Ski Resort Guide
Glenshee
Glenshee Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Glenshee is one of Scotland's most established and largest ski resorts and is often refereed to as the "Scottish Three Valleys" after the world's largest lift-linked ski area around Courchevel and Meribel in France.
However, Glenshee is a rather more modest affair, albeit with an equally loyal fan base who cram the resort's car park and spread out over the slopes when conditions are good. But the area has sadly suffered from a lack of investment for many years, due to the challenging economic realities of running a ski centre in Scotland's unpredictable winter climate.
The centre is the closest of Scotland's five ski areas to four of the country's six cities (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Perth) and has invested in the country's first high-pressure snowmaking system, so as long as it is cold enough can make snow in order to open.
However, Glenshee is a rather more modest affair, albeit with an equally loyal fan base who cram the resort's car park and spread out over the slopes when conditions are good. But the area has sadly suffered from a lack of investment for many years, due to the challenging economic realities of running a ski centre in Scotland's unpredictable winter climate.
The centre is the closest of Scotland's five ski areas to four of the country's six cities (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Perth) and has invested in the country's first high-pressure snowmaking system, so as long as it is cold enough can make snow in order to open.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 650m (2,133ft).
Top elevation: 1060m (3,478ft).
Base elevation: 650m (2,133ft).
Number of lifts: 21.
Number of runs: 36.
Where in the world?
Glenshee is located in the Cairngorm mountains of the Grampian region of the eastern Scottish Highlands. It is situated between the cities of Perth to the south, Aberdeen to the east and Inverness to the north.
Hit the slopes
Glenshee's ski season normally takes place between December and April, subject to adequate snow cover. The centre may not be open every day so it is important to check ahead before visiting.
There are 40km (25 miles) of ski runs, with nearly three-quarters of the runs rated easy blue or intermediate red. The ski area extends over the four peaks of Glas Maol, Meall Odhar, Cairnwell and Cairn Aosta.
There are beginners' areas on both sides of the road with about a dozen drag lifts serving the area. These green graded runs are predominantly in the Sunnyside sector.
Intermediates can spread out across the whole three valleys with long reds beneath Glas Maol. There are wide runs in Thunderbowl and popular sheltered terrain over the back at Coire Fionn. Freestylers and snowboarders will enjoy the bumps, jumps and natural half-pipe of Meall Odhar.
The steepest run, The Tiger, is beneath Cairnwell where there's also a race track area, which has hosted speed skiing championships.
There are 40km (25 miles) of ski runs, with nearly three-quarters of the runs rated easy blue or intermediate red. The ski area extends over the four peaks of Glas Maol, Meall Odhar, Cairnwell and Cairn Aosta.
There are beginners' areas on both sides of the road with about a dozen drag lifts serving the area. These green graded runs are predominantly in the Sunnyside sector.
Intermediates can spread out across the whole three valleys with long reds beneath Glas Maol. There are wide runs in Thunderbowl and popular sheltered terrain over the back at Coire Fionn. Freestylers and snowboarders will enjoy the bumps, jumps and natural half-pipe of Meall Odhar.
The steepest run, The Tiger, is beneath Cairnwell where there's also a race track area, which has hosted speed skiing championships.
Beyond the slopes
There's a lot to do around Glenshee, however, most activities are located a few miles apart from one another so having a car is important to take full advantage of the opportunities. Most of the leisure activities available are outdoors and include hill walking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, bird watching and clay pigeon shooting. There are also many places of interest in the area including several whisky distilleries and the village of Braemar - famous for its annual summer Highland Games normally attended by a member of the royal family.
One local facility is the Glenshee Pottery which, apart from selling ceramics, stages winter workshops in a wide range of craft activities including needle felting, wire crocheted jewellery and silk papermaking.
One local facility is the Glenshee Pottery which, apart from selling ceramics, stages winter workshops in a wide range of craft activities including needle felting, wire crocheted jewellery and silk papermaking.
Family fun
Glenshee has a very family-friendly atmosphere which is also found in the small villages around the resort. The only thing lacking are indoor facilities like swimming pools that exist in larger, more centralised resorts - for those type of facilities you would need to travel to Aberdeen or Aviemore. On the slopes the ski school accepts children aged six and older and a nursery facility sometimes operates in high season catering for children aged two and up. It is important to check this is operating and to book a place in advance.
Retail therapy
Shopping opportunities are very limited with one ski and gift shop at the centre. Travelling northeast, Braemar has a small selection of shops covering all essentials and providing tourist gifts. The choice continues to increase as you continue towards Aberdeen through Royal Deeside.
Après ski
As many skiers at Glenshee are day-trippers from Aberdeen, Dundee or Perth the après ski scene tends to be limited to locals, winter holidaymakers or weekenders. Action is found in the hotels that are dotted around the area. The Spittal of Glenshee Hotel is the nearest to the ski slopes and has a reputation for serving superb food with a good atmosphere, cosy log fires and a games room. Ceilidhs and other live entertainments are sometimes organized in the area and advertised locally.
Eating out
There are three on-mountain dining choices at Glenshee. The Cairnwell Mountain Restaurant is situated mid-mountain and has great views on a clear day. The cosy Meall Odhar Café is nestled in the middle valley over the road and accessed by the Beag Tow. The licensed Base Cafe is situated at the car park and is a good meeting place and popular with beginners. In the wider area much of the evening dining is provided by local hotel restaurants such as the Dalmunzie Castle based in a former laird's mansion.
Getting around
Glenshee Ski Centre is situated 14km (9 miles) south of Braemar and 40km (24 miles) north of Blairgowrie. There is no winter bus service, the nearest rail station is Pitlochry, 52km (32 miles) away. So most visitors arrive by car and there is extensive car parking available.
Splashing out
Sign up for an Introduction to Winter Mountaineering with Cairnwell Mountain Sports (www.cairnwellmountainsports.co.uk). The full day course provides an introduction to the use of the ice axe, crampons, navigation techniques and avalanche awareness.
Accommodation
Luxury
Dalmunzie CastleWarm, friendly, family run, 3-star country house hotel, visited by Queen Victoria with parts dating back 500 years and 16 en-suite rooms. Ski packages can be arranged by the hotel.
Dalmunzie, Glenshee
Tel: (01250) 885 224.
Web: www.dalmunzie.com
Moderate
The Green Park HotelLocated in Pitlochry, the nearest tourist town to the ski area, the hotel enjoys unrivalled views over Loch Faskally.
Clunie Bridge Road
Tel: (01796) 473 248
Web: www.thegreenpark.co.uk
Budget
Gulabin LodgeA family run hostel providing self-catering accommodation or bed and breakfast as well as ski activity breaks located ten minutes from Glenshee Ski centre.
Spittal of Glenshee by Blairgowrie
Tel: (01250) 885 255.
Web: www.cairnwellmountainsports.co.uk
Getting there
Nearest airport: Aberdeen (ABZ); Glasgow International (GLA).
Distance to resort: 110km (69 miles); 162km (101 miles).
Driving time: 1 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Distance to resort: 110km (69 miles); 162km (101 miles).
Driving time: 1 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Experts, Beginners, Intermediates, Snowboarders
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