Glenshee is amazing!
January 14, 2008 on 12:48 pm | In Skiing |
I’ve patiently waited for my ankle to fix itself after an injury last season and I’ve had a few tentative days on telemark skis but when two large parcels got delivered last week it was time to open up a can of whoop a$$ again.
In those parcels were a set of new fat skis and some comfortable booties. Couple that with the massive snowfalls the Scottish hills have been subject to over the last couple of weeks and we’ve got the perfect ingredients for a day on the hill…
oh and did I mention the bluebird skies?!
I’d packed the car the night before, lunch was made, clothes laid out ready to jump into so as to waist no time. Beep beep beep, the alarm goes and I’m into overdrive. Talking of driving; I’m sure skiers should be exempt from speeding fines. [NOTE FROM THE EDITOR; Ben - speeding should only be practised while on the slopes! For the record we DO NOT justify speeding under any circumstances.] Anyway it was a great drive over the Lecht towards Glenshee. As we approached the ski centre the snowbanks rose from the side of the road, sun kissed the tops of the hills and the pair of us couldn’t keep the smiles off our faces or stop bouncing up and down in our seats.
A swift change into ski gear and the reassuring clunk, clunk into my bindings and we were off. Off into Scottish skiing shangra la. The runs were in perfect knick, skies were blue and there was a definate buzz about the place as everyone lapped up the perfect conditions. Our first port of call was Corie Fionn for some fresh tracks.
Oh the sweetness of opening it up through fresh windblown snow! What a hoot!
The sun was moving fast so we headed for the Tiger and spent some time there taking shots. The weather station at the top of Cairnwell was frozen solid and I reckon the only temperature it was recording was ‘bloody cold’. It was a day of amazing snow, exhilarating skiing, and breathtaking views. And when all was said and done we ate lunch when we got back to the car after the sun went down on a perfect day.
After a day like that and seeing the amount of snow they have, things are looking good for the forseeable future so I’ve only three words for you.
‘Get up there!’
Ben Thorburn
http://www.freeskiing.co.uk
Freeskiing and telemarking are my main sports but in the off season it's all about the mountain bike... that and a bit of hill walking and running.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
help!! i am thinking of taking my family and friends to glenshee for a ski holiday. we have never been to scotland skiing before, and we desperatley need some guidance with accomodation, travel etc. etc. I would be extremely grateful if anybody could give us any help in booking our first ski holiday to scotland. ben
January 21st, 2008 at 10:46 am
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the comment and I’m only too happy to help.
Glenshee certainly is holding the snow well at present but please continue to check the snow and weather reports before you travel. Conditions can be very changable at this time of year so the best place to check would be www.ski-scotland.com
Braemar is the nearest town/village and is about 10mins north of Glenshee by car. It’s probably the best place to base yourself is you’re planning skiing there. It’s also only about 45 mins from the Lecht ski centre so you can be flexible in terms of snow and overhead conditions. The Lecht is also great for beginners and families.
Check out www.visitscotland.com and search for accom in Braemar. You should manage to pick up something.
As for travel, I’d self drive and that gives you the flexibility but I guess that’s down to personal preference.
All the best and I hope you have a great time.
Ben
ps get up there early to aviod the queues and if you’re hiring kit then one person take the kids in the hire queue and the other queue for tickets, that way you’ll get more time on snow.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi Ben
For accommodation in Glenshee check out www.glenofthefairies.co.uk which lists accommodation in Glenshee itself.
Cheers
Philip