You can certainly feel the excitement build with residents and visitors alike in the run up to winter – when will it snow? How much will we get? Everyone starts planning for their favourite winter activities. No wonder, ‘ The Cairngorms were built on winter experiences’, says Visit Cairngorms and we couldn’t agree more! With Narnia-like forest walks, some of the best snowsports offered in Scotland, cosy cafes and pubs to warm up in, The Cairngorms is one of the best places for winter breaks in Scotland.
Snowsports
The Cairngorm Mountain ski area is offers something for all. As the highest ski resort in Scotland, you and your family can enjoy gentle slopes, low level paths, cross-country skiing and snowboarding with over 30km of pisted runs, 13 surface lifts, freestyle terrain and they offer equipment hire. The landscapes are unbelievable, as you’re heading down the slopes you can enjoy panoramic views down the valley towards the glistening lochs. The snowsports season begins on 22 December 2023.
The Lecht is another fantastic option, small but it still packs plenty of punch. Started in 1977 there wasn’t much there before a layby big enough for 3 cars and a cattle grid. The ability to attract and hold snow it was the ideal place, the idea was to to develop an area that was more suitable for beginners. The road to The Lect is thrill in itself, you’ll take one of the highest main roads in the UK from Tomintoul to Cockbridge.
Narnia-like forest walks
You can certainly enjoy the beautiful landscapes without the thrills and spills. There are numerous walks to enjoy all around The Cairngorms. Some of our favourite walks near Aviemore are:
An Lochan Uaine – enjoy the forest tracks covered in snow to renowned ‘green loch’. A beautiful walk for all levels. From loch you can detour with gentle climb leads up the Ryvoan pass. The return walk has panoramic views of Loch Morlich and Cairngorm.
Loch an Eilein – one of the most beautiful lochs in the Highlands. In winter, take in the vast sheet of frozen water nestled in by Rothiemurchus Forest. You can even get a cup of coffee or hot cocoa from Hazel at the little cafe near the loch shore from the car park entrance. If you’re looking for a little ascent, considering extending your walk to Ord Ban for some glorious birds eye view of the loch and beyond.
These can be easily navigated on your own by using Walkhighlands. If you are looking to learn winter walking skills or want to hire a guide for some of the nearby Munros or challenging walks in the area, we can recommend: Cairngorm Adventure Guides.
Enjoy slowing down
Perhaps you are looking to tune into the natural rhythms of the season and want to slow down and relax a bit. There might not be any better place – with 9am sunrises and 4pm sunsets, you can make the most of a winter slumber. If you’re planning your winter break in of our holiday accommodations , then you will enjoy the most luxurious super king beds. All of our cottages have log fires and bath tubs, enjoy lazy afternoons with a long soak in the tub, then curl up next to the fire with a warm drink or boards games.
Make sure to look up!
There’s no guarantees, but a winter break in The Cairngorms is an ideal place to try to see the Aurora Borealis. Many of our guests have been treated to the green light shows from the cottage gardens. We always suggest making the most of the long winter nights anyways. There’s nothing better than bringing the blankets and warm drinks outside to sit under the vast dark sky.
Family Fun
As mentioned above, there is a range of snowsports available for families at our two mountain resorts, The Lecht and Cairngorm Mountain and both have cafes so you and your family can warm up and get a bite to eat between runs. You can also enjoy some fantastic local sledging at spots around Aviemore. In front of Macdonald Hotel & Resort you’ll find a hill as well as if if you head towards Cairngorm Mountain, you’ll see a hill just after Loch Morlich that is superb for sledging.
You can also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities for the family at Rothiemurchus. Hairy Coo Safaris, Quad Bike Treks, Feed the Deer and more.
