Gliding into Glenshee
If you’re looking for an easy ski getaway, Glenshee is one of the UK’s prized mountain ski centres. Away from the urban bustle, this wild and idyllic spot has been welcoming skiers to its slopes since the 1930s.
Nestled in the grand Grampians mountains, Glenshee is like the smaller cousin of one of Canada’s imposing ski resorts. It’s home to Britain’s largest lift system as well as most extensive pisted ski area. With its perfectly-organised jumble of narrow gullies and open bowls, terrain park and off-piste routes, it’s the ideal nearby snow haven for intermediates and beginners to explore with ease.
Glenshee Resort
Spread across 3 gaping valleys, in the wild and remote reaches of the Scottish Highlands, Glenshee is an unmissable UK ski destination.
As there is no resort in Glenshee, the ski centre is popular for day trips from the nearby cities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. Holidaymakers looking to spend more time on the slopes will find many charming hotels in the mountain village of Braemar, home of the Highland Games and just 13 minutes’ drive away. Ringed by mountains and frequented by curious, wild deer, Braemar is the perfect base for Glenshee skiing.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 650 meters |
| Summit: | 1068 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 36 |
| Total Piste: | 40 km |
| Cross Country: | 60 km |
| Total Lifts: | 22 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 0 |
| Chairlifts: | 3 |
| Drag Lifts: | 19 |
Piste Map
Glenshee Ski Areas & Slopes
Get to know the Glenshee ski map and plan your Scottish ski holiday perfectly with our overview of the key ski areas.
Cairnwell
The highest Glenshee ski peak, where advanced riders gather to showcase their skills and alpine skiers take on the dedicated slalom course.
Intermediate-Advanced: Long reds including the wide open Thunderbowl as well as Glenshee’s most famous black, the Tiger, known for its tricky, steep descent.
Beginners: A series of straight, gentle blues and greens around the base, perfect for getting to grips with these Scottish slopes.
Glas Maol
A popular, sheltered expanse along Glenshee’s western slopes, boasting the centre’s longest runs.
Intermediate-Advanced: Challenging reds and a black crown the summit’s slopes, offering long and smooth descents.
Beginners: A loop of blues around the Coire Fionn Bowl, as well as a weave of gentle greens around the mountain base.
Butchart's Coire
The Glenshee beginner’s hotspot, curving along a mountain bowl, with a scattering of natural quarter pipes and neary terrain park.
Beginners: Long, sweeping blues and greens run from the summit to the base, the perfect stretch for beginners.
Ski Holidays in Glenshee
Glenshee Ski Passes
Glenshee lift passes are sold by the day although you can also pre-book online during ski season.
1 Day Glenshee Ski Pass gives you access to the entire Glenshee ski centre. Adult prices start at £32 with children at £21.
7 Day Glenshee Ski Pass is available from £176 for adults and £115 for juniors.
Beginner Glenshee Ski Pass gives novice skiers access to the Dink Dink, Rope Tow, Claybokie and Baddoch Chairlift, costing £20 for adults and £12 for juniors.
Glenshee Family Ski Pass is available for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 for just £85 per day.
Ski Schools
There are a number of Glenshee ski schools and show board clubs suitable for first-timers, as well as private lessons for more experienced riders looking to hone their skills. All instructors are BASI-qualified and know their way around the Scottish slopes like their palm of their hands. FreshTrack is Glenshee’s first ever ski school, established in the 60s, and is highly regarded in the region.
Equipment Hire
The Glenshee ski centre has on-site hire located at the base alongside the centre’s ski lift ticket office. You can rent full ski suits and helmets, as well as skis, boards and boots, at the Glenshee ski rental shop. Prices start at £23 per day for ski hire. You can also pre-order online during ski season prior to arrival.
Glenshee Winter Sports
Snowboarding Holidays in Glenshee
Glenshee is an often-overlooked snowboarding hotspot in the UK. These Scottish slopes hosted the very first British Championships as well as the 2000 Scottish Snowboarding Championships. It comes as no surprise once you’ve experienced Glenshee’s daring collection of natural half-pipes, alpine routes, terrain park jumps and adrenaline-buzzing black twists.
When to Go?
The typical Glenshee ski season runs between December and April, however is highly subject to snow coverage which can be unreliable. It’s crucial that you check the centre’s opening status online in advance before booking, as this depends on current Glenshee snow conditions.
Snow Report
The weather is the biggest factor to consider when planning your Scottish ski holiday.
Make sure you’re covered in case of poor snow coverage and piste closure with our Ski Travel insurance and keep a close eye on the latest Glenshee snow report.