Aviemore is in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park
Birch woods are also a feature of the Cairngorm habitats
Chair lifts and mountain railways serve the ski resorts - open all year for hillwalking
The Cairngorms are scattered with native pinewoods - several are near Aviemore
Stunning mountain scenery all around Aviemore - excellent hillwalking country
You might see all sorts of wildlife in the Cairngorms including otters on the rivers
Just outside Aviemore are several visitor centres at Glen More, Rothiemurchus and AbernethyAviemore is the outdoor capital of the Cairngorms. It firstly developed as a ski resort and both the Cairngorm and Lecht areas have a range of pistes suitable for snowboarding and skiing. Being surrounded by the Monadhliath and Grampian mountains there are plenty of Munros, hillwalks, climbing opportunities and low level walks to suit all abilities. The rivers in the area provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing trips. There are a wealth of outdoor companies based in Aviemore for equipment hire or courses.
For more leisurely pursuits Aviemore has a range of activities from the annual Highland Games to a train ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Aviemore has become and outdoor centre over the years since it opened its ski resort in the 1960s. Aviemore is smack bang in the middle of The Cairngorms National Park making it an ideal base for all sorts of outdoor activities. The Monadhliath Mountains stretch out to the west of the town while the Cairngorm and Grampian mountains stretch out to the east.
The town has a main line train station and is on the Edinburgh to Inverness line. It is also served well by buses. The A9 trunk road passes right by the town. Aviemore has a good range of B&B and hotel accommodation. There is plenty of choice to eat out too.
Aviemore has a Tourist Information Office with shop selling maps and books on the area on Grampian Road (the main road at the South end of the village), Aviemore, PH22 1PP. Tel: 01479 810363. Fax: 01479 811063. It is open all year from 9am-1pm and 2-5pm.
There are ski slopes in The Lecht area over near Tomintoul and the Cairngorms east of Aviemore. Check the Ski Scotland link for location and piste maps. A range of lift passes are available depending on how long you intend to stay in the area and lessons can be arranged for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports.
The Cairngorm Ski Centre has brought many visitors to Aviemore. It is Britain's largest ski centre with 28 runs over 35 kilometres of piste. The mountain railway operates throughout the year being used by walkers and those wanting views of the Cairngorms during the rest of the year. Equipment hire and lessons can be arranged. There is a cafe, restaurant and bar at Cairngorm Mountain - the Ptarmigan Restaurant is accessed by the railway which can make an unusual setting fo a meal. Guided walks are also availableCairnGorm Mountain Ltd, Cairn Gorm Ski Area, Aviemore PH22 1RB Tel: 01479 861261. Fax: 01479 861207. Email: info@cairngormmountain.org. Guided Walk Booking Line: 01479 861 341.
The Lecht Ski Centre has around 20 piste for all abilities of skiing serviced by chairlifts or tows. For snowboarders there is a Snowboard Funpark along with table tops, log slides, gap jumps and a full length half pipe. You can also have a go at a range of other fun snow activities like snow tubing. Snow canons are used on some slopes to boost natural snowfall. You can also hire equipment or book lessons through the Ski Centre.
In the summer the Centre is open for go-karting, tubing, quad bikes and chairlift rides. Check their website for more information. The Lecht Ski Centre, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YP. Tel: 019756 51440. Fax: 019756 51426 Email: info@lecht.co.uk.
Being the main base between an extensive mountain area there are lots of outdoor companies based in Aviemore. Canoeing, climbing, cycling, gliding, gorge walking and canyoning, hill walking, ice climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering, navigation skills, pony trekking, rock climbing, sailing are all possible from Aviemore. A variety of companies can organise courses or trips or hire out equipment. See the listings opposite for more information.
Glenmore Lodge is Scotland's National Outdoor Adventure Centre based in Aviemore who offer a wide range of courses for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced skills courses. Their main areas of expertise are rock climbing, ice climbing, navigation skills, winter/summer mountain skills, ski touring/mountaineering, mountain biking, sea kayaking, surf kayaking, river kayaking, open boating and first aid and rescue.
Walking is probably the most popular activity in the Cairngorms and there's plenty to see from the Granny Pines in Rothiemurchus Forest and low level riverside walks to the peaks of the stark mountains that stretch all around Aviemore. Local Munros for hillwalkers include Ben Macdui and Braeriach. Aviemore hosts an annual Walking Festival in May that includes guided walks of varying difficulty, exhibitions, talks, workshops and ceilidhs.
Check the links right for more information on the Aviemore Walking Festival as well as some suggested walks in the Aviemore area. Don't forget the Hillphones number for checking on deer stalking seasons.
During the summer Aviemore hosts one of the biggest events in the annual calendar - its Highland Games. People come back to Scotland from all over the world to take part of watch the Highland Games (some ex-pat celebrities have been known to make a regular appearance).
Regular events include solo piping, Highland dancing and heavy and track events. It is usually held at Aviemore Football Ground in August. Check the Aviemore community website for up-to-date information.
The Strathspey Steam Railways runs between Aviemore and The Boat of Garten. During the summer you can dine on the train with food provided by the Cairngorm Hotel. Throughout the year a variety of events are organised such as the Santa Services during the Christmas Season - always popular with the youngsters.
For details of trains and services tel: 01479 810725 for details. A "Talking Timetable" service is provided on 01479 812220 or contact them online via their website, link right.