The 6 Best Skiing Centres in & around Edinburgh Open All Year Round
Growing up, skiing was a big part of our family holidays, and I’ve got so many great memories—like the first time I squeezed into my boots, zooming down snowy slopes with my brother and sister, and tumbling into deep snow drifts.
Edinburgh has plenty of ski centres where you can get your skiing fix year-round, no matter the season. Some places even offer dry slopes, so you don’t have to wait until winter to hit the slopes.
Whether you’re a first-timer or just craving a skiing getaway in the middle of summer, here are my top local skiing spots to check out!
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
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Address: Biggar Road
Contact Details: +44 131 445 4433
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
Fees:
Adults: £15 for the first hour, £8 per succeeding hour
Children: £10 for the first hour, £5 per succeeding hour
The Midlothian Snowsports Centre boasts Britain’s largest dry slope, stretching an impressive 400 meters.
While it may not offer the traditional snowy terrain, its year-round availability—open 50 weeks a year—makes it a fantastic option for snowsports enthusiasts to hit the slopes whenever they please.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just starting out, folk of all ages and abilities are welcome to give the slopes a go or book a lesson with their friendly, expert instructors.
Tips:
- Note that skiing on the dry slope has specific dates and timings to give way to other snow sports activities using the same venue. Shared use of the slope (both skiing and snowboarding) is held every Saturday and Sunday.
If you want to ski without other snowboarders, drop by on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Check out the timings here.
- You are actually allowed to book the slope for private practice sessions if needed. Note that only skiers with experience or who have a skiing background are allowed to use the slope for private use (unless you hire a ski instructor to facilitate snow sports activities).
Polmonthill Snowsports Centre
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Address: Avondale Rd, Polmont, Falkirk
Contact Details: +44 132 450 3835
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fees:
Taster Sessions: £8 per person for 45 minutes
Practice: £8 per person for 60 minutes
Lessons: Starts at £65 per person for 60 minutes
If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend driving to Polmonthill Snowsports Centre to take ski lessons for the first time. This was where I took my kids to their first lessons because their class offerings were comprehensive and diverse.
Their lessons are also great for seasoned skiers as well since they have different slopes for all sorts of ski levels. Thrill-seekers will love the freestyle area with jumps and rails, while the smooth button lift ensures a hassle-free ski adventure.
Tips:
- The best time to drop by for skiing sessions is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is usually when the slopes are reserved for beginner skiers, making learning or conducting taster sessions more comfortable for people trying out the sport for the first time.
- Ski lessons for children tend to fill out very quickly, so I highly recommend booking your slot at least 2 weeks in advance. Schedules are usually given out early on their website. To check out the next ski lessons available, turn to this page for more info.
Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre
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Address: 16 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
Contact Details: +44 141 427 4991
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Fees: Starts at £30 per person with instructor, £20 per person if skiing with a group
The Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre may be a wee drive away from the city, but trust me, skiing down the dry slopes here will be worth the drive and time. The centre has a massive compound dedicated to snow sports, so you’ll be on your toes the whole day.
The centre boasts a field and a snow park where you can try your hand at freestyle tricks. And when it’s time for a break, the clubhouse is ready to welcome you with a hearty selection of food and drinks to keep your energy up.
Tips:
- If you want to pick up skiing seriously, I highly recommend signing up for a membership. Becoming a member grants you unlimited slope access, priority event bookings, discounts on rentals, gear, and food, as well as free coaching. You can check out the different membership tiers and their respective fees here.
- The centre is known for its ski camps that they host during the summer. They offer camps for racers, intermediate skiers, and beginners. They’re worth the extra cost so long as you complete the whole 2-week duration of the camp. Learn more about them here!
Bearsden Ski & Board Club
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Address: Ski and Board Club, Bearsden, Glasgow
Contact Details: +44 141 943 1500
Operating Hours:
Monday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
Wednesday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Thursday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm
Fees:
Adult: £45 per person for 60 minutes
Child: £40 per person for 60 minutes
I have always enjoyed joining several of the events that the Bearsden Ski & Board Club hosts now and then. This bustling hub is a haven for skiers thanks to its top-notch facilities, friendly coaching, and wide range of slopes that cater to all skill levels.
They’re also pretty well known as a training ground for elite skiers in Scotland, but they welcome anyone, with or without experience. There are a ton of classes you can sign up for, and I highly recommend that you do so because their teachers are great!
Tips:
- Note that class schedules and dates often change, especially during the summer and fall seasons. The slopes may also close for maintenance checks. If you want to keep tabs on when they’re open, check out the website regularly or give them a call to confirm.
- The ski club hosts a lot of events that I think are worth driving to if you love to ski. You can check out competitions and even festive events where you’re free to participate. Check out what’s next on their calendar here.
Ancrum Outdoor Centre
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Address: 10 Ancrum Rd, Dundee
Contact Details: +44 138 243 5911
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees: Starts at £56 per person for 60 minutes
Ancrum Outdoor Center might not have huge slopes, but it’s perfect for beginners. I took my cousins there for their first skiing experience, and they loved it!
They also have a dry slope for practising, plus plenty of other activities like paddleboarding and archery to keep things exciting.
It’s a great spot for school groups, and they offer rentals and lessons for all skill levels.
Tips:
- If you’re heading to Ancrum during the winter, don’t miss out on their ski tours and alpine skiing sessions. They run all year on the dry slope, but when the snow hits, you can hit the real slopes with a BASI and Snowsport Scotland-qualified coach by your side—perfect for all ages and skill levels! You’ll be in great hands while exploring the snowy mountains.
- Arrive at the centre about 20 minutes before your first session so the ski techs can get you properly fitted with skis and boots. If you’re booking multiple sessions, you only need to do this on the first day. After that, they’ll have everything ready for you.
Firpark Ski Centre
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Address: 24 Fir Park, Tillicoultry Primary School, Tillicoultry
Contact Details: +44 125 975 1772
Operating Hours:
Monday, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Wednesday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Fees:
Adult: £99 per person for 60 minutes/6 weeks
Child: £57.20 per person for 60 minutes/6 weeks
Firpark Ski Centre is my go-to for a chill day on the slopes. It’s small and quiet, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. The runs suit everyone—from beginners to more advanced skiers (even toddlers who have never skied before).
After a few rounds, I love grabbing a bite at their cosy café, where you can fuel up before hitting the slopes again. With rentals and lessons for all ages, it’s the perfect spot to learn or improve your skiing without the chaos of bigger resorts.
Tips:
- If you’re bringing the whole family to Firpark, check out their great family packages. They’ll save you some money. The kids’ holiday camps are also fantastic and a fun way for the little ones to dive into skiing!
- Make sure to pack gloves. No gloves, no skiing! You’ll also need to wear long sleeves and trousers (ditch the jeans).
Bring a change of clothes, as the slope’s sprinkler system can leave you a bit damp with a fine mist that helps the skis glide.