Things are looking good for the Cairngorm Ski Club Championships on February 16 and 17. But there is a whole range of winter activities in the area. Local company G2 (www.g2outdoor.co.uk) will help visitors try canoeing and kayaking, hill walking and rock climbing, mountain biking and gorge walking as well as Telemark and alpine skiing. But it does warn that you should come with an open mind as to which of the many activities to choose, as changeable weather means you may need to vary your plans.

This summer will see the return of the Outsider Music Festival (www.outsiderfestival.co.uk), which takes place at midsummer across the River Spey in Rothiemurchus. Last year KT Tunstall headlined. Expect more indie mayhem this year, but festival-goers certainly didn’t just lay about listening - there was a cross-country mountain bike challenge and a 12K run to join.

For a really wacky time, pitch up on the first weekend in September and join in the Big Splash. Anyone can enter - you just need a mad method of propelling yourself off a ramp over (or into) the river: skis, child’s bicycle, canoe ... no wonder it’s billed as “the stupidest event in Scotland”.

However, this year’s event is still looking for funding, so check out the website (www.bigsplashaviemore.co.uk) before you turn up on your shopping trolley.

Visit www.visitscotland.com for more information about the area.

Reader recommendations

Where to stay

The Fairwinds Hotel and Chalets are situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, you can either stay in the 3-star hotel or beautiful chalets. It’s so peaceful, friendly and romantic. I can also recommend the delicious food in the adjoining conservatory. www.fairwindshotel.com

Jane, Warwick

What to do

The Landmark Forest Theme Park in Carrbridge is a great place to take the kids, just a 10-minute drive from Aviemore. Our lot loved roaming along the nature trail and climbing all 105 steps to the top of the timber fire tower. www.landmark-centre.co.uk

Tim, Hertfordshire.