Glencoe's Rugged Charm: Skiing's Wild Side

The Glencoe Mountain Resort in Scotland's Highlands presents a unique skiing adventure, offering a more affordable alternative to European resorts. The journey through Rannoch Moor is cinematic, with the landscape recognizable from the filming of Skyfall.

Conditions at Glencoe are described as rough and ready, with basic lifts and sparse signage. Skiers must be flexible, navigating varied terrain that includes powdery sections, rougher patches, and hidden obstacles. Despite these challenges, the resort boasts impressive snow coverage, with most runs open.

Andy Meldrum, the resort's owner, notes good snow conditions this season, a welcome change after a poor previous winter. The resort, which first opened in 1956, is the oldest in Scotland. Skiing here is approximately 2.5 hours from Loch Fyne, offering a unique experience.

Visitors can enjoy local fare at the on-site cafe, with options like bacon rolls and scotch pies, a distinct contrast to Alpine après-ski. The resort expects to remain open until early May, leveraging its natural features to retain snow late into spring.

While Glencoe isn't the Alps, its less manicured slopes and basic infrastructure contribute to its adventurous appeal. It provides an accessible and wild beauty, making it an excellent choice for a UK-based ski trip.