First Time Guide
Skiing in Scotland is much the same as skiing anywhere else in the world. You must come prepared to get cold and wet!
What to wear
Underneath ... staying warm and relatively dry
- Breathable - waterproof clothing
- Lots of layers - its easier to remove than to add layers - try a vest, thermal, long sleeved t-shirt, wool or fleece top
- Freedom of movement - don't wear anything restrictive
- Warm when wet - as a general guideline, try to avoid cotton
- For the bottoms - leggings or tracksuit are best ... at all costs avoid jeans or trousers with zips or buttons at the ankle
- Socks - long medium thickness woollen socks
Outer clothing
- Wind and waterproof
- Collar - that will zip up to protect the neck and chin
- Cuffs or fastenings at the wrist
- Hat or helmet - that covers the forehead and ears as well as the main part of the head ... this will also help to keep you warm
- Gloves - waterproof - well insulated and that there is an overlap with the jacket at the wrists
- Goggles - not absolutely necessary but can make or break a day when conditions are not ideal
- Sunglasses - for the blue skies days
Nevis Range do hire adult ski clothing, but not other essentials such as hats, gloves or goggles. However the shop at the gondola top station sells a range of these items.
Equipment
If you do require to hire equipment , the Equipment Hire located at the gondola base station will ensure all your needs are catered for. Our experienced technicians will select suitable equipment for you, dependant on your height, weight and shoe size.
Instruction
If it's your first time on the slopes, we recommend you take lessons. The Nevis Range Snowsports School is located on site and you will find a range of packages and lessons that cater for the first timers every need.
Beginners' Area - Zone B
If you check out the Nevis Range piste map you will see that approximately 55% of our runs are blue and green, so there are ample areas perfect for the first timer!! The majority of these runs are located near to the top station, with the exception of the runs accessed by the Summit button and the Quad chair which means you only need to purchase a Zone B ticket.
A word of warning though - on days when full cover is not available beware of heading straight up the mountain to the blue runs on the summit, as the red runs down the Goose can sometimes test even the most experienced skier's nerve. If you are having instruction it is a good idea to ask your instructor what runs would be suitable for your level of ability. There is a dry slope located at the bottom of the alpha tow, which is used when the snow cover on the lower part of the mountain is not sufficient for skiing.
Please ensure that you READ THE SKI REPORT, located on the information boards at the bottom station and on the TV screens as you enter the gondola hall, to ensure you have an idea of the conditions before you head onto the slopes.
