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The 6 Best Skiing Adventures in and around Edinburgh (That We Actually Tried and LOVED!)
Skiing in Edinburgh is always a blast (even after an occasional fall—err, I mean, a lot of falls). Even when I was a total noob, as I strapped on my skis, I knew it was going to be a blast. (Spoler alert: It totally was)!
And to help you find which spot to hit, I’m giving you the lowdown on my favourite skiing spots in Edinburgh that can make your experience super fun and exciting!
So, read on and get ready for some laughs, thrills, and maybe even the occasional snowball fight.
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
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Website: https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/snowsports_centre
Address: Biggar Rd.
Contact details: +44 131 445 4433
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- 1 hour (main slope) – £15 (Adult), £10 (Junior)
- Additional hour (main slope) – £8 (Adult), £5 (Junior)
Chairlift prices:
- 1 return journey – £5 (Adult), £3.80 (Junior)
- Special family (2 adults, 2 children) – £10
- Parapene tickets (5 journeys) – £10
Midlothian Snowsports Centre, simply known as Hillend, is right outside Edinburgh and boasts the UK’s longest dry ski slope, making it a prime spot for skiing enthusiasts year-round. This place is perfect, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier.
They offer a solid range of facilities, including ski and snowboard rentals, lessons for all levels, and even a tubing area for kids and adults who want something a bit different. Plus, there’s a terrain park where you can practise your tricks.
One of the coolest things about Hillend is its variety of slope difficulties, from green runs for novices to more challenging red and black runs for seasoned skiers. The lifts are efficient and rarely have long wait times, which means more time on the slopes for you.
Pro tip:
After a day of skiing, you can enjoy a bite at their café, which has a decent selection of snacks and hot drinks.
You might also want to check their online booking system for discounted rates on lessons and slope time, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays.
Polmonthill Ski Centre
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Website: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/polmonthill-snowsports-centre/
Address: Avondale Rd, Polmont, Falkirk
Contact details: +44 132 450 3835
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Instruction (per hour w/ equipment) £15(Adult), £9 (Junior)
- Practice (per hour w/ equipment) – £8 (Adult), £5 (Junior)
- Play plan (per hour) – £2.50
Polmonthill Ski Centre over in Falkirk has a lot going for it. It’s less crowded compared to other spots, which is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed skiing experience.
The centre offers equipment rentals and a range of lessons, from beginner sessions to more advanced courses, making it a great spot for all levels. They also have a good mix of slope difficulties, including a nursery slope that’s excellent for getting kids into skiing.
What’s more, they have a dedicated freestyle area, which includes jumps and rails that are sure to excite anyone looking to up their game. They also have a button lift that runs smoothly and efficiently.
Pro tip:
You may check out their classes’ schedule online. They offer a variety of lessons that can suit your preferred dates, making it convenient to join in or enrol your kids for some skiing fun!
Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre
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Website: http://www.ski-glasgow.org/
Address: 16 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston
Contact details: +44 141 427 4991
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Cost:
- £10 per person
- £25 for family ticket
Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre is actually the oldest dry slope in Scotland and is well-loved for its welcoming community and extensive range of facilities. This place offers lessons and equipment rentals to get you fully geared up.
Here, you can expect a mix of nursery slopes for beginners as well as steeper runs for those who’ve been doing this for a while. They also have a slalom course for practising those tight turns.
One unique offering here is their mogul field and snow park, where you can test out some freestyle moves. And don’t worry about refreshments; their clubhouse serves a variety of food and drinks to keep you fueled.
Pro tip:
If you’re serious about improving, their membership offers unlimited slope time and access to free coaching sessions, which is a fantastic deal.
Firpark Ski Centre
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Website: https://www.clacks.gov.uk/culture/firparkskicentre/
Address: 24 Fir Park, Tillicoultry
Contact details: +44 125 975 1772
Operating hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Recreational Skiing / Snowboarding – £11.55 (Adult), £6.05 (Child) per hour
Firpark Ski Center is a bit of a hidden gem; it’s smaller and quieter, perfect for those who want to avoid the busier spots. This place is particularly family-friendly but also offers enough to keep more advanced skiers entertained.
Their runs include a gentle slope and a more challenging intermediate slope. The centre has a quaint little café that serves light meals and snacks, so you can refuel without having to leave the premises.
Moreover, they provide equipment rentals and a variety of lesson packages for all ages and skill levels, making it a great place to start or improve your skiing journey.
Pro tip:
Firpark offers fantastic family packages that can save quite a bit if you’re bringing the whole gang. Plus, their holiday camps for kids are a hit and provide an engaging way for young ones to get into the sport.
Ancrum Outdoor Centre
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Website: http://www.ancrum.com/
Address: 10 Ancrum Rd, Lochee, Dundee
Contact details: +44 138 243 5911
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
While Ancrum Outdoor Center may not have the expansive slopes of other centres, it offers a great introduction to skiing and snowboarding, be it on Alpine skiing or at their fully equipped dry slope.
Beyond skiing, the centre also offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, archery, and more. So, it’s really perfect for those who love a mix of adventures.
By the way, Ancrum is known for its youth programs and can cater to school groups and clubs, so it’s an ideal spot for kids to get their first taste of skiing. Furthermore, they offer equipment rentals and a variety of lessons to suit different levels of experience.
Pro tip:
Their multi-activity packages are great value for money. You can combine skiing with other activities like climbing or canoeing, making for a full day of fun.
Bearsden Snowsports Club
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/bearsdensnowsportsclub/
Address: Ski and Board Club, Bearsden, Glasgow
Contact details: +44 141 943 1500
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM, 5 PM to 6:30 PM, 8 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, 8 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM, 8:15 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £-££
Bearsden Snowsports Club is renowned for producing some top athletes and offers excellent training facilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced skier looking to join a community of like-minded folks, Bearsden has something for everyone.
They have several slopes of varying difficulty and a dedicated training slope, plus they offer equipment rentals and lessons for all ages. What’s more, they have regular race training sessions and a ski team you can join if you’re serious about the sport.
But don’t worry; they cater to recreational skiers too, with a friendly atmosphere and excellent coaching. The club also organises events and competitions, which are always exciting to watch or participate in.
Pro tip:
You can take your skiing skills to the next level by joining their Summer Ski School. It’s perfect for those who want to get serious about skiing and improve year-round!
