11 of the Best Places to Ski in UK in 2025
You don’t have to hop on a plane to ski or snowboard. Instead, there are plenty of places to ski in UK without having to spend too much.
Last Updated on 29 November 2024
Shockingly, you don’t need to hop on a plane to find some slopes if you want to ski or snowboard. In fact, here in the UK, there are slopes waiting to be explored that provide skiing and snowboarding that’s suitable for all abilities.
If you want to ski in UK, the unpredictability of the weather means that you’ll be guaranteed snow into mid-spring. If you’re after a ski area that’s close enough where you can strap on your skis that doesn’t require a flight abroad, continue reading to find the best places to ski in UK.
Whether you’re looking for slopes for complete beginners or experienced skiers, there will be something for everyone when you ski in UK locations.
The Best Places to Go Skiing and Snowboarding in the UK
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, the UK offers a number of dry ski slopes, indoor ski centres, and fresh mountain air where snowsports enthusiasts can enjoy amazing snow conditions and stunning views. You’ll even be able to ride a mountain gondola.
Ski in UK: Skiing Resorts in Scotland
When we think of snow sports in the UK, we often consider Scotland as a great staycation for skiers and snowboarders.
If you’re keen on exploring what Scotland offers during the winter season, the ski season typically runs between December and early April; however, it’s worth checking conditions to see how much snowfall the ski resorts have had.
Let’s see what there is in Scotland.
Skiing at Glencoe Mountain Resort
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on Rannock Mor, is the Glencoe Mountain Resort. During the winter months, there’s good skiing and snowboarding on offer with a good selection of ski runs. If you want to try your hand at something different, check out the sledging or avalanche rescue training.
As with most ski centres, there are ski schools where you can learn on the nursery slopes before tackling the bigger runs. There are also equipment hire shops to rent out the equipment you need for a fun day out like snow boots, ski boots, skis and snowboards.
After hitting the slopes at the Glencoe, visit the White Corries Cafe, which serves hot drinks and home-cooked food seven days a week.
Skiing on Cairngorm Mountain
If you’re heading to Scotland, a popular destination is Cairngorm Mountain located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It’s also Scotland’s sixth-highest mountain.
Here you’ll find challenging, but beautiful slope conditions, and also Scotland’s only funicular railway; a great way to get to the top of the mountain for a ski and snowboard session. Enjoy the amazing views as the railway transports skiers and boarders to the upper slopes of the mountain, hitting heights of over 1,000m above sea level.
For those who want to enjoy great skiing, Cairngorm Mountain provides more than 30km of piste runs, 12 surface lifts, and freestyle terrain. Whether you’re searching for beginner slopes or belong to the advanced skiers and snowboarders group when looking for ski in UK locations, there is something for everyone here. There are 13 easy green runs, 10 blue intermediate runs, six red difficult runs, and two black expert runs. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Make sure you pre-book your lift passes through the mountain’s webshop and bring the confirmation with you printed or on your mobile ready to collect your passes when you arrive.
Skiing on the Nevis Range
Wherever you go skiing or snowboarding in Scotland, you’re bound to see great views and that’s certainly the case at the Nevis Range. Situated in Fort William, Aonach Mor at 1,221m, situated in the shadows of Ben Nevis, is the highest snowsports destination in the country offering a range of runs of varying difficulties for all abilities.
Head up on the ski lift for some great fun as you ski and snowboard back down the slopes in a stunning area.
Easily accessible, this ski resort is a great hub to learn how to ski or snowboard where you’re guaranteed wide-open pistes to enjoy. Alternative lessons are designed for the more experienced riders, which focus on techniques for tackling steep slopes and back corrie workshops to give riders a better understanding of the backcountry areas.
Pre-booking for ski and snowboard lessons is best; however, walk-ins are welcome as long as there’s availability. Full-day tickets for an adult are £41.70 and for juniors, seniors, students, and the military, prices are at £27.30.
Check the resort’s webcam to see snow conditions to make the most out of the outdoor activities.
Skiing at Glenshee Ski and Snowboard
Host to the first British snowboard championships in 2000, Glenshee has enough of the white stuff and terrain to test even the most advanced skiers and boarders. With 22 lifts and 36 runs, Glenshee extends over three valleys and four mountains, offering an amazing ski area from novice green runs to expert black runs.
If this is your first time skiing or snowboarding, head to the Glenshee ski centre where you can learn the basics regardless of age and ability. With 40 instructors on hand who are fully qualified with the British Association of Ski Instructors and Snow Sports Scotland, you’ll be in the best hands to learn the skills you need.
Ski in UK: Skiing Resorts in England
While it may come as a surprise, it’s possible to put your skis and strap your snowboard on in England for some winter fun.
Granted, the conditions won’t be the same as you’d find in Scotland, but if you’re after a bit of fun while you’re in the north of England, you won’t go wrong at these places.
Let’s see what England has to offer.
Skiing in the Lake District
Located at Raise is the Lake District Ski Club with a rope tow lift that brings you 360m up to the top of Raise. Founded in 1936, nine runs are available at this mini ski resort depending on the conditions; however, during good seasons, you can expect to enjoy around 60 days of snow.
Don’t expect groomed slopes on Raise at the Lake District ski club, but don’t be put off by this as this can add to the fun, providing a unique experience for all involved. The longest run at Raise is a mile long, paling compared to the downhill runs you’d find on the continent. And while you won’t find any apres crowds here, you will find plenty of people there to enjoy skiing and boarding.
Member season passes are £50 a year; however, for day passes, it’s £20.
Skiing in Northumberland
In the Northumbrian village of Allenheads lies a small ski facility that offers the chance to ski and snowboard whenever there’s snow during the winter and spring. It’s perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. However, as it’s a small village resort there are no ski or snowboarding lessons available, but there are two rope tows to get you to the top.
For those who want a more challenging run, and when there’s plenty of snow, it’s possible to ski or snowboard down the hillside from the edge of the moor above the regular ski slope.
In order to use this slope, membership is required, costing £35 per year or £70 for a family; however, these rates are discounted if paid before 1st December. Once paid, you can visit as often as you like.
Ski in UK: Dry Ski Slopes in the UK
If you can’t make it to any ski resorts in the UK, there are plenty of dry ski slopes available where you can ski and snowboard whether you’re a beginner or a veteran.
Check out a few below.
Kendal Snowsports Club
Located up north in the Lake District is the Kendal Snowsports Club. With an 80m-long ski area, this is an ideal place to learn how to ski or practice your skills before hitting those mountain slopes.
If you do visit the Kendal Snowsports Club, make sure you book in advance as lessons are in demand at the start of the season and before the February half-term for beginners.
If children want to learn, they must be seven years and up. And if you fancy taking your skills to the next level, you can join the club’s freestyle sessions on Thursdays and Sundays (6pm – 8pm) between September and March.
Carlisle Snowsports
The Carlisle Snowsports Club, located in Cumbria, is a small, but great ski slope to visit if you’re in the area. Equipped with floodlights, a sprinkler system, and a ski tow, the main slope is available for day and night skiing. It also offers lessons for children, adults, and groups.
Snowtrax
If you’re in Dorset for a break, check out Snowtrax where you can have fun on its dry ski slope. Ski lessons for children start as young as two and four for snowboarding. There is a small nursery slope at the bottom where they can start getting to grips with their equipment before moving onto the bigger slopes. The use of the equipment hire is included in the price.
If you don’t fancy strapping on your skis or snowboard, there are ringos to available too. Also, at the bottom of the slope is the Alpine Adventure Park complete with trampolines, a pirate ship, and swings.
Ski in UK: Indoor Snow Centres
Even if you can’t get to a mountain or dry ski slope for some snow fun, you can always head to an indoor ski centre. Check out the ones listed below.
The Snowdome
In Tamworth, Staffordshire is the Snowdome, an indoor snow centre. As well as skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy wall climbing, ice-skating or even go for a swim in the swimming pool.
The Snow Centre
The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is the closest indoor dry ski slope to London that has real snow. With its 160m main slope, there’s plenty of space to master your skills or to learn the basics. Lessons are available either privately or in a group. You can also have fun on the ringos for some more family fun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to ski and snowboard in the UK, there is somewhere available.
It might not be the mountains in Europe, but if you want to get a bit of skiing or snowboarding done in the UK without having to fly to another country, then the above spots are just a few of the best ski in UK locations you’ll find.
