Skiing in Scotland: a family-friendly guide to the snowy slopes

On the snow

Cairngorm’s first chairlift was built in 1961 and dedicated skiers have been coming here ever since. Home to Scotland’s only funicular railway, it lies amongst some of the nation’s highest mountains. With 11 lifts and 30km of skiing, there’s plenty of terrain. For children, the gentle beginners’ area is situated right next to the funicular where you’ll also find Scotland’s highest restaurant – an ideal spot for hot chocolate.

Off the snow

Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd to see Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Intrepid explorers can head up in to the hills to see them in the wild. Alternatively, visit The Paddocks (open daily Feb-Dec) where children can see the reindeers up close. The School of Snowsports at the Hilton Coylumbridge (see below) offers dry skiing, bike hire, a climbing wall and tubing!

On the snow

Spanning 200 hectares of Highland terrain in the Meall a’ Bhuiridh Massif basin, Glencoe has some of the best natural skiing in Scotland. Boasting views over the pyramidal peak of Buchaile Etive Mor, it has 20 runs and eight lifts, including the longest run in Scotland. Children can enjoy the gentle runs on the plateau and on special occasions a junior chairlift passes is free. Conditions in March are said to be the best for families, when the winds are calmer.

Off the snow

Glencoe resort runs a fabulous range of children’s activities from igloo building to snowman competitions and Zibob (sledging) races. When it’s too cold outside head to The Plateau Café on the mountain for hot chocolate. For a change of scene, visit the award-winning eco-friendly Glencoe Visitor Centre (open from March), with its viewing platform and café. At around a mile long the signposted ‘Glencoe Woodland Walks’ are ideal for kids.

On the snow

Glenshee in north eastern Scotland boasts the UK’s largest lift system and is the biggest of the country’s resorts. Its 36 lifts extend over four mountains within the Cairngorms national park and there’s something for every skier, from the reds and blacks on Glas Maol at the end of the resort, to the gentle nursery slopes close to the ticket office. The Rock Hopper club entertains children from three and for more confident and gung-ho kids the snow park, in Bitchart’s Coire, has rails and jumps.

Off the snow

The drive to Glenshee is spectacular and worth experiencing even if you don’t ski. When the wind gets up or you need a break there are three cafes on the mountain; two on the slopes – Cairnwell Café and Meall ODhar Café – and the Base Café at bottom. Bike Station Ballater offer adults and kids’ bikes to hire – try the family run along the Deeside way line to the Burn O Vat, a deep hole gorged out of the rock by a Highland stream.

On the snow

Situated in the eastern Cairngorms at 645m above sea level, The Lecht is one of Scotland’s smallest resorts. Great for families, it has just 20km of pistes yet caters for all ages and abilities of skier. In the Penguin Park, where you’ll also find dragons and snowmen, children as young as two can have fun in the snow. A magic carpet lift takes the stress out of getting little ones up the mountain and the lower slopes are short and gentle – ideal for kids and beginners.

Off the snow

Lecht 2090 lies at the top of a mountain pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon and has a view that’s hard to match. If skiing is off the cards hole up with a hot chocolate in the Alpine Lodge bar at the Lecht Day Lodge or try your hand at sledging. For a change of scene head to Corgaff Castle, a medieval castle once home to whiskey smugglers.

On the snow

Situated on the northern slopes of 1121m-high Aonach Mor, The Nevis Range boasts the UK’s only mountain gondola, which makes getting there half the fun. Ten minutes from Fort William and situated in the shadows of Ben Nevis, this small resort offers spectacular scenery and excellent skiing. There are child-friendly runs near the gondola station (with cute names like ‘rabbit run’ and ‘bunny hop’) and small fun park for young daredevils too.

Off the snow

The gondola is a popular attraction and the sky-high ride is worth it, even if you’re not heading to the slopes. There’s a dedicated sledging area just to the side of the Snowgoose Restaurant and if you’re visiting in spring, the ‘Tree Adventure’ near the base of the gondola is a park of high ropes and obstacles that will keep adventurous children busy. The Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William has a pool and water slide.