Midlothian Snowsports Centre

• Address: Biggar Road, Hillend, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH10 7DU, UK
• Phone: 0131 445 4433
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.midlothian.gov.uk/snowsports
• Social links: Facebook

GETTING THERE

The facility is highly accessible by road via the Edinburgh City Bypass (A720), exiting at the Lothianburn junction and heading toward Biggar on the A702. The complex sits just half a mile from the junction on the right-hand side, immediately after The Steading restaurant.

A large, dedicated car park is available on-site, though visitors should note that the car park gates are securely locked 15 minutes after the centre closes.

For visitors utilising public transport, Lothian Buses operate regular direct services to Hillend, including the Route 4 from Dalry Road (near Haymarket station) and the Route 15 from Waverley station.

SLOPE DETAILS

• Main Slope Length: 400 metres
• Nursery Slopes: 3 separate dedicated learning tracks
• Layout: An extensive outdoor layout comprising a 400-metre primary alpine run designed for continuous parallel carving, 3 isolated nursery slopes built to protect entry-level learners, a specialized jump slope, and a diverse selection of freestyle terrain features.
• Skill level: Fully progressive layout catering to all abilities, though independent open practice strictly requires individuals to ski or board competently and utilise the lifts autonomously.

LIFTS

• 1 x Overhead Chairlift (Please note: currently listed as not available)
• 2 x High-capacity mechanical tow lift systems

SNOW / SURFACE

The facility features high-performance artificial synthetic matting across all active slopes to guarantee reliable, year-round sliding properties in all weather conditions. To lower surface friction and ensure a true-to-life alpine skiing experience, the tracks are backed by an automated water sprinkler lubrication system.

However, because the system is not tied to the main water supply, continuous sprinkler operation cannot always be guaranteed.

The entire complex is fully floodlit, enabling late-evening training sessions, after-school clubs, and adult coaching courses to run safely after dark.

FEATURES & FACILITIES

• On slope: Features a thrilling Alpine Coaster, dedicated high-speed family snow tubing tracks, two 50-metre ramps and jumps, a freestyle terrain park, and a localised racing club.
• Off slope: Houses a specialised Skitech equipment servicing workshop, accessible changing areas, designated disabled facilities, a large coaster car park, and Café 360—a panoramic bar and restaurant lodge.

OPENING TIMES

Standard Operation

The centre maintains consistent operating hours throughout the year, though slope access varies depending on scheduled club training and special events.

• Monday to Friday: 09:30 – 21:00 (Café 360 open 09:30 – 20:00)
• Saturday: 09:30 – 21:00 (Café 360 open 09:30 – 18:00; note that standard weekend centre hours are 09:30 – 19:00)
• Sunday: 09:30 – 19:00 (Café 360 open 09:30 – 18:00)

Open Practice Ticket Availability

Independent open practice sessions are carefully managed around school terms and club routines:

• Monday to Wednesday: Unrestricted open practice from 09:30 to 21:00.
• Thursday and Friday: Unrestricted practice from 09:30 to 18:00; from 18:00 to 21:00, the Main Slope closes for club training, leaving Tow Slope access only.
• Saturday: No open practice tickets available until 10:00, and a strict slope closure is enforced between 13:30 and 14:30.
• Sunday: Open practice tickets become available from 10:30 onward.

Live Event Notices

• Snowsportscotland Alpine Championships: All slopes close completely during major racing events, such as the national championships on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026. The centre re-opens normally on Monday, 25 May at 09:30. These slope closures do not affect Alpine Coaster or tubing bookings, which continue to run as normal.

WARNING: GRIPWALK & TOURING BOOT INCOMPATIBILITY

For strict health and safety reasons, client-owned touring boots or modern ski boots manufactured within the last three years that feature the GripWalk system are entirely incompatible with the binding hardware mounted on the centre’s rental skis. Visitors utilising centre skis must use standard rental boots, which are supplied by the hire department at no extra cost.

PRICES

*Prices are set by Midlothian Council and are subject to periodic inflationary increases.

Independent Open Practice

• Practice Eligibility: To practice independently, you must be a competent skier or boarder able to link turns and use the tow lifts safely. Open practice is strictly prohibited on the Nursery Slopes.
• Age Restrictions: Minimum age for independent practice is over 4 years old for skiing and 7 years old for snowboarding.
• Student Discount: Current higher education students receive a 10% discount off adult hourly practice rates upon presentation of a valid matriculation card.

Ski Instruction & Academy Classes

Snowboard Instruction Blocks

Private Tuition Rates (Ski & Snowboard)

• Private Lesson Age Caps: Standard private ski and snowboard lessons require a minimum age of 4 years and 8 years, respectively.

Family Fun & Tubing Activities

LESSONS & COURSES

The school delivers a comprehensive, highly structured instructional curriculum staffed by a large team of fully qualified professional instructors. Third-party instruction is strictly prohibited on the slopes.

Absolute beginners can start with a 2-Hour Beginner Taster Open Class or enrol in a multi-session Adult Ski Course or Junior Ski School series to progressively build confidence.

For younger children, specialised Kinder Ski Schools (ages 4-5) and Tiny Tot Taster sessions offer small group classes tailored to early development.

Snowboarding instruction begins at a minimum age of 8, utilising low-capacity group environments (capped at a maximum of 8 participants) to optimise feedback and safely fast-track core skills like edge control and linked turns.

Advanced riders looking to transition into competitive disciplines can access specialised Race or Freestyle Training group sessions, or book high-intensity performance coaching blocks such as the Super Racers or Radical Racers development paths.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Quiet times: Weekday daytime sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between 10:00 and 14:00 offer excellent slope space, making them ideal for booking highly focused 1-to-1 private technical lessons.
• Busy periods: Thursday and Friday evenings (18:00 – 21:00) experience high volume due to localized race clubs and tow-slope-only restrictions. Weekends are exceptionally busy with public tubing slots, Alpine Coaster crowds, and junior development camps.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

• Booking advice: Due to high local demand, slots for the Alpine Coaster and family tubing are made available up to 8 weeks in advance. All reservations must be completed online or via the official Midlothian Sport and Leisure mobile app for iOS and Android. Walk-ins are only accommodated if online slots do not sell out. All bookings follow a strict no-refund and no-date-transfer policy.
• What to expect: Because the artificial surface uses water misting arrays to maintain snow-like sliding speeds, participants should dress prepared for the weather. Full equipment fitting occurs at the main hire desk upon check-in, with all hardware hire included in the ticket price. Guests must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their session.

WHAT TO BRING

• Full-length trousers or heavy outer salopettes (strictly compulsory; arms and legs must remain fully covered)
• Long-sleeved tops, performance fleeces, or windproof outdoor jackets (strictly compulsory)
• Durable full-fingered gloves or robust winter ski mitts (strictly mandatory for slope and lift access)
• Safety helmet (compulsory for all participants; provided on-site with hire gear if required)
• Valid matriculation card (required for students claiming the 10% open practice discount)
• Complete a change of dry clothing to change into post-activity

HOW TO BOOK

To purchase an intensive full-day learn-to-ski course, secure a 2-hour beginner taster class, or book a private freestyle lesson, download the official Midlothian Sport and Leisure App or visit the central municipal booking portal. For corporate group events, large secondary school block packages, or race coaching enquiries, contact the administrative office directly on 0131 445 4433 or email [email protected].

WHO IT’S BEST FOR

This comprehensive council-run facility is exceptionally well-suited for winter sports enthusiasts seeking a full-scale 400-metre training run, families looking to combine dry slope sports with an Alpine Coaster experience, and competitive racers seeking elite race training modules.

FAQs

What is the exact length and structural layout of the ski slopes at Hillend?
The venue features a massive outdoor layout comprising a 400-metre primary artificial ski slope, 3 separate nursery slopes for beginners, a dedicated jump slope, and two 50-metre ramps and jumps built for freestyle riders.

Are there any specific clothing regulations enforced for accessing the dry slopes?
Yes. To access any slope, participants must be dressed appropriately for the weather with their arms and legs fully covered, and they must wear full-fingered gloves and a safety helmet at all times.

Can non-skiers participate in activities at the Midlothian complex?
Yes. Non-skiers can book dedicated family snow tubing sessions on the weekends, ride the high-speed Alpine Coaster, or enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from the spectator areas at Café 360.

COMPARISON LINE

Compared to smaller volunteer-led dry tracks across Scotland, Midlothian Snowsports Centre stands out by providing a full-scale 400-metre floodlit run backed by a dedicated freestyle jump slope and an on-site Alpine Coaster.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

• Polmonthill Snowsports Centre (Falkirk): A community-owned charity ski facility featuring a floodlit 100-metre sprint track, an automated sprinkler system, and a comprehensive eight-tier junior coaching matrix.
• Newmilns Dry Ski Slope (Ayrshire): A prominent charity-run social enterprise combining a high-performance Proslope surface with flexible weekend group lessons and a modern travelator carpet lift.

INTERNAL LINKS

For broader national directories and expert equipment selection overviews, navigate back to our master UK Ski Slopes Essential Hub Guide.

LAST UPDATED: May 24, 2026.