Snow conditions in Scotland can often be a bit unpredictable, but CairnGorm Mountain gets more long-lasting snow than any other spot in the highlands. Over the years, this has made it a well-loved destination for skiers and snowboarders.
With its mountainous landscape and northern location, it's no surprise that the Scottish Highlands are often topped with snow. Among two of the snowiest places in the Highlands are the villages of Kinbrace and Knockanrock, which can see as many as 50 snow-covered days a year.
Although we do regularly get fresh snowfalls in Scotland (on average it snows 15 - 20 days per year), the amount of snow - and likelihood of it lying - really depends on your luck and where you visit.
Closed ski resorts in Scotland see best snow in years
Does Inverness Scotland have snow?
Winter in Inverness
Whilst we do get snow, don't expect this to be the norm! Mostly winter is crisp or wet… with the occasional day here and there of snow. If you do want to see snow however, our hills are likely to give you some luck! The days are short in winter.
1. Cairngorms. Home to the most popular snowsports destination in the UK, the Cairngorm National Park in the Grampian Mountains hosts some of the snowiest locations in the UK.
Substantial falls of snow can happen right up until May, and sometimes into June and July. Always make sure you check weather conditions for the mountains where you are headed.
Southern Britain is expected to remain mild through to the end of 2023, but there is a chance for colder weather with some snowfall in Scotland after Christmas, particularly in the northern regions.
Scotland sees the most snow in the UK, with snow or sleet falling on 38.1 days on average. The weather station which recorded the most snowfall in the UK was the Cairngorm Chairlift, with snow falling on 76.2 days throughout the year (based on 1981-2010 averages).
The snow season generally starts in November and ends in April but, while temperatures can get pretty low in winter, snow is not always expected. In fact, it's pretty unlikely for Glasgow to receive snow at all, and when it does, for it to stick around long enough to enjoy it.
Snowfall is less common in the lowlands, but becomes more common with altitude. Parts of the Highlands have an average of 36 to 105 snow days per year, while some western coastal areas have between 12 and 17 days with snow a year.
The quiet and traditional resort of Klosters is one of King Charles' favourite ski destinations. He has visited with such regularity that the resort have named, not one, but two chair lifts after him.
Where is the warmest place in Scotland? It may surprise you, but the west coast of Scotland is often warmer than the east, due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean currents – you can even find palm trees in Plockton in the Highlands!
These islands have a maritime climate and are warmed by the sea in the winter – making them less conducive to heavy snowfall. The unique weather patterns and ocean currents surrounding these islands result in milder winters, so don't expect too much snow if you visit!
There was another white Christmas in 2010, it was also the coldest Christmas Day ever recorded in the United Kingdom. In 2014, parts of the Northern Isles had a white Christmas and again in 2017, Northern England and Southern Scotland had a white Christmas.
Met Office forecasters confirmed "some snow falling across the Scottish high ground" just after midday on Monday. Christmas 2023 is officially a white one - despite parts of the country reaching the highest minimum daily temperature on record for 25 December.
Snow and rain are expected to see Glasgow out of 2023. According to the MET Office, the last few days of the year will bring "unsettled" weather. Forecasters say this will bring strong winds, rain and even snow.
The summit of Ben Nevis reliably has snow on it from November through to August with the Mountain path covered completely by snow at any point between September and May, usually.
Is there always snow on top of Ben Nevis? Not all year round, no. Though it's not entirely out of the question, some of the deep gullies on the North Face and the north east buttress can hold snow all year round. From November to May however, you can pretty much assume there'll be snow cover.
More than 50% of Christmases have been classified as white since 1960. Last year was one of them. While no weather stations recorded any lying snow, 9% recorded falling snow. 2021 was also classified as a white Christmas with snow in Braemar and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, Strathallan in Perthshire and across Shetland.
You'll find the Greatest Snow on Earth® in Utah, and particularly at Salt Lake's ski resorts. This proud claim refers to more than just the texture of the snow. Location and weather patterns are key. Accessing the snow is incredibly easy with four resorts close to the city.
Yep, that's right, topping the list and earning the title of Britain's snowiest city is Sheffield. We didn't believe it either. But the numbers are in and it's official: Yorkshire's second biggest city gets more snow than any other in the country.
