Discover Aviemore’s biggest visitor attraction

Cairngorm Mountain is open all year round, with fun things to do for families and visitors of all ages.

A ‘must do’ attraction for any trip to Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain is known for its exciting snowsports season and iconic mountain railway. Transporting visitors to the recently refurbished Ptarmigan building in under eight minutes, you can dine at the UK’s highest restaurant or go al fresco on the viewing terrace.

The 270° immersive exhibition space showcases the stunning landscape while at the Cairngorm Learning Zone, children can enjoy our interactive 3D sandboxes and create their own natural environments.

During spring and summer, the unique range of outdoor attractions includes exhilarating mountain biking, tubing with spectacular views, and guided walks around Aviemore’s wild landscape. With our motorhome site and parking, visitors can enjoy the Cairngorms’ stunning views during their stay at Aviemore.

Cairngorm Mountain Reviews

Family-friendly activities at Cairngorm Mountain, near Aviemore

In the heart of Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain is Scotland’s favourite mountain destination. Our exciting outdoor attractions are open all year round so you are spoiled for choice with fun things to do.

Mountain Railway

The Cairngorm Mountain Railway – Scotland’s only funicular railway and the highest in the UK – transports visitors and assistance dogs to the top slopes in under eight minutes. Whether you’re skiing or dining out, soak up the panoramic views on the 2km journey

At the top of the mountain railway, you’ll find the Ptarmigan building – home to the UK’s highest restaurant, Cairngorm Gin Bar, and the viewing terrace for al fresco dining. Don’t forget to check out the 270° immersive exhibition space and the Cairngorm Learning Zone with interactive 3D sandboxes where families and children can create their own natural environments.

The Mountain Railway

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Mountain Biking

As well as being Scotland’s favourite ski resort, Cairngorm Mountain is the best destination for family mountain biking in Aviemore.

In summer, the ski slopes are transformed into 3km of mountain biking trails. The ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts easily reach the beginner trails, while the intermediate and advanced trails offer the ultimate adrenaline rush.

With on-site bike hire, including small balance bikes and adult sizes as well as electric bikes, mountain biking is perfect for families looking for things to do in Aviemore. For visitors without a car, bring your bike on the Aviemore Adventurer bus.

Mountain Biking

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Mountain Tubing

Cairngorm Mountain offers the most unique tubing experience in Aviemore. Each 30-minute session offers an exciting, high-speed experience with brilliant views over Loch Morlich and the Spey Valley.

With things to do for the whole family, the gentle Snowflake slope is perfect for young children and the Spindrift and Cliffhanger slides offer an exhilarating thrill.

Mountain Tubing

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Guided Walks

Cairngorm Mountain has the most scenic walks in Aviemore. Led by experienced rangers, our guided walks are an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy spectacular views from Cairn Gorm Summit while exploring the Munro and the sixth-highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,245m above sea level.

Or take a walk around the Northern Corries’ wild landscape and explore the iconic flora and fauna. Experience nature like never before with our unmissable, family-friendly walks.

Guided Walks

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Walking Trails

Take a walk around Cairngorm Mountain or hike to the summit with our walking trails. The Lower Cas Loop is perfect for a family walk, gently weaving through the slopes. With breathtaking views, the Windy Ridge Climb offers a slightly steeper walk while the Summit Path is a chance to climb Britain’s sixth-highest mountain.

You can also explore the rest of the Cairngorms by taking one of the walking trails in and around Aviemore including the breathtaking walk to Loch Morlich.

Walking Trails

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Mountain Garden

Like our walks around Aviemore’s wilderness, our Mountain Garden offers an insight into the beautiful wildlife thriving in the Cairngorms.

Learn more about the mountain environment and enjoy the stunning landscape at the Coire Cas viewpoint. You can even make a call at the highest phone box in the UK!

Mountain Garden

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Snowsports

In winter, the most popular thing to do in Aviemore is to visit Scotland’s top ski resort, Cairngorm Mountain.

Families and beginners can reach the beginner slopes with our ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts. Meanwhile, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway – Scotland’s only funicular railway and the highest in the UK – transports visitors and assistance dogs to the top slopes in less than eight minutes.

At the top of the mountain railway, you’ll find the Ptarmigan building – home to the UK’s highest restaurant, a 270° immersive exhibition space, and a viewing terrace for après-ski. At the Cairngorm Learning Zone with interactive 3D sandboxes, families and children can create their own natural environments.

Snowsports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully by now you are already planning your visit to Cairngorm Mountain, to help you we have compiled a list of popular FAQs:

What are your opening hours?

Find out our latest opening times on our website here.

How much does it cost to park in your car park?

A £3.00 charge per vehicle for all day parking applies from mid April to end of October 2024. Payment options are by contactless credit/debit cards, or coins at the exit ticket machine. Over the winter season we do not charge for car parking, however we do have donation boxes around the car park and you can also donate in The Mountain Shop.  

Do I have to pay for parking if I am disabled?

We do not charge for parking for Blue Badge holders. For Blue Badge holders wishing to visit us, please also contact  info@cairngormmountain.co.uk  

Can I go tubing without booking?

We strongly recommend that you book in advance to guarantee availability. You can book online on our website.

How old does my child have to be to go tubing?

The Snowflake is suitable for children aged 2 & over.  For the Spindrift & Cliffhanger rides children (and adults) from age 4+ and must be over 1 metre tall.  

Is tubing available midweek?

If booking for a minimum number of 10 people we can look at availability to book a tubing session for your group. Please email info@cairngormmountain.co.uk with your date, time and contact number and we will check our availability and come back to you.  Tubing will be available daily during the Summer School Holidays.  

Can I cancel my tubing/guided walk booking?

Yes, you can cancel and receive a full refund up to 48 hours in advance of your booking. Cancellations within 48 hours of your booking will require special circumstances, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to cancel please  email info@cairngormmountain.co.uk.

How can I see if there is availability on the day I want to visit?

You can see all our availability of tubing and guided walks on our website. 

How do I book the Northern Corries Walk?

Booking is essential to participate in all of our guided walks however minimum group numbers apply or private walks can be arranged.  Find out more here – website.

Do you have toilets and showers in your motorhome site?

Only vehicles with an on-board toilet (this can be a cassette toilet on smaller vans) can park at the motorhome site. There are no toilets or showers on the site therefore caravans and tents are excluded from this facility. The site does feature a secure entry and waste disposal, visit our website for full details. 

I plan wild camping/walking in the mountains, how do I advise the ranger?

We ask that you fill out a digital route card so that we are able to keep track of cars left in our car parks and can provide assistance to the emergency services if required.  Please complete this form.

Can you cater for birthday parties?

We can accommodate both children’s and adult parties with a tubing session (minimum numbers of 10 apply) together with food and drink in our Cairngorm Café. Just email us with your preferred dates and times and we’ll come back to you. 

Is your motorhome site open all year?

Our motorhome site is seasonal. The final opening day will be 31^st October 2023 and we will re-open on 1^st May 2024.

Are you dog friendly?

Yes we are dog friendly. You can bring your furry friend into our cafes in the Day Lodge and there’s also great walks you can do from the main car park. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed on the journey up on the Mountain Railway to the Ptarmigan. However for walkers we do allow dogs into the Ptarmigan restaurant at the Top Station.