Ski-on: Scotland’s five ski resorts profiled

WEATHER forecasters have predicted that the Scottish ski season will be extended well into June this year - bringing a much-needed good news to snow enthusiasts and those communities that rely on the industry.

With the season extended that little bit longer we look at five resorts that should be on the radar of any skiier or snowboarder.

CAIRNGORM

Often described as the most scenic Scottish ski resort it is one of the country’s most popular on account of its tendency to retain its snow longer than its competitiors.

Situated ten minutes east of Aviemore it offers 23 runs and 12 lifts.

Around 48 per cent of the slopes are ideal for beginners while the more experienced winter sports fan can enjoy the Ciste Gully and The White Lady runs.

Cairngorm also has a unique funicular railway - the highest railway in the UK - that ferries passengers up the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm.

NEVIS RANGE

Seven miles north of Fort William, the Nevis range (Aonach Mor) is the newest of the Scottish resorts.

It is the only resort in Britain to use a gondola system.

The range offers a mixture of slopes for skiers of all abilities. There is family terrain for beginners to intermediate skiers on one side of the range with the other offering off-piste options for the more experienced.

THE LECHT

The Lecht is notably smaller than the other resorts but packs in 18 pisted slopes across 20kms.

The resort is located on the Cockbridge to Tomintoul Road and remarkably sits just 2000 feet above sea level.

There are seven blue runs and 5 red runs and for experienced skiers there is a black-graded race piste with timing and rapid slalom poles.

Unique to the Lecht is the ‘Magic Carpet’. This is a conveyor-belt style lift that makes it is easy to disembark if you’re venturing onto the snow for the first time.

The Lecht is also the only resort to offer snow tubing. Ideal for beginners, you can sit in an inflatable tube and slide down the purpose-built slope.

GLENSHEE

Glenshee is the largest of the Scottish resorts. It offers 36 runs served by 22 lifts.

It is located close to Braemar and the Queen’s Balmoral home. The slopes run over the ‘Three Valleys’ flanking each side of Britain’s highest road pass and four mountains.

The name Glenshee translates in Gaelic to ‘Glen of the Fairies’.

It boasts a wide range of pisted and unpisted slopes to caters for all abilities.

For the more experienced, there are two black runs, one of which has been used for the British Speed Skiing Championships.

GLENCOE

Founded in 1956 and located in Rannoch Moor, Glencoe is Scotland’s oldest ski centre.

The challenging terrain is home to Ossian’s cave, numerous waterfalls and the Lost Valley where the MacDonald clan once hid their stolen cattle.

This is a resort full of history and tradition while also hosting 17 runs and 9 lifts.