 You
can’t come to Scotland in winter and fail to be tempted to visiting at least one
of the three main ski-resorts. Situated on the northern side of the Cairnwell
Pass between Blairgowrie
and Braemar in the Highlands
of Scotland, Glenshee is the largest and oldest
commercial ski resort in Scotland. Touted as 'Britain's largest ski area' with
40km of pistes, Glenshee is surprisingly larger than some of its more celebrated
counterparts on the continent. Based across three valleys and four mountains
the resort offers 36 runs catering for all abilities together with a gentle, rather
than vibrant après-ski and nightlife. Advanced skiers and boarders have some convincing
challenges and a specialist boarding park. Uplift is provided by two chairlifts,
sixteen tows and three t-bars. Plenty of opportunities for beginners and intermediates.
Glenshee is not a resort by any means but there are plenty of hotels around
Glenshee in the neighbouring towns and villages of Braemar
and Blairgowrie, where
you can relax, unwind and sample the spectacular landscape, wildlife and coastal
regions th rest of the time you’re not skiing. The highest lifts ascend
to 1068m (3504ft), the lowest 650m (2132ft), with 25 lifts in total, taking you
up to 38 slopes the longest of which is 40km in length; the shortest being half
that figure. 1day and 6 day passes are available. Hotels for Glenshee can also
be found at Kirriemuir
and Ballater The
Lecht is Scotland's smallest ski area, 30 or so miles from Aviemore
and 40 miles from Glenshee and Cainrgormsituated on the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul
road. The slopes are on the east-facing side of a high pass and there is a fun-park,
half-pipe and floodlit dry ski slope section. Lecht convenient hotels and gust
house accommodation are available in the UK's highest village at Tomintoul,
Ballater, Royal
Deeside, Aberlour
and in Speyside at Craigellachie.
If you’re a beginner or just at the Lecht for the vibe or simply to see some snow,
the Lechts slopes are ideal, providing a gentle challenge to beginners and intermediates
alike. And when snowfall is unpredictable (as it can be) you’ll no doubt be pleased
to learn that snow-making facilities have recently been introduced. The
Lecht comprises 18 slopes, 1 snowpark including 4 easy-to-use beginners tows,
and 3 intermediate Poma. The highest lift ascends to 644m (2113ft). 1 day and
6 day passes are available.. | 
Glenshee
and the Lecht
