Frosty Fun at Fraoch Lodge — 10 Free (and Almost Free) Snow Activities
Winter in the Cairngorms is magical — even without skiing, there are so many ways to play in the snow around Fraoch Lodge. Here are ten fantastic (mostly free) snow-based activities to try during your stay — plus one that’s a real treat, even though it costs a little.
- Build a Snowman
Never underestimate the delight of rolling snowballs, no matter how sticky or dry the snow is. It’s a classic activity for kids, but adults will love it too. With a cabin backdrop, your snowman might even become the most photogenic resident at Fraoch Lodge. - Make Footprints
Explore the snowy paths around the lodge and leave little (or big) footprints behind. It’s especially fun the first time you walk through fresh snow — but make sure you’re wearing waterproof boots or wellies. When toes get chilly, head back for a hot chocolate or nip into a nearby café for a warming treat. - Dig a Snow Maze
Grab a shovel (or just your hands) and carve out a playful maze in the snow. It’s way more exciting than simply clearing snow. Plus, it gives you a little project — and a fun hiding spot! - Snowball Fight
A timeless favourite. Just be careful to pack snowballs cleanly — you don’t want grit or little stones sneaking in.
5. Snow Angels
Lie back, stretch out your arms and legs, and make your mark in the snow. Waterproof clothing helps, otherwise you’ll end up pretty damp (but smiling).
6. Track Animals
Look for animal footprints — deer, hares, birds, or small mammals might have wandered nearby. Identifying tracks can be fun and gives you a sense of the wildlife around you.
7. Build an Igloo or Fort
With enough snow and a little effort, you can build your own snow fortress. It’s a great way to get creative (and a bit muddy) — plus kids (and adults) love crawling in and out of their hideout.
8. Sledging
There’s a lovely beginner-friendly slope right by the golf driving range on the edge of Boat of Garten, which is great for tobogganing. If you stay at Fraoch Lodge, we’re happy to give detailed directions. For a bigger thrill, Cairngorm has a sledging area, though you’ll need to use their sledges.
9. Paint the Snow
Bring spray bottles filled with coloured (food-safe) water and try “snow graffiti” — the snow is your canvas! It’s safe, creative, and the results look surprisingly magical against the stark white.
10. Snow Sculptures or Noughts & Crosses
Snow isn’t just for balls — you can build little sculptures, carve out games like noughts and crosses, or create abstract shapes. It’s great fun, very Instagram-friendly, and doesn’t need fancy tools.
Bonus (Not Free, but Brilliant): Ice Skating in Aviemore (There’s also a small, seasonal, manmade “ice” rink/skating venue at Loch Insh watersports.)
Aviemore now has a community-run ice rink, housed in a large alpine-style marquee at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
- The rink opened in October 2021, thanks to huge community effort.
- Public skating sessions typically last 60 minutes, and skate hire is included.
- Prices: ~£14 for adults, ~£12 for children online; slightly higher for walk-ins.
- They also run ice discos, “learn to skate,” ice hockey, and even introductory curling.
- For younger or less confident skaters, there are bob-skates and penguin / polar-bear skating aids.
- All profits are reinvested back into the rink and into plans for a permanent, full-sized sports ice facility in Aviemore.
Tip: It’s very popular, especially at weekends and during school holidays — book ahead to avoid disappointment.