Spittal of Glenshee (United Kingdom)
Spittal of Glenshee in short
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More on-mountain facilities than most UK ski resorts
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Beautiful location in Cairngorms National Park
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Ski and snowboard lessons available from age 5
The largest ski area in Scotland, Glenshee Ski Centre is situated in Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire, an hour-and-a-half drive from Aberdeen airport. The ski area has 22 lifts and 36 pistes as well as a terrain park. Although catered mostly to intermediates, Glenshee also has two black pistes which are reputed to be among the most challenging in Scotland.
Located in the Eastern Scottish Highlands, Glenshee is quite remote and the ski area itself does not have a dedicated village. The nearest towns to the Glenshee ski area are Braemar (15km away) and the Spittar of Glenshee (10km away).
Alternate activities
Glenshee Ski Centre is mainly centred around skiing, snowboarding and ski touring, and the nearby villages of Braemar and the Spittal of Glenshee are quite small. The closest swimming facilities are at the Hilton hotel in Ballater (only for guests).
Restaurants and bars
The fully-licensed Base Café located near the Main Ticket Office is a great place to grab a hot meal or a glühwein. There are another two on-mountain cafés that open when conditions permit. The après scene is limited, since most skiers are visiting for the day from one of the major Scottish cities, but you can grab supper and a drink at the Moorfield House in Braemar.
Family
There is no kindergarten at Glenshee but children aged 5 and older can partake in ski or snowboard lessons from one of the three snow schools. Although there are limited facilities catered specifically to children, the general atmosphere is family-friendly.