Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland
Ski Resort (537m1,762ft to 1,245m4,085ft). Rated: 3/5 (from 6 ratings)
Scotland's best known ski area is ten miles East of the lively village of Aviemore. There have been dramatic improvements here in recent years and a vast array of non-ski activities are now available to counter the traditional problem - unpredictable weather.
Cairngorm Mountain Snow News
The next notable snow forecast for Cairngorm Mountain is 4cm1in, expected on 2 March. There is some snow currently indicated by the long-range (7 days+) forecast; but too far ahead to be relied upon.
See our Snow Forecast for Cairngorm Mountain for the latest update, or Join our Snow Mail Here
Who is Cairngorm Mountain good for?
| Expert Skiers | |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Cairngorm Mountain Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 7 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 8 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 11 | |
| Pistes Number of runs | 23 | |
| Cross Country Total Length | 60km37 miles | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 12 | |
Cairngorm Mountain Ski Area Height
| Max Vertical | 708m2,323ft |
|---|---|
| Highest Lift | 1,245m4,085ft |
| Lowest Piste | 537m1,762ft |
| Resort Altitude (Cairngorm Mountain) | 537m1,762ft |
Cairngorm Mountain Summary
The Scottish Ski Resort of Cairngorm Mountain has direct access to 23 individual pistes, served by 12 ski lifts.
The skiing is at relatively low altitude, so snow cover can be variable.
There is an airport within two hours drive, so ski weekends, snowboard breaks and short ski holidays to Cairngorm Mountain are perfectly feasible.
Skiing in Cairngorm Mountain
Snow cover in the Cairngorms and affecting all Scottish ski areas is unpredictable. There can be good falls any time from October to June and equally there can be periods when the slopes are largely bare even at what would be the height of the season elsewhere in mid-winter. Strong winds can also be a problem, closing lifts sometimes, although the new funicular has dramatically reduced this problem at Cairngorm.
When conditions are good at Cairngorm there's nowhere better. Cairngorm has a good range of terrain. For total beginners there are easy green runs just up from the Main Car Park or further up beside the Ptarmigan Centre in the Ptarmigan Bowl, providing an easy beginner area accessed via the Funicular from the Base Station.
Almost half of the slopes (48%) are for beginners and intermediates. Coire Cas, straight up from the Main Car Park, has plenty of green and blue slopes for the intermediates and advancing novices. The M2 is a good long blue run starting from the Ptarmigan Centre at the top all the way down to the Car Parks. 47% of the slopes are red and more experienced skiers enjoy the challenge of the Ciste Gully. The most challenging run, the only black, is the West Wall at Coire na Ciste. The White Lady provides an extra challenge when its covered in moguls.
To help you find your way around there is a free guide service. The Hilton Cairngorm Ambassador Team provide friendly and informative escorted ski and board tours of Cairngorm with a daily tour at 11.30am from the information office in the Base Station at Coire Cas car park.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Snowboarding in Cairngorm Mountain
Cairngorm can offer snowsports instruction, provided by The Ski School and Zippyboarder School, both based at Level 3 of the Day L;odge. Visit their websites at www.theskischool.co.uk and www.learn2snowboard.co.uk for more information. Clothing hire is also available.
This ski area was the first to have a fully maintained snowboard fun park and have produced a ride guide integral to their piste map which keeps boarders informed on their beginner areas, freestyle jumps, freeride, carving and steeps. The terrain at Cairngorm is varied and natural features will form depending on the wind direction and snow.
Cairngorm Mountain Aprés Ski
The main centre for nightlife is Aviemore which has a good choice of pubs and hotels and really seems to come alive when it has a covering of snow. The Vault, the local nightclub is the place to go if you want to party into the early hours, whilst many of the bars and hotels have live music. The Cairngorm Hotel, The Winking Owl, RD's, MacKenzie's and Mambo's are all popular with the tourists and locals alike. The other villages in the area, from Newtonmore in the south to Grantown and Carrbridge in the north, all have a good variety of bars and nightlife.
If you're looking for a cosy Highland pub with a good selection of fine malt whiskies, cask conditioned ales and a superb cellar of great wines then the Old Bridge Inn, by the River Spey is the place to be, especially on a Tuesday night when they have a Highland evening with lively local entertainment.
Cairngorm Mountain in brief
Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is:
Very good for Expert Skiers.
Very good for Intermediate Skiers.
Good for Beginners.
Good for Snowboarding.
Cairngorm Mountain Season Dates
We have no confirmed season dates for Cairngorm Mountain.
Usual opening - Late Nov Fully weather dependent.
Usual closing - Late April has opened in November in snowy autumn.
NOTE:- Opening subject to Snow Conditions in Cairngorm Mountain.
Cairngorm Mountain Piste Map
Cairngorm Mountain
Where is Cairngorm Mountain?
Map showing location of Cairngorm MountainCairngorm Mountain Ski Lift Capacity
Ski Lift Capacity :- The 12 Ski Lifts of Cairngorm Mountain are able to uplift 8,000 skiers / snowboarders per hour.
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