Guaranteed to give
you a lift!
Aonach Mor (Near
summit...Translation :- Big Ridge)
This
gondola type system is the only one of it's kind in Scotland, and the
UK for that
matter
and operates on an all year round basis attracting skiiers,
snowboarders,
walkers,
mountain biking and not least, those just wishing to appreciate
the magnificent
views. Apart from winter skiing, there is an artificial ski slope on which
it is possible to
receive tuition in the middle of summer!
On a personal basis, I found it to be an experience
which is long remembered and
was
fortunate enough to have excellent visibility on the day in question
so that
although I am familiar with the beauty of Scottish scenery, this imprinted
itself
on my memory as having no equal. If a choice of days is available to
you it would
be best to check on cloud cover although if you are in the area weather
conditions
will be obvious The summer months in general
present no problem as regards
visibility, unless of course it is a day of rain.
This point is stressed, to avoid
disappointment.
Telephone :- 01397 705825
Facsimile :- 01397 705854
Email :-
nevisrange@sol.co.uk.
Current
information :- http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter
Nevis
Range is situated 8 miles North of Fort William and, if approaching from
the North,lies between Spean Bridge and Fort William, being well sign
posted on
the approach.
Much of Aonach Mor is designated as being a Site of Special Scientific
Interest
(S.S.S.I.)
and, in order to have as little impact on the natural environment as
possible,
helicopters were employed to transport much of the materials with which
the lift was
constructed in 1989. There are walks and climbs but there are
also 'No Go' areas which,
for various reasons e.g, being reseeded, vegetation vulnerable
to trampling, erosion, you
are requested not to explore.
The ascent takes fifteen minutes and the scenic panorama is ever-increasing
as your
vantage point is progressively elevated to a height of 2150 ft., and
that is only halfway
up Aonach Mor, which lies within the Nevis range of mountains. The
ski lifts will
transport anyone having higher aspirations to the dizzying heights of
4,000 feet
from which Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland can be viewed
as does the eagle.
Ben Nevis translates from the Scottish Gaelic as being 'Mountain of
Heaven.'...Nah! Don't
mean it's
Paradise!...Just means it's high in comparison to the surrounding hills!
The gondolas will be slowed down or stopped for ease of access
to accommodate
anyone incapacitated, or in a wheelchair.
There is 360 degree visibility from each gondola as you are encompassed
by
windows and the only obstruction to viewing is your fellow passengers!.
If the wind conditions be favourable, one can spectate as
the paragliders launch
themselves from a vertical face into the upcurrent,or, if you are
brave? enough,
or similarly minded, why not join them? Parachutes are not supplied
and omitting
to wear one could prove to be more than an inconvenience! ...On the other
hand,
your return to base station should take little time, shaving about
14:8 minutes
off the gondola's 15 minute duration descent but there would be
little opportunity
to admire the scenery! Whichever method you choose : -
Enjoy your day!
An 'All Day Breakfast' is available at the base station whilst the Snowgoose
Mountain Restaurant, pictured above, provides home cooking and baking which
can
be enjoyed either indoors or on the outside balcony on hot summer days.
Toilets and
baby changing stations are available at both the base station and restaurant
The stag will return you to near sea
level 
...But no feeding him! If you really
want to, come back in the winter!I