Skiing in Scotland....
Discussion
Currently considering options for next season. Does anyone have any experience of doing a ski trip to Scotland? How would it compare to the alps? Obviously not as many runs, and elevation change not as great but is it vastly different? I have heard the snow can be "heavy" and wetter than the Alps, is there much truth in this? Would it suit intermediates or would we get bored quickly? Is it good for beginners?
Would it work out significantly cheaper including travel up there accomodation, lift passes etc etc.
Are there a few different "resorts" that are within driveable distance of one location to increase interest?
If we did go we could combine with an MTB trip take those as well and stop off at 7 stanes on the way up/down.
Thanks in advance.
Chris
Would it work out significantly cheaper including travel up there accomodation, lift passes etc etc.
Are there a few different "resorts" that are within driveable distance of one location to increase interest?
If we did go we could combine with an MTB trip take those as well and stop off at 7 stanes on the way up/down.
Thanks in advance.
Chris
As said above, Scotland is unpredictable.
I don't think there is any truth in the thought that snow may be heavier and wetter than europe, mainly because the temperature varies massively in Scotland when compared to the Alps.
To be honest, in Scotland, if there is cover over most of the mountain, and especially if it's all the way to the car park (thinking of aviemore specifically here) then you've got it good, cold light snow should be considered a bonus!
I would say that fairly often, even if the snow has fallen, the winds are typically strong, so even if cold the snow can have a wind crust.
I went last year, but the trick is not to preplan. If you can book days off work at the last minute, and just go when it's good, you're on a winner. I went in February, for the first day they couldn't even open the top, it was just the Cas, as the snowfall and windblown snow at the top was too much to cope with! For the 4 days I was there, they didn't manage to dig the funicular out!
The second day, they got the M1 poma open, and the East wall and Ciste gully were amazing. Incredible skiing. For balance, that was the first time I've skied there in 9 years, in spite of my Mum living very close, because this is the first time for 9 years I thought it good enough to bother!
Pic from Fiacaill Ridge Poma, mid station to the top.
Top of the Fiacaill lift to the car park
Over toward the Cas and Fiacaill
From the top of the M1 poma toward the top of the Ciste bowl
From the Day lodge, looking up the hill.
I don't think there is any truth in the thought that snow may be heavier and wetter than europe, mainly because the temperature varies massively in Scotland when compared to the Alps.
To be honest, in Scotland, if there is cover over most of the mountain, and especially if it's all the way to the car park (thinking of aviemore specifically here) then you've got it good, cold light snow should be considered a bonus!
I would say that fairly often, even if the snow has fallen, the winds are typically strong, so even if cold the snow can have a wind crust.
I went last year, but the trick is not to preplan. If you can book days off work at the last minute, and just go when it's good, you're on a winner. I went in February, for the first day they couldn't even open the top, it was just the Cas, as the snowfall and windblown snow at the top was too much to cope with! For the 4 days I was there, they didn't manage to dig the funicular out!
The second day, they got the M1 poma open, and the East wall and Ciste gully were amazing. Incredible skiing. For balance, that was the first time I've skied there in 9 years, in spite of my Mum living very close, because this is the first time for 9 years I thought it good enough to bother!
Pic from Fiacaill Ridge Poma, mid station to the top.
Top of the Fiacaill lift to the car park
Over toward the Cas and Fiacaill
From the top of the M1 poma toward the top of the Ciste bowl
From the Day lodge, looking up the hill.
Also, although snow may not help these plans, MTB'ing in this area is brilliant.
Laggan is purpose built and not far away, but there are hundreds of trails around Aviemore, Carrabridge, Grantown, Glenmore, Bridge of Brown and all over the place. Problem is, they aren't really mapped, so you need local knowledge...
Laggan is purpose built and not far away, but there are hundreds of trails around Aviemore, Carrabridge, Grantown, Glenmore, Bridge of Brown and all over the place. Problem is, they aren't really mapped, so you need local knowledge...
Thanks everyone, if we were to drive up is it right that there are 5 or so ski locations in Scotland? Are they all fairly close or are they spread out? Could you combine several from one central hub accomodation? If so where is best to stay?
Is there all sorts of terrain, steep to flat, for beginners to experts alike?
MTB sounds like a good back up plan if snowfall isnt as expected!
Is there all sorts of terrain, steep to flat, for beginners to experts alike?
MTB sounds like a good back up plan if snowfall isnt as expected!
chrisga said:
Thanks everyone, if we were to drive up is it right that there are 5 or so ski locations in Scotland? Are they all fairly close or are they spread out? Could you combine several from one central hub accomodation? If so where is best to stay?
Is there all sorts of terrain, steep to flat, for beginners to experts alike?
MTB sounds like a good back up plan if snowfall isnt as expected!
It all depends on the coverage. If the entire mountain is covered (I'm thinking of Cairngorm mountain, i.e. Aviemore) then yes. There is loads of beginner/intermediate, and enough to keep an advanced skier happy, the White Lady, M1, West wall and East wall are all pretty good. The White Lady used to be an impressive mogul run late season, but I'm going back 25 years plus.Is there all sorts of terrain, steep to flat, for beginners to experts alike?
MTB sounds like a good back up plan if snowfall isnt as expected!
In recent years, far too often it has been the Cas, and Ptarmigan, and that's it.
Ski centers - The Nevis range is over not far from the west coast, Glenshee is south, closer to Perth, and Cairngorm and the Lecht are not that far from each other. The Lecht is a bit smaller, but if you were staying Aviemore/Carrbridge, it's not that far away (it's also on a great road heading towards Aberdeen, although I'd be careful in winter!) so might make an interesting alternative for a day.
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