Cairngorm Mountain is a Scottish secret snuggled deep in the heart of a National Park and is a highland treasure.

Skiers will love the facilities and families will love the atmosphere and location as it is one of the easiest ski resorts to travel to from anywhere in Britain, the reason - because its right here on our doorstep.

Starting at Badenoch and Strathspey in the centre of the highlands the small town of Aviemore is a good starting location from which to explore the national park and mountain.

The route to Cairngorm is clearly signposted, and after crossing the River Spey the road begins to rise gradually through the Caledonian pine forest and past the spectacular waters of Loch Morlich.

Cairngorm is nine miles from the village of Aviemore and the mountain is well served by a trunk road network. There is also a mainline railway station linking the area to the UK rail network and coaches also operate regular services to the town from all over Britain.

The mountain itself hosts a number of accommodation options but Cairngorm Mountain Resort offers room and packages for all groups.

The main skiing area is surrounded by land which is protected and recognised for the quality of both the landscape and wildlife. While on the mountain skiers are asked to stick inside the boundaries, which are clearly marked.

Areas are distinguished by different names and are separated into zones, the Beginner zone, Coire Cas zone, Lady zone, Car Park zone, and Ciste zone.

Routes down the slopes cater for all ski levels, with ample beginner areas and advanced courses littered throughout the mountainside.

There are two main chair lifts however, the majority of slope transportation is via T-Bar.

Lifts are valid for use with beginner tickets and there are also beginner classes and packages for those snow novices who are a little unsteady with their poles and 'new feet'.

There are a number of ticket choices available, and your ticket must be shown to lift operators.

For those people who would just rather explore the slopes with a hike or day trip there are non-skiing tickets available and heaps of exciting activities on offer.

Shopping is also plentiful on the mountain with "Shop at the Top" a hit with many tourists. The facilities in the Ptarmigan include clothing from all top winter sport brands including, Columbia, Headworx and Voodoo Dolls.

You can also visit the Mountain Exhibition and learn about the history and mystery of how the mountains evolved, and how wildlife and humans survive in such extreme cold.

For those extreme winter sports fans there is also an all Terrain Park, with a range of sculpted features including jumps, ramps, and tubes.

When it comes to food the resort has it covered with the "Cas Bar", T-bar and Mountain Top Ptarmigan Restaurant providing a self service traditional Scottish menu.

So, if you want to nip off to the snow for the weekend and have the convenience of short distance travel by rail or coach then Cairngorm is the resort for you, it offers all the fun of a large European ski resort right on your doorstep and allows you to get back to nature in the middle of Scottish Highlands.