Glencoe ski resort guide Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Glencoe
Resort Reviews
Skiing at Glencoe on the west side of the Scottish Highlands started to flourish when the first lift was installed in the 1950s. The resort only started to have competition when the Nevis Range opened in the late 1980s and until then, was the main ski area on the West coast.
Après-ski
Après-ski tends to be what you make of it. There's a good choice of après ski close to Glencoe resort in the nearby villages. The Clachaig Inn in Glencoe Village is very popular as are the local pubs and restaurants in Ballachulish and Onich. ceilidhs and discos. The main town of Fort William is 27 miles away which has a wider selection of bars and eateries.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 305m |
| Top lift | 1108m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 30 |
| Longest run | 1 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 0 km |
| Season | Jan - March |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✘ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Glencoe ski area guide
The skiable area is on Meall a'Bhuiridh, the Gaelic name of Glencoe Mountain, and includes 30kms of pistes for skiing and boarding from beginners to experts. Glencoe also boasts Scotland's longest descent of 792m coming off the top of T-bar 6. season normally starting in December and ending at the start of April depending on snow conditions.
Beginners
The majority of the nursery slopes are located at the Plateau ski area reached by the base chairlift. Many consider this to be Scotland's best beginner area largely because it is extensive and has gentle slopes that connect into blue pistes.
Intermediate
Intermediates are well catered for with a variety of easy and demanding pistes spread the ski resort. From the top of the two T-bars that take you to the top ofthe mountain, you have a choice of blue and red pistes.
Advanced
Taking the T-bar to the top of the mountain and traversing left takes you onto Rannoch Glades and the Spring Run. These are long trails and can be challenging in places. This area is also home to Scotland's steepest piste called the Flypaper - definitely black.
Things to see & do
If the weather is pretty awful and skiing is not possible, winter hiking and mountain biking around the base trails are popular.
Sledging is also good fun for all the family and at Glencoe its free!. Take the base chairlift and collect your sledge from the Plateau Cafe at the top. You can then race down the 75m slope and finish off with a hot chocolate.
Featured properties
Glencoe Mountain has some self-catering accommodation close to the base station although for more options, Glencoe village is the best option. Groups will find excellent value to be had in self-catering apartments and cottages in Glencoe village.
See all rentalsOur views on Glencoe ski resort
We think Glencoe and the surrounding area is a mecca for those seeking outdoor thrills. It is conveniently situated in the Highlands for easy access to Fort William, Glen Nevis and the villages along the southern end of Loch Ness.
If you like Glencoe, you may also want to take a look at these other ski resorts...
- Nevis Range on the East coast of Scotland
- Trysil in Norway, and
- Ruka in Finland
