February Skiing in Scotland
15th February 2024 | Rod Frazer, Glencoe
Last modified on February 27th, 2024
Snow and cold temperatures arrived in Scotland just in time for the school holidays. Two of our reporters have been out on the hill – with mixed results.
First we hear from PlanetSKI’s Scotland Reporter, Rod Frazer, who had some success.
Then it’s reporter Simon Wilson who had, er, less luck.
Rod Frazer:
Rod Frazer at Glencoe. Image c/o Rod Frazer
“Last week saw some pretty consistent cold temperatures in the Highlands, and some decent snow falls in the west,” said Rod.
“Glencoe did a great job getting the hill prepped so that not just the upper mountain, but most of the lower slopes are now complete as well.
“We had a great ski there on Wednesday on sweet snow with very light winds and decent visibility.”
Glencoe. Image c/o Rod Frazer
Glencoe. Image c/o Rod Frazer
Glencoe. Image c/o Rod Frazer
“It was surprisingly chilled out considering it’s half term, so there were hardly any queues on the hill.”
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“Elsewhere in Scotland the recent snow in the west has also allowed Nevis Range to open.
“There is a lot of snow on the upper mountain, but cover is still thin lower down.
“There has been less fresh snow over on the Cairngorms side, so The Lecht has beginner runs open, and Glenshee currently has some beginner runs and one intermediate run available.
“Cairngorm Mountain‘s beginner runs lower down are in good shape.
“There is also decent snow cover from mid mountain up but, as the funicular is still out of action, this requires a 20-minute hike to the mid station to reach the skiing up there.”
Simon Wilson:
The Lecht, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
PlanetSKI reporter Simon Wilson and daughter Nina had been hoping to squeeze in a day or two of skiing this weekend during a break in her studies at Edinburgh University.
“We booked accommodation close to Glenshee,” said Simon “however it became clear earlier this week that only a couple of beginner runs would be open there.”
“However we decided to go anyway and head up into the hills. There were a few dozen hardy souls out skiing on the nursery slopes on some mushy spring snow.”
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
“We decided to head into the Glenshee cafe where we got an excellent friendly welcome and some steaming hot chocolate.”
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
“We found a lovely hike near Braemar and grabbed some lunch before driving up the dramatic road to the Lecht ski area where conditions were similar.”
“So no Scottish skiing for us this time – but lots of useful knowledge gained, and we’ll be back for sure when conditions are better.”
The Lecht, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
Traditionally the second half of the season tends to be better in Scotland, so here’s hoping the end of February and March bring some big storms in.
Dianne and Rod Frazer have built a selection of superb self catered properties in the heart of the National Park. Where Stags Roar is the recent winner in the Best Self Catered Accommodation category at the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards.
