Worldwide Ski Resorts • Scotland • Lecht
Overview
This is the most northerly and the smallest of all the Scottish ski resorts. The village lies midway between Inverness and Aberdeen in the Cairngorm mountain range. It has a very short official season — just January in fact. It is simply a place where one can park the car before catching the ski lifts to the slopes, although there is a recently completed day lodge with a restaurant on site. It is very accessible, being on the main road that runs from Cockbridge to Tomintoul and only 32 miles from Aviemore. It is ideally situated in a beautifully scenic part of Scotland that encompasses the whisky trail and near to a whole range of historic sites that attract tourists over the entire year. There is no accommodation at The Lecht, the nearest hotel being situated at Corgarff, some three miles away.
Profile
The highest lift at the resort stands at only 644m. Despite the fact that the region is often subjected to extreme weather conditions, snow cannot be guaranteed here, and when it does fall, the resulting cover is generally sparse by any standard. There is a certain amount of snow making facilities at The Lecht however, as well as a dry slope that is regularly floodlit.
The resort has a total of 18 runs that cover an area of 20 km, served by a system of 11 drag lifts and a chair. There is nothing here that will interest anyone other than the beginner or the very timid intermediate, as the runs are short — the longest being 800m — and gentle. It is best suited to people who live within easy travelling distance who can take advantage of the periodic snow falls to enjoy a day’s fun on the modest, east facing slopes. When there is a cover of snow, boarders have a small fun park and a half pipe at their disposal. Ski tuition is available.
Mountain Information
The resort advertises a total of seven green rated pistes, seven blues, five red runs and a black. Quite frankly, they are being over optimistic as there is nothing here that a first year, fairly confident skier couldn’t manage after a bit of a practice session. The scenery however is charming and the people friendly and if all you want is a bit of exercise and a few laughs with your mates, then give it a go. There are no ‘on slope’ restaurants, just the one cafeteria in the lodge at the edge of the car park.
Apres Ski
This is not the place for après ski. Other than the day lodge and the car park, there is nothing here, and the only way out is by car, so you will not be hitting the booze. You simply ski, return to the car and go home.
Scottish Resort Guide
Resort Information • Lecht
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Resort Height | 643m |
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Top Station | 843m |
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Bottom Station | 643m |
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Vertical Descent | 180m |
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Drag Lifts | 12 |
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Chair Lifts | 1 |
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High Capacity | 1 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 3 |
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Rating Intermediate | 6 |
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Rating Beginner | 7 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 5 |
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Snow Reliability | 5 |
