Cairngorm Mountain, located in the Cairngorms of the Highlands of Scotland, is the center of the downhill alpine action in Scotland. The Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre is only one of three resorts located within this range. The Glenshee and the Lecht Ski Centre can also be found in this picturesque area. The Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is situated just ten miles east of the inviting town of Aviemore. The ski resort has undergone quite a few improvements to make up for the unpredictable weather conditions. The ski season in Scotland generally lasts from December to April, although it can begin snowing before December. The improvements and additions of snowmaking machines have made the conditions at this resort much more predictable.

The top elevation at the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre is 4,084 feet with an intense vertical rise of 2,322 feet. Over ten lifts and a 1.2-mile funicular carry passengers to seemingly endless acres of skiable terrain. Nearly 70 percent of the ski runs are designated for beginners and intermediates, although the advanced runs are some of the most difficult in the entire United Kingdom. The ski runs include 38 percent for beginners, 29 percent for intermediates, 29 percent are black diamonds, and 4 percent are double black diamonds. Cairngorm Mountain is the best-known place for skiing and snowboarding in Scotland, and arguably, in the UK. This is due in large part to the fact that the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort also includes Lecht and Glenshee. If you are planning an all inclusive ski vacation to the United Kingdom, you cannot go wrong by starting in Scotland.

There are also a variety of other attractions and activities at Cairngorm Mountain including hiking, Nordic skiing, sledding, lessons for adults and kids, and much more. Snowboarders will be particularly impressed with the challenging terrain parks. The Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is also known for being at the center of the United Kingdom’s largest National Nature Reserve and the Cairngorms National Park. There are tons of opportunities for dining and shopping in nearby Aviemore, which is the center for nightlife and entertainment for anyone visiting Cairngorm, Lecht, or Glenshee. It is a simple ten-minute drive to Aviemore where you will find all kinds of restaurants, clubs, pubs, cafes, and shops. When it comes to finding Cairngorm Mountain hotels, you will encounter a range of options in Aviemore as well if you're looking for Scotland lodging.

UK Map

There are all kinds of accommodations to suit virtually every budget and desired experience. From backpacker hostels and economy motels and lodges to luxury hotels and elegant vacation rentals, there is something for just about everyone. Just some of the notable accommodations within close proximity of the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre include the Cairngorm Hotel, the Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, the MacDonald Highlands Hotel, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel, the Ardlogie Guest House, and the Straphspey House Bed and Breakfast. You certainly are bound to have a memorable time in this lovely part of Scotland. When the weather conditions are agreeable, skiing and snowboarding in the United Kingdom do not get any better than this. There are plenty of runs for beginners, plenty of challenges for experts, and lots of fun activities and attractions for adults and kids alike.