Backcountry Skiing in the United Kingdom: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

While the United Kingdom is composed of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Scottish Highlands are the only place where any proper backcountry skiing can be done.

Aside from the aforementioned Glenshee ski resort, there are plenty of other great backcountry skiing destinations within Scotland. Just to the north of the resort is Cairngorms National Park.

Composed of three main plateaus ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 meters (3,280 to 3,940 feet) in elevation and several mountain peaks reaching 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) high, there are plenty of great ski touring adventures to be had.

The Cairngorms boast incredible scenery and have snow for the longest stretch of time in Scotland, making it an ideal place to head off-piste and explore. Anyone from first-time backcountry skiers to more advanced ski touring enthusiasts will find the perfect slopes to ski.

Stunning scenery

Boasting prominent and rugged snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys as well as numerous rivers and lochs, the United Kingdom (but specifically Scotland) is a stunningly scenic place to head out on a backcountry skiing adventure. Head to the top of the UK’s highest peaks and explore the surrounding landscapes on some skis this winter.

Head to Glenshee

Covering 790 hectares (1,952 acres), Glenshee is the most popular ski resort in all of the UK. With plenty of incredible on and off-piste runs to explore, it is the perfect spot for a Scottish backcountry skiing holiday. Cairnwell (933m/3,061ft), Càrn Aosda (917m/3,009ft), Meall Odhar (922m/3,024ft) and Glas Maol (1,068m/3,504ft) are among the mountain peaks waiting to be explored.

Perfect place to learn

From first-time backcountry skiers learning some of the technical skills needed to ski off-piste to more advanced participants looking to learn a bit more about avalanche rescue and avoidance, the United Kingdom is the perfect place. The Scottish Highlands offer a variety of different types of slopes, which are perfect for backcountry skiers of every level who want to learn something new.

During the winter months in the Scottish Highlands, average daily temperatures hover just above freezing. These tend to decrease as one gains altitude. Winter is also the wettest time of year, meaning plenty of snow on the highest peaks.

Backcountry skiing trips to the United Kingdom generally begin with a flight into Glasgow Airport (GLA). From here, it is easiest to rent a car and drive to your final destination.

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