Glenshee Ski Centre

Glenshee is a broad ski and snowboard area at Cairnwell Pass on the A93 between Blairgowrie and Braemar. Its lifts reach several slopes, so this is a larger mountain area rather than one compact hill. It works as a winter ski day when snow and lifts cooperate, or as a summer chairlift ride and hill walk. Check snow, lift and road status before setting out for a ski day; visitors have found conditions ranging from open beginner terrain to very limited snow and closed lifts.

In summer, the Cairnwell Chair climbs to a summit with 360-degree views over the surrounding hills. Walkers can ride up and continue on foot, or make the lift part of their outing. The lift is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check its running times and last ride before setting off if you plan to walk down. From the top, frame the ridgelines with the lift-served slopes below to show both the mountain setting and what makes this a ski area.

Tea@TheShee is the base cafe, with seasonal lunch and afternoon tea; no signature dish was verified. Parking and toilets make the centre a useful A93 break even if you are not skiing. Check the current parking arrangement if you plan to stay longer or overnight.

Skiers were exploring Glenshee on foot by 1935, and a tractor-powered rope tow was installed at nearby Ben Gulabin in 1955. The Cairnwell Chair opened to the public in 1962. In 1963, local GP Dr Paul Mackenzie set up part-time ski rescue, first supported by volunteer Scouts and Guides. A dedicated rescue facility followed in 1968, part of the practical infrastructure that helped a mountain ski area grow here.

A Snowfactory was installed in 2019, but it does not guarantee open slopes. Wind, snow cover and lift status still determine which parts of the area are running, so Glenshee works best with a flexible plan.