Nevis Range in Lochaber region of the Western Scottish Highlands is the newest ski area in the United Kingdom. It is situated close to Fort William and Ben Nevis Mountain (1,344 metres) in the Grampian mountain range. Nevis Range has the reputation of a world class mountain-biking area. Nevis range had played host to the Mountain Bike World Cup in 2009. The resort elevation of Nevis range is 640 metres while the top elevation is 1,221 metres.

Skiing at Nevis Range

The ski resort is located amidst splendid natural beauty and it offers a beautiful view over the Atlantic coast.

Nevis Range can witness snowfall between October and June, which allows skiing in mid Autumn or late spring. But again, there could be little or no snow at all even during mid-winter. Hence, one has to make a trip plan to Nevis Range at a shorter notice provided the snowfall reports are satisfactory.

The ski area at the resort can be reached by Doppelmayr, a modern gondola with six-seater cabins, which transport thousands of visitors to the peak each year. The beginners’ slopes are located next to the gondola and the mountain restaurant and have their own drag lift. Summit Run, on the other hand, is a longer run with a very gentle blue.

Intermediates can find their share on terrains marked by wide, fast cruisers. They make up most of the three dozen trails.

Advanced skiers can reach Snowgoose Bowl and Warrens as well as into Corrie Dubh.

Nevis Range has good ski schools and nice terrain park for the freestylers to practice skills.

Other activities:

• Although Nevis Range offers little scope of activities besides skiing and sightseeing, there is a whole lot to do in the Fort William/West Coast area. One can drive upto Glen Nevis, the place where the Harry Potter movies were shot or strolling along sandy beaches.
• Indoor activities at Fort William, including swimming, playing table tennis, squash or spending time taking sauna and spa treatments.
• Nevis Range with its easy ski slopes is one of the most popular spots for family fun. Lochaber Leisure Centre towards the north of Fort William is equipped with swimming pool, cinema and dining options. Snowgoose restaurant is another fabulous family-friendly eatery.
• Shopping
  Fort William is a popular retail centre. There are ski and mountain outlets, tourist centres besides the typical high street stores found in any British town. Nevisport is an ski outlet while Ben Nevis Woollen Mill sells knitwear, gifts, plaids and souvenirs.
• Splashing out
  Highland Activities (www.highlandactivities.co.uk) organises several outdoor activitiesincluding quad biking, white water rafting, funyakking, clay pigeon shooting, scenic river safari, archery, mountain biking and paintballing.
• Après ski
  Fort William is more popular après ski spot than Nevis Range. It has about 40 bars and restaurants including Nevis Bank Hotel, Nevisport Bar and Ben Nevis Bar.
• Eating out
  The family-friendly Snowgoose Restaurant atop the gondola station is a good place to have meals at moderate prices. Besides, Chinese, Indian and other traditional fish and chips are also available here. Grog and Gruel serves bar meals while Crannog Restaurant prepares excellent seafood dishes.

Nevis Range Accommodation:

Nevis Range has a whole range of accommodation facilities much owing to the fact that it is a popular winter as well as summer destination. There are several lodges, hotels, guest houses, bread & breakfasts here.

• Inverlochy Castle Hotel (luxury)
• The Milton Hotel (moderate)
• Fort William Backpackers (budget)

Reaching Nevis Range:

Inverness (100 km) and Glasgow (179 km) are the nearest airports to Nevis Range.

Getting around

One can reach Nevis Range either by car (the base area is an extensive free car park zone) or by means of regular buses operating to and from Fort William. Glencoe is the nearest ski centre located about 56 km due south.