Cairngorm in Scotland
Resort Guide
Cairngorm ski area has a bed base spread right throughout the Spey Valley. The main ski area is situated a nine mile drive from the main resort centre of Aviemore, but there is accommodation available at the foot of the main access road at Glenmore. Not for nothing is there a good range of diverse activities available - indoors and out - across the valley. As is frequently noted, the Scottish ski and boarding experience is not always on skis or snow, and local alternative pursuits and interests are required substitutes when the weather turns for the worse. That said midweek in late February or mid March when the runs are quiet and the consolidated base is topped with a fresh fall of snow, and the full area is available a day on Cairngorm - or the other bigger Scottish centres - is a matchfor any European resorts. What it lacks is consistent weather. Most of the big snow dumps of the season arrive in strong winds which often blow away as much of the existing snow as actually yield a net gain. Temperatures do tend to vary greatly, particularly with the arrival of the prevailing wet Westerly airstream. The main resort base is Aviemore which is rightly criticised for being dull and dated, and badly in need of major investment particularly for the 30 year old Aviemore Centre, but developments towards either end of the village have brought more accommodation and some relatively appealing housing. There is enough to do locally in the town to merit staying there, but it is a pretty soulless destination which lacks any discernible ambience - unless there is a foot of snow in the village. The towns and villages through Badenoch and Strathspey do not offer the same level of amenity, but many retain a more distinctly traditional highland feel. Nethybridge, Kincraig and Carrbridge are popular and retain more of a village atmosphere. Despite the fact that the Aviemore Centre has seen the closure of both the swimming pool and the ice rink over recent, there is still plenty to do by day and night.Throughout the valley there is everything from guided winter walks and wildlife rambles to mountain biking, pony trekking, 4x4 driving, clay pigeon shooting, ice climbing, nordic skiing, and in spring canoeing and dinghy sailing. Walking and mountain biking through the trails on the Rothiemurchus Estate, Inshriach and Glenmore forests can be perfect compensation for losing a day on the slopes. Accommodation styles and prices are available to suit most tastes and budgets. From youth hostels to country hotels, guest houses and homely bed and breakfasts, there is also a plentiful supply of self catering cottages, lodges and chalets.
Accomodation & Après Ski
Apres ski tends to be what you make of it, but it is all there to be exploited or avoided. There is usually live music in several of the bars, varying from traditional Scottish folk duos to dodgy allround 'entertainers' pumping out second rate covers. Otherwise Mambo, Chevvy's (R.I.P.) and Crofter's (also R.I.P.) are usually at the epicentre of the evening's drinking and carousing. Eating out is still variable. The Bridge Inn down by the river has a good reputation as does the local Littlejohn's - one of a Scottish chain serving American style food. The Cairngorm Hotel bar, the Winking Owl and the Red Mcgregor are still very popular. Further afield the choice widens. Low season all inclusive family packages at the Stakis Coylumbridge Hotel can be good value. Sited right on the ski road it is fully self contained and has a swimming pool, childcare and a kids soft play area. Otherwise accommodation options for visitors with cars are plentiful. Groups will find excellent value to be had in self-catering houses and cottages close to a typical village pub. Those on a budget can avail themselves of the hostels in Aviemore or Glenmore - and use the regular ski bus to and from the slopes.
Resort Statistics
- Resort Height : 1200
- Top Station : 1097
- Bottom Station : 655
- Vertical Descent : 610
- Drag Lifts : 13
- Chair Lifts : 2
- Opens : October-April
- Expert Rating : 7
- Intermediate Rating : 6
- Beginner Rating : 6