Edinburgh Skiing

16 November 2022|Read time 3 mins

If you're a ski fan, you'll be interested to know Edinburgh's Midlothian Snowsports Centre offers ski and snowboarding lessons year-round.

The Edinburgh ski centre - informally known to locals as 'Hillend' - has the largest artifical ski slope anywhere in Britain. Handy, because despite its reputation for Arctic conditions, Edinburgh is a seaside town and doesn't often get cold enough to have real snow.

Edinburgh skiing at Midlothian Snowsports Centre

Midlothian Snowsports Centre has two main slopes and three nursery slopes. It offers junior and adult lessons in how to ski and snowboard all year round.

If you happen to be thinking of ideas for kids' parties in Edinburgh, I'm told that 'tubing' parties held at the centre are just the thing this year with five to ten-year-olds in the city. 

By the way, don't worry, if you don't know what 'tubing' is, you're not alone. I had to ask as well.

It's a popular practice in which youngsters fly down the ski centre slopes in something akin to a round inflatable doughnut or a large tire. 

I've not yet seen 'tubing' in action myself, but the mother of a six-year-old boy who held a 'tubing' party for him at the ski centre last month said it was a great success. 

If you are looking to purchase a gift for a friend who enjoys being active while on holiday, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre also offers gift vouchers for their activities. 

Travelling to Midlothian Snowsports Centre

The snowsports centre is easily accessible by both public transport and car.

Take advantage of Edinburgh's fantastic transport network and travel on the number 4 or 15 Lothian bus routes from the city centre to Hillend.

If you are travelling by car, the centre is located near the Edinburgh City Bypass, just off the Lothianburn junction.

Pentland Hills Regional Park

The centre is set into the hillside of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, from where you can enjoy stunning views of most of Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city skyline even from as far away as the Pentland Hills.

On a day with good visibility, you can even see from the ski centre slopes across the stretch of sea called the Firth of Forth, a river estuary that flows past the Edinburgh shoreline into the North Sea, right across to neighbouring Fife on the other side.

Many people choose to park their cars at the ski centre, and then start their walk in the Pentland Hills from the ski slopes.

If you're interested in walking in the area, I would recommend the invaluable The Pentland Hills: A Walker's Guide in the Cicerone series of publications.

The Pentlands are easily accessible to walkers and offer an excellent path system with attractive terrain.

If you opt for a circular walk that takes you back to the ski centre where you started, then there's the added benefit that you can always have a cup of tea in the cafe there.

You don't have to use your legs to enjoy the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Visitors can also cycle, fish and even camp!

There are also other fantastic activities to enjoy in the park, including the Swanston Golf Course at the foot of the hills, and walking with alpacas at Bonaly Country Park!

Book a self-catering trip with Reserve Apartments

As you can see, there are plenty of winter sports activities to do in Edinburgh throughout the year, especially for our more adventurous guests!

Book with Reserve Apartments today and explore all the city has to offer.