This active mountain resort town in the Scottish Highlands is surrounded by the Cairngorms peaks. Winter skiing and summer hiking draw visitors to its rugged terrain.
Aviemore sits in the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, where you can ski down snowy slopes, walk alongside free-roaming reindeer, and explore ancient Caledonian pine forests. Take the Cairngorm Mountain Railway to eat at 1,097 meters above sea level, or step aboard a vintage steam locomotive on the Strathspey Railway for a journey through the Highland landscape.
Getting to Aviemore
The Highland Main Line railway connects Aviemore directly to Inverness and Perth with multiple daily services. By road, the town sits along the B9152, running parallel to the A9 highway. From Aviemore, you can reach most areas within the Cairngorms within an hour by car.
Winter Sports at Cairngorm Mountain
The ski center opened in 1961 and draws winter sports enthusiasts from across Britain. You'll find 30 km of marked runs, including green beginner slopes, blue intermediate trails, and challenging black runs. Rent equipment in town or at the base station. The winter season typically runs from December to April, with conditions suitable for snowboarding, sledding, and winter mountaineering.
Mountain and Forest Trails
Walk, cycle, or climb in the Cairngorm mountains and surrounding forests. The flat 7-kilometer circuit around Loch an Eilein leads past a 13th-century island castle and through pine forests filled with red squirrels. For more challenging walks, follow the long-distance Speyside Way, or climb the high-altitude paths of the Cairngorm plateau.
Wildlife Watching
Walk alongside reindeer on daily guided hill trips to see Britain's only free-roaming herd. Spot red squirrels in the 6,000-hectare Rothiemurchus Estate's ancient pine forest. Book an early morning wildlife tour to increase your chances of seeing rare capercaillie in the woods or golden eagles circling above the mountains.
Family Activities
Travel on restored 1950s steam trains along the Strathspey Railway's 10-mile route through Highland scenery. Watch Scottish wildcats and snow leopards in their mountain enclosures at Highland Wildlife Park, 7 miles south of town. At Landmark Forest Adventure Centre, climb through treetop courses set 20 meters above ground.
Year-Round Activities
Explore forest paths on guided segway tours, test your problem-solving skills at the town's escape rooms, or practice skating at the ice rink. The clear mountain skies create ideal conditions for stargazing. The community center includes a modern gym, library, and dance studio, with extended hours during winter months.