Cairnwell Chairlift, Glenshee 1967

The Cairnwell Chairlift is one of the most prominent and historic ski lifts in Scotland, located at Glenshee Ski Centre—the largest ski resort in the UK. Situated in the eastern Highlands, just off the A93 between Blairgowrie and Braemar, the Cairnwell Chairlift plays a central role in accessing the southern slopes of the Cairnwell mountain.

First installed in the 1960s, the Cairnwell Chairlift was among the earliest fixed-grip chairlifts in Scotland, introduced during a period of rapid expansion in Scottish winter sports infrastructure. Its installation marked a significant development in making the Cairnwell and the surrounding slopes more accessible to both skiers and sightseers.

The lift carries passengers from the main Glenshee base station up towards the summit of The Cairnwell, which rises to 933 metres (3,061 ft). At the top, skiers can enjoy a range of intermediate and advanced runs, including the popular “Tiger” run—one of the steepest marked pistes in Scotland. In good snow conditions, the lift provides efficient access to both natural and groomed slopes, forming part of a network of 22 lifts across Glenshee’s extensive terrain.

Beyond winter sports, the Cairnwell Chairlift also operates during the summer months (weather permitting), offering hikers and tourists an easy route to the summit ridge, with sweeping views across the Cairngorms and the surrounding Grampian mountains.