Scottish cottages for Highland ski breaks

Who needs to head to the Alps, asks Scottish Cottages, pointing out that early snow means lifts and pistes in Scotland’s premier resorts are already open.

Snow reports, lift information and piste maps for Aviemore Glencoe, the Nevis range, Glenshee and the Lecht can all be found at ski.visitscotland.com, and a number of properties in Scottish Cottages’ portfolio are perfectly placed for skiing, boarding and other winter activities such as checking out Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer (cairngormreindeer.co.uk).

With fantastic views to Ben Nevis from its picture windows, Torecastle Lodge, five miles from Fort William, is an exceptional detached house sleeping up to 10 people in four-bedroom, four-bathroom luxury.  Set in its own grounds between the River Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, this contemporary property of open-plan living spaces and vaulted ceilings is at the same time warmly inviting with under-floor heating, a wood-burning stove and a hot tub!  A week’s rental this winter starts at £800.

In the Cairngorms’ highest village – Tomintoul – the grey stone Grant Cottage offers newly-renovated accommodation for four, set just off the main street.  The village is on the Glenlivet estate, making it a place of pilgrimage for whisky drinkers as well as outdoor enthusiasts.  The compact accommodation includes a useful lockable shed for skis and other kit.  Four night breaks this winter cost from £260; full weeks from £295. 

For smaller parties, Cruachan is a single-storey terraced cottage in the village of Newtonmore 12 miles south of Aviemore and as well as access to the slopes, the area offers pony trekking, climbing and hiking – or a ride on the funicular railway that links Aviemore with the very top of the Cairngorm mountain.  Perfect for a couple, or family with one child, a four-night break this winter costs from £250, or from £285 for a week.

For more information, visit scottish-cottages.co.uk.