Ski Scotland

Morning all, I am fully aware that we are all in the process of looking/booking our annual ski trips, I am currently in the same situation.

But I was thinking about a long weekend trip to Scotland (Thursday night flight up Sunday flight back down). The flights are only £50ish return from Stansted which is about 5 miles from me. I'm just not sure if the resorts are worth long trip for two and a half days on the snow.

So if anyone has skied in Scotland can they give me a review please? All feedback welcome.

Thanks in advance.

I don't wish to disparage Scotland - I've skied in four of the five areas (resorts is not quite the right word!) and enjoyed it very much. Scottish ski-ing is great if you happen to be in Scotland anyway and can take advantage of good weather/snow.

It's risky booking in advance and for the money you'd spend, you might be better off doing a long weekend in a European resort. There's lots of companies who offer packages and doing it independently is fun, as well!

You don't say which airport in Scotland is involved. Apart from Inverness, the ski areas are quite a trek from the main airports.

Having said all that, I have a job in Scotland next April. I'll pack my boots in the hope the snow is still there!

LOTA has given you some sound advice already. The main issue with Scotland is booking ahead is a game of Russian roulette. You're best off (if flexible) to wait and see what conditions are like then go for it/hold off. It makes less sense IMO for those in the South and even more so for yourself as you're within easy reach of an airport (how I'd kill for that!) You'd be better off heading to the Alps for the weekend. In my experience flights are cheap to Geneva which opens up a world of skiing possibilities. Chamonix is very good for offering <a week accommodation which is the main issue elsewhere I've found.

I've never flew into Inverness so have no idea on the transfers but you'll most likely need a car, or at best bus/train. Adding the costs/time involved and it doesn't really stack up? I live in the Lakes and my OH has family 30 mins from Nevis Range and Glencoe ski areas. It's about 4.5 hours door to door for me in the car and I've had some excellent weekends sliding up there over the years! If the conditions are right it's as good as anywhere just about if not large enough to keep you entertained for a full week. For the 2 above areas Glasgow is the most convenient option but it's a good 2.5 hours to get to Glencoe or Fort William by car. The train is very scenic but slllllloooooowww.

Thanks for the advice.

You have highlighted the same concerns that I have, weather conditions are to unstable to book early so I would be looking at a last min trip if it were to happen. On the other hand it's just as easy/quick to go to the Alpes. I think more investigation is needed as I was not aware you could get 'long weekend' trips to the alpes.

There's loads of em - just do a google search! You can even get day trips now from Stansted!

I pretty much agree with everything that has been said.

My wife is from Scotland and I go there several times a year. It is very hit and miss. If you are there soon after a snow falls and in the middle of a cold snap, then it can be quite decent(and cheap if you happen to be close enough).

Other times though, it can be terrible and not worth the hassle of an hours drive, never-mind a flight. In the morning the runs can be like sheets of ice and the afternoons slush.