58 | SCOTLAND’S SNOWY THRILLS
www.nitravelnews.com Glenshee, Perthshire
With 22 lifts and 36 runs, Glenshee is Scotland's largest resort and a favourite for intermediate and advanced skiers. Think of it as the Highland equivalent of a Swiss mega-resort, just with more midges (in summer) and less pretension.
Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore
A great all-rounder, Cairngorm offers stunning scenery, good facilities, and plenty of beginner-friendly slopes. The funicular railway takes you up the mountain like a
September/October 2025
your eccentric Scottish uncle... no not Colum MacKenzie, I mean the one and only Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser of course!
Experienced Skiers When the snow is good, and yes, it can be
good, the off-piste opportunities are epic. The Nevis Range and Glencoe, in particular, have some amazing terrain that rewards skilled skiers with adrenaline-pumping descents and Instagram-worthy moments (or mild panic, depending on your confidence).
The Beginners Scotland is ideal for those new
to the sport. Here, the slopes are shorter, the lessons more affordable, and the fall-to-run ratio more forgiving than the Alps. Resorts like Cairngorm and The Lecht have excellent ski schools, friendly instructors, and slopes where you can build confidence without the risk of being mowed down by a Lycra-clad Austrian shouting "Achtung!"
For the Kids (and the big kids- at-heart)
true Bond villain (minus the evil lair). Nevis Range, Fort William
Nestled near Ben Nevis, this resort boasts dramatic alpine vibes and terrain that will challenge even the most confident skiers. And when the weather clears? The views will stop you mid-slope... or maybe that's just the wind.
Let's be honest, sometimes
the best part of skiing is the roaring fire and hot chocolate at the end. Luckily, Scotland’s resorts know how to cater to kids and families. Many offer sledging areas, snow play zones, and family passes that won’t bankrupt you. Aviemore, near Cairngorm, is especially family-friendly, with a reindeer centre, wildlife parks, and cosy lodges perfect for board games and marshmallow- filled evenings. Apres-ski in Scotland isn't all
Why You Should Make Scotland Your Next Ski Adventure
Scotland might not be the Alps, but for ski-fans across Northern Ireland seeking snowy thrills without airport queues, it’s an underrated winter wonderland...
BY KIRSTY JOHNSTON
Kirsty@nitravelnews.com
LET’S face it, when most people in Northern Ireland think of skiing, they picture the towering Alps, glamorous chalets, or possibly one terrifying afternoon on the artificial slope in Craigavon (sorry mum). But just across the water lies a snow-covered secret.
Scotland's ski
resorts offer everything from serious slopes to snowball fights, all within travel.
a few hours'
And the best part? You don’t have to endure a budget airline or navigate a foreign language just to find the loo. Whether you're
a seasoned skier chasing fresh powder, a complete beginner who thinks 'carving' is something you do to a Sunday roast, or a family just looking for a snowy escape that doesn’t break the bank, Scotland delivers. Getting from Northern Ireland to the Scottish Highlands is refreshingly simple. Hop on a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan, then enjoy a scenic drive north. Don't panic when you start to see that the sheep outnumber the people... or that the cows have horns. Scotland has five main ski areas, each with its own character and quirks. Don’t expect ski valets and fondue fountains, but do expect charm, views,
and surprisingly decent skiing when the snow gods cooperate.
The Lecht, Cairngorms
Compact, friendly, and ideal for beginners or families, The Lecht is perfect for a gentle introduction to skiing, and it even has magic carpet lifts, which sound more fun than they are, but kids will love them.
Glencoe Mountain
Scotland's oldest ski area and a cult favourite, Glencoe is known for its gnarly runs (hello, Flypaper - the UK’s steepest black) but also has family areas and a cosy vibe. It feels like skiing with
about glitzy DJs and €12 beers. Here, it’s more about roaring fires, hearty food, and a dram of whisky so smooth it makes you forget the face-plant you did in front of your significant other (or worse... your kids). Try the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore or The Clachaig Inn in Glencoe, equal parts pub, hiker haven, and local legend. Scotland might not be anyone's first thought for a ski trip, but maybe it should be - it’s every bit as exhilarating as any alpine resort, just with more haggis.
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