Five small resorts: all fun when conditions co-operate.

Scotland has five ski resorts and all can be good when conditions cooperate. But that's the problem: snow is rarely reliable, and for Scottish skiers and boarders comparing the latest conditions at the resorts on the invaluable Ski-Scotland website is something of a pastime in itself.

The main season runs January to April but it’s sometimes possible to ski as early as November and as late as May.

All resorts have all the basic ski services including lessons and rentals, but on peak weekends you might have a long wait for equipment rental, so pick up in advance if you can.

The resorts

• Cairn Gorm Mountain – Extensive and beautiful spot near Aviemore
• Glencoe – Wild and rugged with some interesting terrain tucked away high up.
• Glenshee – Has a big network of lifts but, as Edinburgh's nearest hill, can get busy.
• The Lecht – Being draped over the opposing slopes of a single valley makes for pretty dull terrain; but good fun for wide fast carves when conditions are right.
• The Nevis Range – A grand setting with some great off-piste potential.