Cairngorm Mountain Resort Overview

Perched on Scotland’s sixth highest mountain, Cairngorm Mountain resort stands at 1,245m, with the highest ski lift reaching 1,097m. The resort is located near Aviemore, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and offers 30km of diverse, skiable terrain.

The resort offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional Scottish lodges, cosy bed and breakfasts to modern self-catered apartments, all surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. 

Skiing in Cairngorm Mountain

Cairngorm Mountain offers a unique skiing experience, with 11 lifts giving access to 30km of pisted terrain. There are runs suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced. 

The lower slopes adjacent to the day lodge are ideal for beginners, with gentle runs like the Sheiling and Ciste Fairway. Intermediate skiers can enjoy the longer runs from the Ptarmigan Top Station, such as the M1 RaceTrack and Cas Gunbarrel. For advanced skiers, the East Wall and West Wall Poma offer steep, challenging descents.

Cairngorm Mountain is also known for its freestyle skiing, with a dedicated terrain park that hosts regular freestyle events throughout the season.

Is Cairngorm Mountain Family-friendly?

Cairngorm Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort with a range of activities to entertain children and adults alike. The resort offers a variety of ski-in-ski-out accommodation options, many of which are self-catered, making it a convenient choice for families. The resort also has family-friendly amenities like sledging, snowshoeing and funicular railway rides.

Après-Ski Scene in Cairngorm Mountain

Cairngorm Mountain may not have the buzzing après-ski scene of some of the larger Alpine resorts, but it still offers a great selection of cosy pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Aviemore to unwind after a day on the slopes. The Cairngorm Hotel, known as ‘The Cairn’, is a popular spot for live Scottish music, while the Old Bridge Inn offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a roaring log fire.

Dining in Cairngorm Mountain

When it comes to dining, Cairngorm Mountain has a variety of options to suit all tastes. On the mountain, the Ptarmigan Restaurant offers stunning panoramic views alongside a menu of hearty Scottish fare. In Aviemore, The Winking Owl serves up locally-sourced dishes in a cosy setting, while The Rowan Tree Country Hotel offers fine dining with a focus on Scottish cuisine.

How to Get to Cairngorm Mountain

The easiest way to get to Cairngorm Mountain from the UK is to fly to Inverness Airport, which is a 50-minute transfer from the resort. Other nearby airports include Aberdeen Airport (2h 30m) and Glasgow Airport (2h 45m). Aviemore train station is just a 15-minute drive from the resort, with regular services from major UK cities. 

Cairngorm Mountain Insider Tips

• Try out the funicular railway for a unique way to ascend the mountain – non-skiers can also enjoy the ride and the stunning views from the Ptarmigan Restaurant.
• Take a guided walk through the stunning natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
• Sample local Scottish fare at The Winking Owl – their venison stew is a must-try!
• Remember to keep an eye out for local wildlife – you might spot red deer, golden eagles, or if you’re lucky, the elusive Scottish wildcat.

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