The Lecht - now rebranded as Lecht 2090 - is the smallest of Scotland's five centres but it definitely punches above its weight, through its ongoing quest to innovate and serve an enthusiastic ski community. It's situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest National Park at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon.
The ski centre opened in the 1977-78 season, with next to no facilities. Three portable ski tows were used and a small hut served as the cafe, seating around 30 people. In those days the car park was only big enough for 50 cars and ski hire only had 40 pairs of skis. Tickets were sold over the counter at the hut/cafe and the ski school shared a space with the ski hire. Over the following decade all profits were sunk back into the company and there was a steady expansion in all departments. European money was invested to good effect and the Lecht has grown into a fully-fledged ski centre, with an excellent day lodge.
Sat on grassy and heathery terrain, the Lecht doesn't need a lot of snow to start skiing - just a few inches will do. Therefore, it is usually the first of the five Scottish resorts to open for the winter. These days the resort also has some of the best snowmaking facilities in Scotland, incorporating a snowfactory developed by TechnoAlpin, enabling the Lecht to not only open slopes in early December, but also create snow in June for a training camp at the snowpark!
There is no slopeside lodging, with the nearest village at Tomintoul. The nearest larger ski areas are Cairngorm and Glenshee - Lecht is an easy day trip from either and can sometimes have good snow conditions when snow is scant or lifts closed by poor weather conditions at other centres.
The Lecht - Ski Map & Pistes:
The terrain at the Lecht is modest but enjoyable, especially for beginners. This a a very compact ski area - with skiing only a short distance from the car park. The Lecht caters for every level of skier from beginner to racer. For first-time skiers there is an excellent nursery area with five tows specifically for beginners. Petrel, Bunting, Wren and Robin are all easy green runs, easily accessible from the car park. Grouse, Eagle and Osprey are all intermediate blue runs while advanced skiers can enjoy the more challenging Buzzard and Falcon. For expert skiers there is the Harrier, a challenging black run.
Racers can time themselves on the race piste with its own computer timing system and Rapid slalom poles.
A big plus point for the Lecht is that being inland it's more sheltered than some other Scottish ski resorts, therefore avoiding high winds (fingers crossed!).
The Lecht - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring:
The Lecht is brilliant for beginners and even intermediates, but unless the Harrier and Buzzard lifts are open there is little to entertain more advanced skiers and snowboarders. However, especially after a good fresh snowfall, there can be some fun off piste lines in between the marked pistes.
The Lecht - Restaurants, Bars & The Town:
The friendly atmosphere and generally unintimidating open ski area make the Lecht a good choice for families. The Lecht has been a pioneer of fun family snow sports, besides skiing and boarding, such as tubing.
Non-outdoor/snow based family facilities in the area are limited, as is the choice of eateries. Aviemore is a possible base for ski trips to the Lecht and it has a whole host of family facilities.
The Lecht has its own cafe bar and self service restaurant which offers basic fayre and occasional specials. The nearest hotel is the Allargue Arms at Corgarff which is 3 miles (5km) away. Or there's the Gordon Arms or the Glen Avon, both in Tomintoul 6 miles (10km) away.
The après ski centres around local pubs and hotels in Tomintoul and other surrounding villages such as Grantown on Spey, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Strathdon and Ballater. During the ski season there are often ceilidhs, live music and discos.
The Lecht - Ski Hire:
There is on-site ski & snowboard hire at the Lecht with pre-booking recommended especially during peak periods such as school holidays.
The Lecht - Ski School:
The Lecht also offers an in-house Snowsports School with private and group lessons to suit all ages, budgets and levels. It also runs sessions for schools.
Aberdeen (1hr 25mins)
