 Poster: A snowHead
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Scotland
Cairngorm
Parking
Most people who ski in Cairngorm drive there. There is no resort accomodation within a couple of miles of the pistes. For overnight parking it is better to be away from the slopeside, as the car park is on a slope and so your van will be at an angle all night. There is a campsite nearby by Loch Morlich, and there are free places by the loch too. Across the road from the campsite there is a Forestry commission tourist office, which has a level car park, which is very handy for overnight stops away from the town centre of Aviemore and near the pistes.
In Aviemore, there are plenty of lay-bys near the Tourist information office and a campsite (if it is open). It is usually free or a nominal £1 overnight ticket charge.
Skiing
In the last couple of years there has been a lot of snow. The weather is the main obstacle to skiing here. It gets very windy, and cold. Even in sunny days, it is uncomfortable in the wind. There is not a lot of challenge here for anyone above intermediate, especially if the snow is lacking.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Aviemore, 5 miles + away from the slopes, is about as close to a ski resort nightlife you will get in Scotland. I have never been during a ski season.
Eating in
Tescos is the main supermarket, and fish and chips is the main fast food.
Anything else
There is a swimming pool in the Hilton hotel which is worth a visit one evening. The access roads are usually well cleared and there is good access to this resort.
Glencoe
Parking
There is a large car park at the foot of the first lift. It is level, and often used by campervans for an overnight stop. It is free to park.
Skiing
On a good day, the skiing can be fantastic. It is a very small resort, with only a few lifts. However, there are many nooks and alley ways, which make up the pistes and mean that you really have to do each piste several times before you experience its varied challenges. The wind only really hits you here at the very top, and so is not as bad as Cairngorm for cold. On blue sky days it gets quite warm by the one food hut.
Nightlife
None. There is one cafe/bar at the ski pass sales outlet. I usually take a flask of coffee.
Eating in
If you like pies, and stogy chips, you might like the food. It is not for me.
Anything else
It is well worth a half day or even a full day when the weather is good and the snow is deep (not that often). The access roads are usually well cleared and there is good access to this resort.
Glenshee
Parking
There is a lot of free parking available at Glenshee which is all level and easily accessed. It is suitable for campervans, many of which park overnight near the ticket office. It can be very difficult to get to Glenshee when the snow is good, as the road is narrow, windy, and often very icy and dangerous. The car parks fill up when the weather is good, and afterwards all the cars try to leave at the same time. You will often see cars in ditches on the way back, with more than just a ding on the wing. Waiting until the main traffic has gone, or staying overnight and leaving when there is no traffic is a safer option.
Skiing
When all the lifts are open, and there is a good covering of snow, Glenshee is perhaps the best all round ski area in Scotland. It has something for beginners, intermediates, and experts. (not a lot, but there is still something)
Nightlife
I am not aware of any, and I have stayed overnight at Glenshee in the car park.
Eating in
If you like pies and chips, you will be heaven. The food is cheap, and stodgy. I cook what I take in tins, or get from a supermarket.
Anything else
This is probably the most dangerous ski area to travel to in Scotland due to the narrow access road. A lot of accidents happen on this road, and on the roads surrounding Perth when the ski season erupts.
The Lecht
Parking
There is plenty of free parking, all on level ground at the ski station. There is no resort to speak of. just a couple of cafes/bars.
Skiing
Fairly limited up and down skiing, on not very steep slopes. Good for beginners!
Nightlife
None
Anything else
You are unlikely to find anyone here except learners from Aberdeen, and maybe students from Aberdeen University. There will be lots of children here.
Nevis Range
Parking
The parking is ample and free. It can get busy though, so it is best to get there early if the weather is good. It is possible to spend a night or two here in a campervan. The parking is right next to the ski lift station.
Skiing
Some of the most challenging skiing in Scotland is available here. The Back corries are an unpisted area where, when the weather is right, there is some large drops to get to a very steep expanse. The rest of the ski area is good for warming up, before you drop off the back.
Nightlife
There is some nightlife in Fort William, however it is not a ski resort form of nightlife. In other words, locals go out here too! The ski lifts are a few miles outside of Fort William.
Eating in
The cafe here is slightly more upmarket than any of the other Scottish Ski resorts. You are verging on obtaining something which might not cause a cholesterol induced heart attack.
Anything else
The access roads are usually well cleared and there is good access to this resort.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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A lesser known ski hill in Scotland, Ben Ledi December 2017.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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5/3/2020 A more recent picture of Glencoe ski area
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FAQ
