The Nevis Range Gondola opened to the public in 1989 and is the UK’s only mountain gondola.
The Fort William area has been a popular place for outdoor winter sports and especially skying for nearly a hundred years. In 1974 a planning report sponsored by the Scottish Tourist Board, considered the development of winter sports so turning the area as an all year round tourist destination. The scheme won approval in 1986, with the development of Aonach Mor. At 1221m, this is the eight tallest mountain in Scotland, and part of the Ben Nevis range.
The plan would include a base station at 100m with a gondola to the top station at 650m. From here in winter, ski lifts would take skiers higher up the slopes. Snow fences were built to catch the snow.
Great care was taken not to damage the environment and helicopters were used for all construction work. Buildings were designed to blend into the landscape. Since 2016, a hydroelectric scheme now powers the gondola.
Walking trails and bike routes have since been developed and there is even an orienteering trail from the top station. It is now a year round tourist attraction although many people just do the ride for the views .
A road leads from the A82 to the base station which has a large car park, cafe and sporting activity shop. This has views over the valley to Torlundy and the mountains beyond.
The gondola can carry up to six people and the ride takes about 15 minutes, climbing up through the trees of Leanachan Forest onto the open mountain side. The cars can swing a bit in windy weather and also stop for a few seconds on the way too.
The top station has a restaurant with a large viewing area. Two well made and clearly signposted routes lead from the top station to view points. The walk to Sgurr Fiiisg takes about 40 minutes while the longer walk, but flatter track to Meall Beg takes an hour.
Even without doing these walks, the views from the top station are stunning , down to Fort William and Loch Linnhe, or up the Great Glen to Loch Lochy,
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The Fort William area has been a popular place for outdoor winter sports and especially skying for nearly a hundred years. In 1974 a planning report sponsored by the Scottish Tourist Board, considered the development of winter sports so turning the area as an all year round tourist destination. The scheme won approval in 1986, with the development of Aonach Mor. At 1221m, this is the eight tallest mountain in Scotland, and part of the Ben Nevis range.
The plan would include a base station at 100m with a gondola to the top station at 650m. From here in winter, ski lifts would take skiers higher up the slopes. Snow fences were built to catch the snow.
Great care was taken not to damage the environment and helicopters were used for all construction work. Buildings were designed to blend into the landscape. Since 2016, a hydroelectric scheme now powers the gondola.
Walking trails and bike routes have since been developed and there is even an orienteering trail from the top station. It is now a year round tourist attraction although many people just do the ride for the views .
A road leads from the A82 to the base station which has a large car park, cafe and sporting activity shop. This has views over the valley to Torlundy and the mountains beyond.
The gondola can carry up to six people and the ride takes about 15 minutes, climbing up through the trees of Leanachan Forest onto the open mountain side. The cars can swing a bit in windy weather and also stop for a few seconds on the way too.
The top station has a restaurant with a large viewing area. Two well made and clearly signposted routes lead from the top station to view points. The walk to Sgurr Fiiisg takes about 40 minutes while the longer walk, but flatter track to Meall Beg takes an hour.
Even without doing these walks, the views from the top station are stunning , down to Fort William and Loch Linnhe, or up the Great Glen to Loch Lochy,
Website
Video