Scottish Centres Open Natural Snow Runs After Snowy Start to The Year
Scottish Centres Open Natural Snow Runs After Snowy Start to The Year
Published : 08-Jan-2026 10:43
Cairngorm and The Lecht ski areas in the Scottish Highlands both report they have (or plan to have) multiple ski runs open thanks to the cold temperatures and natural snowfall that has dominated conditions there since New Year's Day.
The two centres both already had small areas of snow open for beginners, created with so called 'all-weather snowmaking machines', as do Glenshee and Glencoe ski areas, but sadly it has been rare in recent years for Scottish centres to be able to offer full ski runs with natural cover due to the rapid impact of climate change.
The Lecht has announced plans to open multiple runs today, once access roads open, saying at least half-a-dozen trails will; be open,
"There's been more snow over night. Runs are looking fab and are being prepared. The roads are currently closed but we're hopeful this won't be for long. Stay tuned," they posted at 8.30 on socials.
Cairngorm has had the most terrain open and has been able to offer top to bottom skiing over its full vertical.
"Bright , clear sky and patchy cloud this morning with good visibility. Currently calm conditions with a temperature of -6C at the Top and -3C at the Base station. 4cm of fresh snow overnight, lovely snow conditions across the mountain," their mountain ops team reports on Thursday, adding, "The Ptarmigan bowl is now full width and the Ciste Fairway has also improved in depth and width. The upper Cas is improving with good conditions on the down line too. We have a pisted run to the Base Station via the Shieling piste, down Cottam's way and the Home Road. So that's 3540 metres long, top to Base Station. We plan to open the M2 and Daylodge today. The M2 is full width, the Daylodge is narrow and has thinner cover near the base. M1 piste opening."
Glenshee says snow cover beyond its three all-weather-snow runs is improving but hasn't opened any additional terrain yet. They say they're looking at opening Sunnyside and Butcher's Access later if feasible once inspected. Glencoe has a sledging run with all-weather snow, a snow covered dry slope mostly used for beginner lessons and an access chairlift for ski tourers to reach high altitude snow parches, but says it needs more snow to open inbound runs.
All centres are stressing what's open remains limited and advanced purchase of lift passes online, the number of which available are also limited, is essential to secure access, especially at weekends.
Glenshee and The Lecht have also repeatedly been cut off by drifting snow and other issues since new year with repeat yellow and amber weather warnings.
Join the conversation : Discuss this in the J2Ski Forum
This news item has been viewed 543 times.
Also on J2Ski :- Glencoe Snow Forecast