Old Military Rd, Ballater AB35 5XU
Sitting in the shadows of Ben Nevis, on the northern and eastern slopes of Aonach Mòr mountain, Nevis Range is Scotland’s highest snowsports centre. It’s located near the town of Fort William, less than two hour’s drive from Inverness. The range offers skiing and snowboarding, snowsports lessons and equipment hire in the most spectacular setting. There’s a gondola lift, along with chairlifts and ski tows, which give access to a variety of runs, from beginner to advanced. Other outdoor activities on the mountain include mountain biking, tree adventure courses and paragliding. It also has a café and restaurant. So there really is something for everyone at Nevis Range!
Skiing and snowboarding are available with a season pass and there are snowsports lessons and equipment hire available. There are also several walking and mountain biking trails. Many are located in the lower forest area, but some must be accessed via the gondola lift. You can hire bikes and there is even a bike wash! In addition, there is a Tree Adventure obstacle course for some great family fun. And for the thrill-seekers, paragliding and hang-gliding are on offer from either the Sgurr Finnisg-aig or Meall Beag viewpoints.
Please note, many activities are seasonal and may have age or height restrictions, so please check the website before travelling. Tickets for many activities can be purchased online in advance.
The range is located just 7 miles from Fort William. There is a car park (charges apply) and a café and restaurant on site. The centre is also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on the gondola lift, on the walking trails and in the cafe and restaurant, however, they must be on a lead at all times. Find out about opening times, ticket prices and travel directions here.
Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ
Based in the heart of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorm Mountain is an activity centre offering both summer and winter sports. In the summer you can enjoy such things as guided walks, adventure play and tubing. While in the winter snowsports season, skiers and snowboarders head up the slopes for some adrenaline-filled fun. Whatever the time of year you visit this mountain has so much to offer. So why not plan to head along and enjoy some good, fresh Scottish air and scenery.
And when the winter sets in hopefully so does the snow, opening up some of the most fun snow sports in Scotland. With the addition of the white powder the mountain landscape morphs into something new. And with it come those who enjoy speeding down the slopes on a set of skis or a snowboard. However, in the times of waiting for some snow, a technical snowmaking structure is taken advantage of. This sees the ‘Lower Snow Zone’ made usable for winter sports lovers.
And when the snow arrives a variety of runs open and makes use of the 11 ski lifts that operate. Here you can access a choice of red, black, blue and green runs when enjoying some Cairngorm Mountain skiing and snowboarding. And of course, when you tackle these there are spectacular views to behold on a clear day. Panoramas of the park can be seen with Loch Morlich glistening in the valley below. It is a truly exhilarating experience that leaves you energised and full of delight. Whatever your level there is something for everyone.
Additionally, there is a cafe you can visit to refuel. Found on level 2 of the Day Lodge, it serves hot and cold food and a variety of drinks. And with a cosy wood-burning stove it provides a lovely spot to warm up on a cold winters day. Be it a quick bite or a sit-down lunch you can choose from a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Furthermore, there is the Cairngorm Mountain shop. This offers a great choice of outdoor gear and accessories. Choose from items such as locally handmade crafts, art and homeware or branded souvenirs. And if it is outdoor goods you are looking for they stock a good range of top brands ready to help equip you for the mountain.
So if you want a good day in the great Scottish outdoors, head to the Cairngorm Mountian. Located just 9 miles from Aviemore, 1 hour from Inverness and a 2.5hrs drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh it makes it accessible to a wide range of people. All you need to do now is get planning.
Ski Area, Cairngorm, Aviemore PH22 1RB