Directory
Directory
Dry slope
Edinburgh (Hillend) · Midlothian / Scotland · UK
The longest dry ski slope in the UK and second longest in Europe, featuring a 400m continuous alpine pitch on the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh.
Dominating the Pentland Hills skyline south of Edinburgh, Hillend delivers an authentic alpine descent unmatched in British artificial snow sports. Its 400-metre main run plunges down a genuine 28% hillside pitch, making it an uncompromising proving ground where Scottish race squads and Olympic hopefuls hone high-speed edge precision. Automated high-pressure misting keeps the extensive Dendix matting running fast, while floodlights, a mountain coaster, and dedicated nursery tiers make it a bustling year-round training hub.
Main slope
400 m
Surface type
Dendix diamond matting with automated water misting arrays
Floodlit
Yes
Typical session
120 min
Main slope width
30 m
Beginner slope length
60 m
Number of slopes
4
Lift type
2 High-capacity mechanical button drag lifts and Magic Carpet travelators
Main lifts
2
Beginner lifts
2
Misting system
Yes
Floodlit
Yes
Booking required
Yes
Best time to visit
Midweek mornings (Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 14:00) when the main 400m slope is completely open.
Steep, sustained 18% to 28% alpine gradient on the natural hillside ridge, providing authentic red/black pitch steepness for high-speed edge control, race gates, and carve training.
Beginner
7
Freestyle
8
Surface quality
8
Crowd level
6
Mountain transfer
10
Kinder Ski School (Ages 4-6)
Junior Alpine Development Squads
Adult Learn to Ski & Board Tiers
Slalom Race Performance Clinics
Freestyle Terrain Workshops
Pricing is in Pounds Sterling (£) and matches standard 2026 scheduling. Independent open practice requires competence in turning and using drag lifts. Equipment rental (skis/snowboard, boots, poles) is included in open practice fees.
Rentals
Free Ride
| Monday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 - 21:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 - 19:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30 - 19:00 |
Situated right off the A702 (Biggar Road) near the Lothianburn Junction of the Edinburgh City Bypass (A720). Direct Lothian Bus lines 4 and 15 drop passengers directly outside the main entrance. Ample free parking available on-site.
Heavy footfall on weekend afternoons, Scottish school holidays, and weekday evenings when local racing clubs run slalom training.