Resorts

Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK's most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities and is located only a couple of hours drive from Edinburgh. The resort is isolated and at the top of a desolate glen and there are 36 runs and 21 lifts. The slopes suit all standards of skiers and snowboarders. The season generally runs from late December until Easter, but can vary depending on snow cover.

Glencoe Mountain with seven lifts is a no-frills ski resort which usually has better than average snow. Varied terrain appeals to boarders looking for something different. It also boasts the steepest marked run in Scotland, the Fly Paper. It is open for both summer and winter activities. Winter activities include Skiing, snowboarding, snow blading, sledging and heli/ski snowboarding. Summer events include mountain biking, river rafting, para-gliding, wild camping and canoeing.

The Lecht is limited in terms of ski area but the gentler pistes offer a good place for learners. In winter activities include skiing and snowboarding and snow tubing, in summer there is devil karting, fun carting and quad biking. Chairlift rides give great views of Ben Avon, Lochnagar and the Cairngorms avilable only when weather permits.

Cairngorm With 40km of runs this is extensive by Scottish standards - at least that's when the runs are open. Often suffers from either too much or too little snow. Nearby Aviemore offers a variety of apres-ski activities or apres boarding (this resort is popular with the single-plankers).

Nevis Range (Fort William) The newest and most continental of the resorts (complete with gondola)is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, on the mountain of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest peak in Britain. The main slope can get a little exposed to the winds, but on a good day has great views. Facilities of Fort William are very close. The mountain bike cross country trails are open all year round, other than certain maintenance and race days. Relax in the restaurant & bar & wander along pathways to mountain viewpoints. Alternatively, experience the adrenalin fuelled thrill of a world class downhill mountain bike track.