The Hills are Alive

Whether you're profoundly knowledgeable about skiing or snowboarding or have never set foot on the snow slopes before, you will leave Scotland's slopes with memories aplenty.

If you crave adventure, the feeling of adrenaline pumping through your veins as you make your way down the winding slopes plus a jovial, welcoming atmosphere when the nights draw closer, then Scotland is the ideal resting place.

Even if you're not full of such energy and just want to sample the hills the easy way, this culture-laden, historic country still fits the bill. Scotland has a major advantage as a winter sports destination - its ski resorts are not far from the country's four major cities, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness and the capital, Edinburgh.

It is remarkably easy to jump on a train, bus or take a car and be on the slopes in a matter of hours. There aren't too many places in the world that can lay claim to such a fact - something of which we Scots are rightly proud.

Scottish skiing has, in recent years, experienced the benefits of an increased number of visitors to its slopes and has, subsequently, enjoyed substantial growth. With the introduction of more restaurants, bars, accommodation and general off-piste activities, the resort redevelopments now cater fully for the ever-expanding needs and necessities of winter sports fanatics.

In turn, this has magnified Scotland's standing among Europe's elite as a major winter sports tourist attraction. Glencoe and Glenshee have consistently attracted the most fervent of skiers, snowboarders and general snow-sports enthusiasts - and with good reason.

But it's not just the time-honoured experts that can enjoy the slopes; first-time visitors, too, can sample the experience.

That's the great advantage about Scotland's resorts - they accommodate total beginners to fully-fledged winter sports experts, without any annoyance.

Nursery slopes are primarily designed for beginners, where they can learn the ropes by attending tuition classes before heading out. Those who know the ropes but regard themselves neither as novices nor experts can enjoy the slopes and runs that suit most visitors.

There are, however, runs that are exclusive to more advanced skiers and boarders, some of which are documented to be Europe's most popular pistes. The pistes in Aviemore, Glencoe, Glenshee and the Cairngorms are as good as anywhere you will find, and the redeveloped facilities allow you to experience the whole occasion to the full.

The bars, restaurants, cafes and general town amenities add to the skiing camaraderie. Nightlife is an integral part of skiing in Scotland, so don't forget to involve yourself, as off-the-slope activities will, too, provide a myriad of memories. If your body is filled with aches and pains from days of skiing and boarding, you can always walk it off by way of Scotland's bountiful countryside walks.

Ski resorts are littered with waymarked trails where you can enjoy wonderful views, take a picnic and relax. There is also the chance to hire mountain bikes (some resorts have specified bike tracts), four-wheel-drive vehicles or slow things down a touch and enjoy a little pony-trekking.

However you choose to spend your days and nights, once thing will remain - you will, no doubt, be eager to come back for more of the same in the near future, such is the pull of this beautiful country.