New Year in Scotland

We headed north for New Year stopping off at home to break up the journey and ensure we had all we needed! We were to head to Glenshee for a couple of days skiing before meeting friends Tina and Craig in Aviemore for the New Year celebrations. K's family decided to come and so it was two campervans on the move North. We arrived late in the day but managed to get a few runs in before the lifts closed. Glenshee has many runs suitable for all abilities including numerous off piste alternatives!

The piste map

As it is a remote area to get to we decided to stay in the car park over night and we were not the only ones to do this! The advantages of a campervan come into their own when skiing in remote places, you still get the comfort!

Taking in the view

Heading from Glas Maol

Leaving it late to finish

Awesome winter sun

The night passed with little incident before it was time to have breakfast and head for the slopes! The car parks fill up very quickly with keen skiers coming from far and wide. The snow conditions were really good and we had a great days skiing.

Em had been having skiing lessons as a beginner so it was time to give her some attention and much needed confidence! I always think if you can ski in Scotland then you ski anywhere! Her skiing was much improved and she enjoyed the challenge of the slopes!

As with all winter days it was time to head down to the valley floor. We decided to pack up and head for Aviemore. This was quite a challenge in the current road conditions over some of the high passes but it would be worth it to ensure a ski at the Cairngorm tomorrow.

On the drive across we experienced snow, roads of 20% and drivers who were more cautious than two campervan drivers! We soon arrived in Aviemore staying on the High range campsite. Last time we stayed here the people who run it were extremely rude and we vowed never to go back. However we think it has new ownership or certainly new staff who were polite and very helpful making for a very pleasant stay. We met Tina and Craig who were camping.
















The next morning we headed for the slopes, 2 skiers and 3 snowboarders! The skiing we would describe was a little more social than what we were used to! We normally ski until we drop! With the snowboarders there was more time to sit and chat! That is our diplomatic way of saying that there was too much sitting and not enough skiing for our liking! However it was great fun all the same!

Jim and Tina

Tina and Jim

Social Skiing

As it was New Years Eve it was time to dress up and head for the local Ceilidh. We decided to visit Kincraig and the village hall for the Ceilidh. It was a great night with lots of dancing and laughing to celebrate the new year. The local people were very friendly and made us feel welcome! The next day we headed for the slopes while most people slept off their hangovers! The slopes were quite quiet but conditions were awful! It was bitterly cold and the snow had frozen! Em and Katie decided to give it a go on the top which was entertaining but not very productive!

A frozen Em and Katie

Time to head home

Em braving the conditions

With frozen eyelashes, hair and clothes we decided to head down and thaw out for the rest of the day. With the Christmas holidays drawing to a close it was time to head home and prepare for the new adventures of the new year!