Carneddau Triathlon

This winter ski season many people may not realise that you don't have to spend money to jet away for the slopes, you can in fact find many resorts right here in the UK. Scotland offers a unique skiing experience in an alpine environment with a good amount of snow throughout the season.

Since the countries first skiing chairlift was installed in 1961, Scotland's skiing industry has flourished over the last five decades and now boasts five resorts.

An affordable place to train
For those longing for the real thing rather than a dry ski slope, the Scottish Highlands offer a brilliant place to learn skiing for the first time or to simply practice your skills. Although the resorts may not be as high or long as their European counterparts, they still provide all the facilities you can expect to find at almost any resort including runs, lifts, tutorials and ski-hire. Read on to find out more about the Scottish ski centres.

Cairnigorm
This is probably Scotland's best-known skiing resort with a high reputation as one of the most beautiful ski destinations in the UK. There are 12 lifts as well as a funicular train serving seven green runs, six blue, eight red and one black.

For snowboarders, Carinigorm also has a snowpark to practice tricks or simply freestyle.

Glencoe
Glencoe is the original home of Scottish skiing with the centre opening in 1956. This has recently become a popular destination for more extreme skiers and snowboarders as it is home to the steepest piste run in Scotland, the Flypaper. Glencoe also offers some of the best freestyle runs in the country with plenty of natural challenges along the way, and is a great place to gain basic snowboarding skills.

Glenshee
Scotland's largest ski resort offers more terrain than any other UK ski centre as well as the countries longest run, Glas Maol, stretching 1.5 miles. Glenshee provides a truly alpine feel with a number of cafe lodges offering panoramic views of the resort.

Lecht Ski Centre
Lecht is excellent for first timers to learn the basic skills with seven blue slopes and a large 'nursery' area for beginners. For the more advanced skier, the resort also includes a race course with an electronic timer and Rapid slalom poles.

The Nevis Range
This is Scotland's latest ski resort with modern features to maintain snow levels throughout the season. Located by the UK's largest peak, Ben Nevis, the range boasts stunning views of the mountain range as well as a large expanse of off-piste areas for free riding.