Snow Sports in the Cairngorms National Park

The ski season on CairnGorm Mountain's 30 kilometres of pisted runs just outside Aviemore runs from December to April. Take the funicular railway to the Ptarmigan top station and cruise two kilometres back down through stunning mountain scenery. If it's après ski you're after, then Aviemore's lively bars aren't far away. On the way home drop into the Woodshed for a drink next to the open fire.

Situated between the towns of Tomintoul and Strathdon in the northeast of the Cairngorms Park, The Lecht ski area is smaller, but still worth a visit. There are 18 pisted runs at The Lecht, extending to some 20 kms. For the improver or intermediate skier, seven blue runs and five red runs provide enough of a thrill for a day's outing. Drop by the Glen Avon in Tomintoul for a drink if you are heading back towards Aviemore.

The Glenshee ski area in the south of the Park just outside Braemar is more extensive. It has 21 lifts leading to 36 runs and 40 kilometres of marked trails of varying difficulty. The resort extends over three valleys and four peaks. Après ski centres on the hotels in the Braemar & Ballater area, but some of the best après nights can be found at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel.

Snowboarders and extreme skiers are equally well looked after in the three ski centres in the Cairngorms National Park. The CairnGorm was the first to enjoy a maintained fun park. Glenshee is perhaps the best snowboard centre in the UK and frequently hosts the championships. The Lecht was the first area in Scotland to offer snowboard tuition. It has since hosted numerous competitions in a snow-park which includes: table tops, log slides, gap jumps and a half-pipe.

For snowboard or skiing lessons check out the Snow Board / Ski School at the Cairngorm Mountain. Outdoor Discovery offer Skiing and Snowboard lesson all year round on a dry slope. Loch Insh also has a small dry slope for lessons. Snow Sports Highland Holidays at Glenshee cater for all levels of ability, from raw beginner to expert. The Lecht has an in house ski instruction school. For a relaxed introduction to skiing, try the Slochd Ski School in Carrbridge.

Scottish Cairngorms is the place for cross-country skiing in the UK. The best cross-country skiing in the Park is found in amongst the wooded trails of the Rothiemurchus Estate around Loch Morlich but there's plenty of scope for Nordic skiing at Inshriach and Glenmore Forest, and on the Glenlivet Estate. Indeed most forest tracks are suitable after a heavy snowfall. A trail map can be obtained from any tourist office. Slochd cross-country is the best kept secret in the Park.

The Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure Centre in Aviemore is the only working dog centre in the UK and offers a range of activities for all the family, from kennel and museum tours to dog trips and safaris. It's even possible to take a two-day tour with an overnight stay before driving your own sled back to the centre.

The major climbing areas in the Cairngorms from the corries of Braeriach to the cliffs of Lochnagar and Creag an Dubh Loch provide the finest winter climbing in Britain. Long and varied climbs are mixed in with short technical routes and pure ice climbs for all grades. With its outdoor activities, service providers always on hand, Aviemore and Glenmore Lodge is a good place to start.