Glenshee, the largest ski resort in the UK, is a winter wonderland that offers a magical skiing experience for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With more than 2,000 acres of terrain, 21 lifts and tows, and 40 km of pistes, Glenshee has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for gentle slopes, challenging runs, or off-piste adventures, Glenshee has it all.
A History of Glenshee
Glenshee, which means “Glen of the Fairies” in Gaelic, has a long and rich history of skiing. The first recorded ski descent of the glen was in 1931, when a group of enthusiasts from Aberdeen skied from the summit of Glas Maol to the Spittal of Glenshee. In 1936, the first ski tow was installed at the Cairnwell, and in 1957, the first chairlift was built at the Sunnyside. Since then, Glenshee has expanded and improved its facilities, becoming the most popular ski destination in Scotland.
What to Expect at Glenshee
Glenshee offers a variety of runs for different abilities and preferences. The resort is divided into three valleys: the Cairnwell, the Coire Fionn, and the Glas Maol. The Cairnwell is the most accessible and beginner-friendly area, with green and blue runs, a terrain park, and a plastic slope for snow tubing. The Coire Fionn is the intermediate zone, with red and black runs, and some off-piste options. The Glas Maol is the advanced area, with the longest and steepest runs, and the best views of the surrounding mountains.
Glenshee has excellent snow conditions, thanks to its high altitude and extensive snow-making facilities. The resort is usually open from December to March, but the opening and closing dates may vary depending on the weather. Glenshee also has a modern and comfortable base station, with a café, a restaurant, a bar, a shop, a ski school, and a ski hire. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
How to Get to Glenshee
Glenshee is located in the eastern Highlands of Scotland, about 90 km north of Perth, and 100 km west of Aberdeen. The easiest way to get to Glenshee is by car, as the resort is situated on the A93 road, which is part of the scenic Snow Roads route. The road is well-maintained and usually open, but it can be challenging in snowy and icy conditions, so drivers should be prepared and check the road status before travelling. Alternatively, there are bus services from Perth, Aberdeen, and Braemar, which stop near the resort. There are also train stations in Perth and Aberdeen, which connect to other major cities in Scotland and the UK.
Glenshee is a fairy-tale ski resort that offers a magical skiing experience for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With more than 2,000 acres of terrain, 21 lifts and tows, and 40 km of pistes, Glenshee has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for gentle slopes, challenging runs, or off-piste adventures, Glenshee has it all.
