Hillend Snowsports Centre Edinburgh
Experience thrilling snowsports year-round on Europe's longest dry slope, plus an exciting Alpine Coaster with stunning Edinburgh views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Book ahead for popular rides
Hillend Snowsports Centre Edinburgh
Best Time
Book ahead for popular rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling snowsports year-round on Europe's longest dry slope, plus an exciting Alpine Coaster with stunning Edinburgh views.
"The Alpine Coaster is way scarier than anticipated but omg so fun! 10/10."
🎯 Book Alpine Coaster in Advance
Weekends sell out quickly! Book your Alpine Coaster rides online to guarantee your spot.
🛷 Tubing is a Family Hit
Kids (and adults!) love the tubing sessions. Book in advance for a guaranteed fun afternoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Coaster
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Scotland's first and the UK's longest alpine coaster offers a thrilling ride with panoramic views.
Tubing Fun
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
A fast and fun toboggan ride perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for an adrenaline rush.
Dry Slope Skiing & Snowboarding
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Europe's longest dry ski slope offers a unique snowsport experience with stunning city views.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Alpine Coaster Ride Ahead
Consider the Weather for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Alpine Coaster in Advance
Weekends sell out quickly! Book your Alpine Coaster rides online to guarantee your spot.
🛷 Tubing is a Family Hit
Kids (and adults!) love the tubing sessions. Book in advance for a guaranteed fun afternoon.
⛰️ Enjoy the Views
The centre offers spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.
☕ Cafe Value
The cafes offer good value for money, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Alpine Coaster in Advance
Weekends sell out quickly! Book your Alpine Coaster rides online to guarantee your spot.
🛷 Tubing is a Family Hit
Kids (and adults!) love the tubing sessions. Book in advance for a guaranteed fun afternoon.
⛰️ Enjoy the Views
The centre offers spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.
☕ Cafe Value
The cafes offer good value for money, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
🚗 Parking Availability
There's plenty of parking available, and a one-way system makes entry and exit hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, particularly the thrilling new Alpine Coaster and fun tubing sessions. The spectacular views of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills are a major highlight, adding to the overall memorable experience. While the centre itself might show some signs of age, the new attractions and friendly staff create a fantastic day out for all ages.
"The Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend is a brilliant day out for all ages! There’s plenty of parking, and the one-way system makes getting in and out hassle-free. Toilets near ticket office The toboggan ride is a real highlight — fast, fun, and perfect for thrill-seekers. On top of that, the spectacular views across the Pentland Hills make the whole experience even more memorable. Whether you’re there for skiing, snowboarding, or just the toboggans, it’s a fantastic spot with something for everyone."
Debz X
"Fun place to go spend an afternoon with the family. We tried the tubing and kids loved it. Make sure to book in advance."
Emad Daher
"The centre itself is a bit run down but has had a new lease of life with the opening of the alpine descent ride. Cafes good value for money so don't hesitate to have breakfast or lunch on a snack there."
stewart davidson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hillend Snowsports Centre is easily accessible from Edinburgh. You can take a short bus ride to the centre and then walk into the Pentland Hills for stunning views. It's located in the Midlothian area, just south of the city.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the centre. The one-way system also helps make getting in and out hassle-free.
Yes, you can take a bus from Edinburgh to Hillend. It's a convenient option for those without a car.
Hillend Snowsports Centre is located approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Edinburgh city centre, making it a very accessible destination.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in the Midlothian area, south of Edinburgh, and is often visible from surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your Alpine Coaster tickets online through their website or app in advance, especially for weekends, as they sell out quickly.
Tubing sessions are priced around £11.50 for adults and £9.50 for kids for a 45-minute session. Booking in advance is advised.
While some activities might have on-the-day availability, it's best to book popular attractions like the Alpine Coaster in advance to avoid disappointment.
Yes, you can choose to do one ride or a package of three rides. Going for the three-ride option is recommended for more fun.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific activities. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Hillend offers a variety of activities including skiing and snowboarding on its dry slopes, tubing, and the popular Alpine Coaster.
Yes, the Alpine Coaster is suitable for children, and they can ride alone or with an adult. It's a fun experience for the whole family.
The centre boasts spectacular panoramic views across the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh city.
Absolutely! Families love the tubing and the Alpine Coaster. The staff are also noted as being wonderful and friendly.
The Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend boasts Europe's longest dry ski slope, offering a unique snowsport experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes at the centre that offer good value for money, serving breakfast and lunch options.
The cafes typically offer snacks and meals suitable for a day out, providing a convenient place to refuel.
The cafes are considered good value for money, making them an affordable option for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills from the top of the slopes are fantastic for photography.
While you can't typically take photos during the ride itself due to safety, the surrounding areas offer great photo opportunities before and after your ride.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific centre rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Alpine Coaster is also a major draw, with kids able to ride alone or with an adult, making it an exciting experience for all ages. The staff are frequently praised for being wonderful and super friendly, contributing to a positive family atmosphere. With plenty of parking and a convenient one-way system, getting to and around the centre is hassle-free.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're looking for a more active and less costly experience, walking in the Pentland Hills starting from Hillend is a great option.
💑 Couples
+1 It's a great way to create lasting memories and enjoy some adrenaline-fueled fun. After an exciting ride, couples can relax and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the centre, perhaps with a coffee or snack from the on-site cafes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Alpine Coaster
+1 It's described as being faster than it looks and is a highly recommended activity for visitors. The coaster is also noted as being the longest of its kind in the UK, spanning 980 meters of descent.
Visitors can choose to ride alone or in pairs, with many recommending the three-ride option for maximum enjoyment. While it can be a bit scarier than anticipated for some, the consensus is that it's an incredibly fun and memorable experience. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for weekend visits, as it's a popular attraction. Many travelers have shared their excitement about this new addition, with some even calling it a 'bucket list' item.
The combination of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and the novelty of Scotland's first alpine coaster makes it a must-do for many visiting the Edinburgh area. Year-Round Snowsports at Hillend
This allows visitors to enjoy skiing and snowboarding even when natural snow is absent. The centre provides a realistic snowsport environment, complete with multiple runs that give it the feel of a dryslope resort. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Hillend also offers other popular activities like tubing. This is a fantastic option for families and thrill-seekers, providing a fast and fun ride down a dedicated slope.
The toboggan ride is frequently highlighted as a real highlight, perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Even though it's a snowsports centre, the scenic views are a significant draw. Overlooking the city of Edinburgh and the beautiful Pentland Hills, the location provides a stunning backdrop to any activity.
+2 This makes Hillend a great destination for both active pursuits and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. 
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