Over the past week, a number of rumours and inaccurate assumptions have circulated regarding the temporary closure of the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. We want to be absolutely clear, transparent, and factual about the situation.
It is categorically untrue to suggest that the gondola has been taken out of operation because we do not wish to open for skiing or snow sports.
Routine maintenance work was scheduled for January. This has never been hidden. As in previous years, the plan was straightforward: should snow conditions arrive, maintenance could be paused and the mountain opened within a matter of days. That remained our intention right up until early January.
At that point, our engineering team identified a serious and unexpected fault within the gondola gearbox. This fault meant the gondola could not be operated safely over a sustained period, particularly in winter conditions. From that moment, the situation moved from planned maintenance to an emergency repair.
The only responsible course of action was to remove the gearbox and send it for urgent specialist repair with SEW Eurodrive. This is a complex process and not something that can be rushed:
This work is essential and unavoidable. It is about ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and resilience of the gondola — not just for winter operations, but for year-round mountain access.
Despite this setback, preparation for snow sports has not stopped. As soon as access allows, teams will be on the hill preparing, shaping, and managing snow where conditions permit. This work continues daily within the constraints imposed by weather and access.
We also need to be unequivocally clear on another point.
Our staff are not here to be abused.
They are not here to be verbally attacked online.
They are not here to be confronted or harassed in public.
The people working at Nevis Range are dedicated professionals putting in long hours — often around the clock — to resolve an emergency situation that was entirely outside anyone’s control. Scrutiny comes with public operations; abuse is not acceptable.
Looking realistically at current conditions: the upper mountain is beginning to build and is showing encouraging signs. However, the lower mountain does not yet have a sufficient base, and access remains the limiting factor at this stage.
We remain fully committed to snow sports at Nevis Range. We always have been, and we always will be. As soon as conditions and access allow, we will be ready.
Looking ahead, we also recognise the importance of strengthening our relationship with the snow sports community. We will be engaging more closely with clubs, groups, and individuals who share our passion for the mountain, to help shape how we prepare, operate, and communicate around winter operations.
We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support shown by the vast majority of our customers and the wider mountain community. We will continue to provide clear, honest updates as works progress and conditions evolve.
Thank you for standing with us — and for supporting the team who are working tirelessly to get us back on the mountain as soon as it is safely possible.
