FAQs

Unfortunately we do not provide lift passes and equipment hire. These have to be purchased separately. There are various hire outlets at the Ski Areas and in local villages. These can be booked online (essential during holiday periods) and in store. If you need any assistance in arranging passes and equipment please ask and we will be more than happy to help you.

As a guide, budget for £60 for an adult and £40 for a junior per day. This should include lift pass, skis or snowboard, boots and helmet. Just be aware that prices vary depending on the outlet and the number of days required.

We have an online booking system for private lessons and gift cards, where you can click the ‘Shop’ tab above and book and pay online using Paypal or a card.

Alternatively you can email or call us with your requirements and we can arrange payment over the phone or on arrival. We can take card payment, Paypal or cash. Please note that there is no ATM on Cairngorm Mountain.

Clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers, lots of thin layers underneath. Trackies or leggings are good but don’t wear jeans underneath…they never dry and don’t keep you warm. Only one pair of long socks (more than one just causes grief!), water resistant/proof gloves (not woolly), goggles and a buff to cover your face. If you have all that you will be sorted! Knee pads under trousers are highly recommended for Snowboarders!

Equipment: Most people will need to hire skis or snowboard, boots and helmet. There is a big hire department on CairnGorm Mountain and a number of hire places in Aviemore. You will need to book these in advance, certainly during holiday periods to avoid disappointment. Helmets are recommended but not compulsory over the age of 14.

Ski Pass: Everyone needs a ski pass to ski or ride on Cairngorm Mountain, although you might not be using the lifts on your first day. The cost of the pass also covers the maintenance of the ski area and piste preparation. This can be purchased on arrival.

That’s your choice! We recommend as a beginner to take a 4 hour (day) lesson to give you the best possible start, but we also can do 2 hour private lessons with flexible start times.

We can generally teach 3 years+ for skiing and 6+ for snowboarding, but we all know that every child is different and some are able to understand instruction better at a younger age than others. Also weather plays a big part! The availability of hire equipment is also a consideration. We are introducing children to such a wonderful activity, so it is our number 1 priority to give kids the best experience so they will keep nagging to come back for more! Kids 5 and under do not require a lift pass on CairnGorm Mountain.

You are, however, never too old….! 

We generally teach on CairnGorm Mountain, but also go to the Lecht ski area by arrangement. CairnGorm Mountain is 10 miles from Aviemore, 20 minutes by car or you can catch the number 31 bus from outside Aviemore train station. Please ask your accommodation provider or email us for times.

There are regular trains to Aviemore and the nearest airport is Inverness. It is recommended to hire a car if you are flying into Inverness to make life a lot easier!

Generally we meet at the top of Cairngorm Mountain car park by the picnic tables at a prearranged time but sometimes we might choose to meet at a different location or resort depending on weather forecasts. We wear grey and pink  jackets with our mountain logo on the back.

Of course! Check out the ability chart on the ski and snowboard pages. If you are booking a private lesson we will quickly be able to assess your level on the day so don’t worry!

First things first, don’t worry, if the road is closed, we can’t get there either! And unfortunately at times the weather can be a bit too mad on Cairngorm Mountain to ski or snowboard. If this happens, we will try and rearrange your lesson to an alternative location if appropriate, or reschedule it for another day. If this is not suitable, you will receive a full refund on the lesson.