Marian Austin and Ian Sykes celebrate the Nevis Range’s anniversary under the gondola. Photo: Iain Ferguson
A Highland outdoors resort that was conceived as a way of providing employment in a recession celebrates its 25th anniversary today.
Nevis Range, built on the slopes of Aonach Mòr in Lochaber, now combines snowsports and winter climbing activities with mountain biking and summer events.
The idea of a snowsports centre was mooted in the 1970s and it took 10 years to come about, with battles for support, funding and even snow cover before its opening on 19 December 1989.
The centre, near Torlundy in Lochaber, has the only mountain gondola in the UK which skiers take to the Nevis Range ski slopes and many winter climbers also use to access routes on the mountain’s east face.
The original concept was put forward by local businessman Ian Sykes.
Nevis Range said the story of the initial development of the resort reads like the screenplay for a festive film. “A small, remote community with a never-give-up attitude comes together in the face of adversity, a group of close friends explore snowy hills in search of potential ski runs and local businesses raise a million pounds in less than a month to prove their resolve to potential funders only to have the funders pull out,” it said.
A helicopter airlifts parts in during construction of the resort
“Despite the many setbacks the true power of determination, negotiation and the will to succeed, all of which, along with many of the original staff, are still at the core of Nevis Range today.”
Ian Sykes, a key early player, became the first managing director and, although retired from the post, still has an active role on the board of the company.
He said: “It is really great to see Nevis Range still going 25 years on and doing more than we could ever have hoped for in 1989.
“I think the location of Nevis Range with easy access from the main roads and the decision to go for continental style gondolas have been major contributors to our success. I would really like to highlight the overwhelming commitment of all on the first committee, council and government agencies who did bring our dreams and those of the Lochaber community to life.
“The fact that we now have international downhill biking events on world class tracks, fantastic ski runs and a back country area, as well as offering easy access for climbers, walkers and paragliders, has made us even more of an all year round resort.
Construction work on the Nevis Range
“I am delighted to see all of this in action and looking very promising for the future.”
Current managing director Marian Austin said: “I have been here since day one, starting as a ski instructor and I am delighted that Nevis Range is a popular year round attraction 25 years on.
“In winter we are a ski resort; in the summer we are one of Scotland’s leading mountain bike centres hosting world and national downhill and cross country mountain bike events.
“We have built a series of high wire adventure courses for all ages and our new Pinemarten cafe bar was opened recently. The gondola also offers spectacular views from the top of Aonach Mòr to up to 130,000 visitors annually. ”
