts up here were perfect to find my legs again and get some practice. Even if you are a professional you’ll still enjoy a good couple of days at each resort and you’ll be able to master the mountain in no time. Granted, the resorts do lack that special magic of après ski and the camaraderie that comes with a European snow holiday but for a short weekend break or a new experience they are perfect.
We chose to visit Glenshee and The Cairngorms and had an excellent time at each. In the Cairngorms we stayed overnight at the lovely all inclusive MacDonald hotel, the perfect place to collapse after a long day of boarding. We had some brilliant snow, in fact so much that on the first day they had to dig out the funicular as it was buried in fresh powder. If you are looking for an affordable long weekend for some fun in the snow then below are some details on each of the Scottish resorts.
Glencoe, set in the Scottish Highlands, was the county’s first commercial ski area to open with a lift in 1956. It offers seven lifts and 19 runs over 200 hectares of fabulous scenery.
Glenshee straddles the Perthshire and Aberdeenshire boundary and takes its name from the Gaelic meaning ‘Glen of Fairies’. It is the largest resort in the UK and covers an area of more than 2,000 acres extending across four mountains and three valleys. It boasts 21 lifts and tows and 36 runs.
The Cairngorms has the reputation for being the most beautiful yet sometimes challenging place to ski in the UK. It boasts 12 lifts and 22 runs, of which the longest is 3.3km, as well as a terrain/fun park for the adventurous boarders. The surrounding area of Aviemore is also great for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
The Nevis Range, found in the heart of the Scottish Highlands on the mountain of Aonach Mor and near Fort William, is accessed by Scotland’s only gondola. It has 24 runs which can be accessed by 12 lifts.
The Lecht, the smallest of the five resorts but still offering good consistent snow, is 2,090 feet above sea level. It lies in the Eastern Cairngorms and offers 18 pisted runs extending over 20kms. It’s perfect for beginners if you can get there as the road seems to be a bit treacherous at the best of times.
Each resort has its individual merits and charms but I feel confident that wherever you go, you’ll be spellbound by the mountain’s beauty and awesomeness. There is something very special about being on the very top of a snow-capped mountain with a board strapped to your feet knowing that you, the lowly boarder, are at its peril. Enjoy and take care.