CairnGorm Mountain

Photo provided by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd
Photo provided by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd
Photo provided by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd
Photo provided by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd
Photo provided by CairnGorm Mountain Ltd


Explore a wide range of pistes, freestyle skiing areas and a snow park before taking a break at Scotland’s highest restaurant at this stunning highland ski resort.

CairnGorm Mountain is the highest elevated and most popular of the ski fields in the ruggedly beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Take in magnificent views of the surrounding national park as you check out the diversity of ski runs, spanning from easy green runs to advanced areas. Take a ride to the mountain peak on Scotland’s only funicular railway at any time of the year and admire the breathtaking surrounding Scottish Highlands.

Strap on your skis or snowboard and head out onto the slopes. Explore 35 different runs, conveniently served by 12 lifts. One of these lifts is the scenic funicular train, which takes passengers up the 1,516-foot (462-vertical-metre) ascent to the Ptarmigan Top Station. Wind your way around a network of exciting trails. Try short green-graded beginner runs or tackle a challenging black-diamond piste. Join a class with an informative instructor and work on your style or get tips for the best runs of the mountain.

The mountain is renowned for its excellent backcountry terrain, much of which can be accessed via lift. If you are an experienced skier or snowboarder, explore the off-piste trails and take in beautiful views of tree-lined ridges and the surrounding mountaintops. Work on your freestyle skiing or snowboarding at the resort’s terrain park, which has a selection of jumps and ramps.

When you’re ready to take a break, head to the Ptarmigan Top Station. Enjoy a hearty lunch of Scottish fare and take in panoramic views of the magnificent Cairngorms. You’ll also find a shop, a viewing terrace and an exhibition about the mountain at the top station. Non-skiers and visitors can also visit the top station at any time of the year. Hikers and climbers can also make the journey up the mountain and catch the funicular railway down.

CairnGorm Mountain is located 9 miles (14.5 kilometres) from Aviemore, which is situated on the road that runs between Perth and Inverness. Reach the resort by car, rail or by bus. Glasgow is a 2.5-hour drive away. There are half-day and multi-day lift passes available, and discounts apply for students and seniors. The ski season runs between December and the end of April. Nearby ski resorts include the Lecht and Glenshee.

Plan a trip to see CairnGorm Mountain

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Things to do near CairnGorm Mountain

At CairnGorm Mountain in Aviemore, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as skiing in the Cairn Gorm ski area, exploring the beginners slope, and experiencing the thrill of downhill karting. For a more relaxed outing, consider a picnic in the scenic areas or try aviemore glamping for a unique stay. With options for swimming and entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy amidst the stunning Highland landscape.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, The House of Bruar is a fantastic store located 16.8km away from CairnGorm Mountain, offering a range of Scottish gifts and souvenirs. You'll find everything from traditional tweeds to local delicacies, perfect for remembering your trip.

Recreation

Spey Valley Golf Course, located 4.3km from CairnGorm Mountain, offers a stunning outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque landscapes while perfecting your swing. Similarly, Boat of Garten Golf Club and Abernethy Golf Club, both 5.6km away, provide excellent sporting vibes amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

The Lecht Ski Resort, located 9.9km from CairnGorm Mountain, offers exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning landscapes. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Bike Glenlivet, 9.3km away, provides thrilling trails that embody the spirit of adventure. Lecht 2090, situated 10.6km from CairnGorm, is another fantastic ski destination for all levels.

Nightlife

In CairnGorm Mountain, the nearby Pitlochry Festival Theatre offers a vibrant atmosphere with a blend of entertainment, culture, and romance, perfect for an enchanting evening out. Enjoy captivating performances just 18.6km away, making it a delightful destination for a memorable night.

Find the best attractions near CairnGorm Mountain

CairnGorm Mountain offers a wealth of attractions for all types of visitors, with scenic lakes, nature reserves, and the stunning Cairngorms National Park to explore. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, or a peaceful beach experience, there's something for everyone. This picturesque area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Scotland's landscapes.

  • Cairngorms National Park: This stunning national park, located 4.3km from CairnGorm Mountain, offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. Explore its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush forests, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.
  • Loch Morlich: Situated 1.9km away, Loch Morlich is a picturesque lake featuring sandy beaches and serene waters. Ideal for romantic picnics or relaxing days by the shore, it’s a great spot for outdoor activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, all framed by stunning mountain views.
  • Cairngorm Reindeer Centre: Only 1.2km from CairnGorm Mountain, this unique reserve allows you to meet and feed these friendly reindeer. It’s a family-friendly destination where you can learn about reindeer husbandry and enjoy a relaxing day in a beautiful setting.

Best time to go to CairnGorm Mountain

The best time to visit CairnGorm Mountain can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around CairnGorm Mountain falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around CairnGorm Mountain falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
October45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for CairnGorm Mountain

For a budget-friendly visit to CairnGorm Mountain, consider travelling in January, March, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield savings, and Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to compare rates and look for last-minute deals. Additionally, booking a package that combines flights, hotels, and activities can further reduce costs. Don’t miss out on free outdoor activities in the area, and keep an eye out for local transport options to save on travel expenses.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around CairnGorm Mountain are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around CairnGorm Mountain is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around CairnGorm Mountain is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around CairnGorm Mountain is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your CairnGorm Mountain hotel reservation with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.