There are some great venues for winter sports around Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
If you are planning a visit to one of the ski resorts it’s best to check the weather forecast as well as the snow or mountain report on the resort sites, as well as opening times before heading out – and as always make sure you are dressed for the conditions!
Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports
Aberdeen’s only dry ski slope is located in Garthdee and offers a selection of activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Outdoor sports are at the heart of the venue. As well as managing grass and artificial turf football pitches, there are a number of lessons, public sessions and coaching in skiing and snowboarding offered.
And a Get Active membership allows you to benefit from a range of activities for £48.50 per month. The Aberdeen Snowsports Centre can be contacted at snowsports@sportaberdeen.co.uk, or 01224 810215.
Glencoe Mountain Resort
The Glencoe Mountain Resort has a backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of the country, such as the Munro peak Buachaille Etive Mor.
There are plenty activities on offer throughout the year with mountain biking and hill walking available in the summer and skiing, snowboarding and sledging during the winter.
The resort has 20 runs and eight lifts to ski and snowboard across – and caters for all levels of ability.
Nevis Range
Nevis Range, near Fort William, is actually Scotland’s highest snowsports centre.
However, there are a range of activities on offer such as orienteering, and you can also enjoy a ride on the Mountain Gondola.
There are also three on-site eateries to choose from to relax and grab a bite to eat! A later start to the ski season is planned this winter, with Nevis Range announcing it was aiming for February.
Inverness Ice Centre
This venue offers a range of sports, including ice skating, ice hockey and curling, all year round in its five rink ice arena.
Visitors to the centre on Bught Drive can enjoy competitive sports and watch the local hockey teams go head-to-head on the ice, or take part in ice skating lessons and public sessions.
The Lecht Ski Centre
This ski centre takes its visitors around the mountains of the Eastern Cairngorms, Beinn a’ Chruinnich and Meikle Corr Riabhach.
Though it is Scotland’s smallest ski centre, the venue has lots to enjoy for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities. Routes are marked using a colour scheme with green being easy and black being very difficult.
The Lecht also offers a snowboarding school for anyone keen to pick up some tips from qualified instructors.
Cairngorm Mountain
Just a short trip from Aviemore, snowsports at Cairngorm Mountain are open for the winter on December 20, while the funicular railway is expected to be open soon.
The ski area has more than 30km of pisted runs and 13 surface lifts to explore. To find out about prices and activities go to the Cairngorm Mountain website.
Linx Ice Arena
Visit the home of the Aberdeen Lynx for a game of your own over the winter season.
The Linx Ice Arena has plenty on offer from public and private skating lessons to parent and toddler workshops.
For more information on everything Ice Aberdeen has to offer, including public sessions times and prices, visit the Sport Aberdeen website. And a Get Active membership lets you make the most of their sessions.
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Beginners as well as more experienced skiers are catered for at the venue which is run by Aberdeenshire Council.
Equipment is available to hire to ensure you are prepared and lessons, including family workshops, are offered to all visitors.
To make an enquiry, contact huntlynordic.skicentre@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or 01466 794428.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
Choose from skiing, snowboarding and more at this multi-purpose facility in the Highlands.
The venue at Kincraig, Kingussie has a great selection of activities, to take part in.
Glenshee Ski Centre
Visitors can take part in skiing, snowboarding or sledging. The centre has more than 40km of pisted ski runs and slopes that suit beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Snowsports for the season are now open at the centre.
There are also plenty of facilities to stop by including a shop with all basic essentials and a cafe to keep you fuelled and cosy.
