Snowsports utilise winter weather and landscape to give participants an appreciation of both the harness and beauty of the countryside around them.
Nordic skiing, also known as cross country skiing or xc skiing is the oldest known type of skiing and has been used to travel over snowy terrain for thousands of years. The sport has now developed into classic and skate cross country skiing and classic and skate roller skiing in summer.
Ski jumping and telemark skiing also fall under the Nordic banner which also utilise special free heel equipment. Telemark skiing is a beautiful downhill ski technique.
Fixing down of the heel was the significant factor which led to the sport separating into the two disciplines of Nordic and Alpine (downhill) skiing, the latter receiving its major turning point with the invention of the ski tow.
Alpine skiing, or downhill skiing as it is more commonly known, can be broadly described as skiing using fixed heel bindings and is usually undertaken in areas with ski tows and chair-lifts.
Ski mountaineering involves travelling in more remote or rugged terrain using both Alpine and Nordic equipment and requires additional winter mountaineering experience.
Snowboarding originated in the USA in the late 1970s and involves the participant riding on a skiing board using fixed bindings in a diagonal stance.
With a growing awareness and a greater understanding of disabilities, skiing for the disabled (Adaptive Skiing) is a fast growing discipline. Equipment and recent qualifications in this field make it possible for people with physical and developmental disabilities to enjoy snow sports.
Aberdeenshire is particularly well served by Alford Ski Centre and Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre which offers the snowsports of downhill, snowboarding, cross country skiing and roller skiing all year round.
The Clashindarroch Forest is one of the best cross country ski locations in the UK. The Aberdeenshire countryside and climate provides good opportunities for Nordic Skiing in many places when the snow lies.
Two of Britain’s five alpine ski centres straddling its boundary; the Lecht and Glenshee.
Cairngorm, Nevis Range (Aonach Mor) and Glencoe Ski Centres are also within reasonable travelling distance.
It is often possible with careful choice of terrain and location to ski in Aberdeenshire from late November till early May.