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 Skiing
has been enjoyed on Aonach Mor since the 1930’s, predominately
by local skiers. However it was not until 1968, that the area’s
full economic potential was recognised. In 1974 a planning
report was produced, sponsored by the Scottish Tourist Board,
concerning the prospect of a winter sports development in
Fort William, and essentially developing the area as an all
year round tourist destination.
Numerous further feasibility studies were
commissioned concerning the engineering, ecology and viability
of a development on Aonach Mor and finally in August 1986
the project won approval from the Highland Region’s
Planning Committee. The following three years required considerable
effort to secure both public and private funding for the development,
however the support and backing was successful when construction
finally began in December 1988.
 During
the construction, considerable effort was made to create an
environmentally acceptable area, all work carried out was
in compliance with planning controls and restrictions were
put in place to protect the environment. Buildings were designed
to blend with surrounding vegetation, helicopters were used
for all construction work (at high cost!) and no bulldozing
was permitted throughout the process of piste creation. Nevis
Range has been hailed as the model of a well-managed, low
impact development.
Despite the severe controversy that surrounded
the development for many years, the considerable effort and
hard work (blood, sweat and tears on many individuals parts!)
was finally proven worthwhile, when on the 19th December 1989
Ian Sykes and his team opened Nevis Range to the public.
 The
installation of the skiing facilities at Aonach Mor were implemented
as a multi-phase project, with one of the latter developments;
the Braveheart Chair, being constructed during 1997, eight
years after the ski centre first opened.
The centre continues to evolve in response
to competitive and environmental factors, it is no longer
just a winter ski area; the gondola is a highly acclaimed
year round visitor attraction in its own right. Nevis Range
is now also an internationally acclaimed venue for mountain
biking; having hosted numerous international and national
competitions it is hailed as one of the best Mountain Biking
destinations worldwide.
The downhill mountain bike track was first
developed on the lower slopes of Aonach Mor in 1994, being
regularly used by bikers and hill walkers. Over the years
with the increased demand and growing number of events being
hosted the track gradually started to creep further up the
hill. In 1998 discussions began to extend the track to the
top station and provide gondola access for riders and their
bikes, the completed track was opened to the public in September
2000.
 Nevis
Range has, in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, since
developed the mountain biking facilities available onsite
to include both a X-Country and 4-Cross track, consequently
becoming the first venue to host all three World Cup disciplines.
Fort William has now played host to the UCI Mountain Bike
World Cup 5 times and the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World
Championships ni 2007. The World Cup returns for a 6th year
in 2008.
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