Gearing up for an active winter

If the last two winters are anything to go by this one is going to be an absolute corker for those keen to get out amongst the snow and ice. It might come as a surprise to even many Scots, but last year Scotland often had some of the best conditions for skiing anywhere in Europe. And it is not just skiing out there either with snowboarding in the mix these days along with the likes of cross-country skiing, ice climbing and dog sledding bashing across those frozen glens.

Scotland is home to not one, but five ski centres. Glencoe was the first ski centre in the country to boast a ski lift back in 1956. It is now home to 7 lifts and 19 runs. Just to the north the Nevis Range has its own green and blue runs, as well as black and red pistes. Handily it also boasts a gondola service.

Skiing at Glenshee Ski Centre

Further east the Lecht is home to 20 runs that include 7 blue runs for beginners, 5 more testing red pistes and a black that is way too scary for me. They also offer a half-pipe and fun park for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The largest of Scotland's ski resorts is Glenshee in Highland Perthshire. It covers a whopping 2,000 acres, with 21 lifts and tows on hand to ferry skiers around its 36 runs.

A previous winter in the Cairngorms

My favourite ski resort, though, has to be Cairngorm. It has an efficiently modern mountain railway to ease you up to the pistes with 11 more lifts helping you get around the myriad runs. There is a restaurant and café at the top where you can enjoy the stunning views before heading off downhill. Like many of Scotland's resorts tuition is available with the instructors here having a great reputation.

Snowboarding in the Cairngorms

If you don't fancy trying your hand at downhill skiing or snowboarding don't be put off heading out in the glens and hills this Winter. In the Cairngorms alone you could also try cross-country skiing or pop into Glenmore Lodge. They are past masters at all things Winter Sports related and their ice climbing and Winter snow skills courses are superb. Then there is dog sledding , with everything available from short trips through to two-day courses. Or still in the Cairngorms you can hike up the hillside to visit the local reindeer herd , a great pre-Christmas treat for the wee ones.

Cross Country Touring at Loch Droma, Highlands

You don't have to head deep into the Highlands to get active this Winter either. The days may be shorter, but there are myriad ways to get active as I've found out over the course of this Autumn writing Grab a Glen. If you live in the Central Belt why not just go for a walk by the canals that connect Scotland's two largest cities? If you live elsewhere what about wrapping up warm and heading to a park or to a local beauty spot? There are so many excuses you can make for not getting active. All you need to do, though, in one of the world's great outdoor adventure playgrounds, is just open that front door and get out there. I promise you won't look back.