SKIING

The first developed ski area in Scotland was on the site of the current Cairngorm Ski Area, above Glenmore, about seven miles from Aviemore. Since the early days, skiing has expanded considerably. Cairngorm is Scotland's longest-established ski resort and, though it cannot compare to anything in the Alps or North America, it remains Scotland's largest ski area, with 28 runs and over 20 miles of pistes. When the sun shines, the snowfall is good and the crowds are thin, it can be a very satisfying experience. The season normally runs from January until the snow disappears, which can be as late as April.

The Cairngorm Ski Area is about nine miles southeast of Aviemore, above Loch Morlich in Glen More Forest Park, and reached by a frequent bus service. You can rent skis and other equipment from the Day Lodge at the foot of the ski area (Tel. 861261), where you can also buy a lift pass (£21 per day). Ski hire (skis, poles and boots) costs £13 per day, and snowboard hire is £16. There are plans to replace the chair-lift with a funicular railway, much to the anger of environmentalists, but this may be a few years away.

If there's enough snow, the area around Loch Morlich and Rothiemurchus Estate provides good cross-country skiing, though in recent years snowfall has been below average. The tourist office provides a free Cairngorm Piste Map & Ride Guide leaflet and a Ski Scotland brochure which lists ski schools and rental facilities.