Aonach Mòr

"Nevis range" redirects here. Nevis range can also be used to refer to the range of mountains around Ben Nevis, at the western end of the Grampians.

Aonach Mòr
Distant shot of Aonach Mòr from Banavie
Highest point
Elevation	1,221 m (4,006 ft) [1]
Prominence	c. 134 m
Parent peak	Aonach Beag
Listing	Munro
Naming
Translation	Big ridge (Gaelic)
Pronunciation	Scottish Gaelic: [ˈɯːnəx ˈmoːɾ] English approx: uw-nuhkh maur
Geography
Location	Highland, Scotland
Parent range	Grampians
OS grid	NN193729
Topo map	OS Landranger 41

Aonach Mòr is a mountain in the Highlands of Scotland. It is located about 2 miles/ 3 km north east of Ben Nevis on the south side of Glen Spean, near the town of Fort William . The Nevis Range ski area is located on the northern slopes of the peak; the use of this name has inspired some controversy, as it has been considered by some to represent a deliberate changing of an indigenous name.

The name Aonach Mòr implies that the mountain is bigger than its close neighbour to the south, Aonach Beag (small ridge), to which it is linked by a high bealach. However, the names refer to the relative bulk of the mountains when seen from the glen, rather than their altitude above sea level: the summit of Aonach Mòr is in fact 13 metres lower than the summit of Aonach Beag.

The ski resort was opened in 1989^[2] and features a gondola lift and several chairlifts and ski tows. In winter these are used for skiing and snowboarding; in summer the gondola is used for lifting riders to the top of the downhill mountain biking track. It is also used by paraglider pilots to reach a variety of launching points.

Allt an t-Sneachda or the Snow Goose. The main red run on Aonach Mor in good snow conditions.

A skier on Summit Gully, one of many off piste runs on Aonach Mor

A skier in Summit Gully, one of the easier off piste runs on Aonach Mor

The easiest route of ascent is to simply take the gondola to the top station (a height of 650 m (2,100 feet) above sea level), and walk the remaining way. More traditionally, the hill is often climbed from the south from Glen Nevis;. Aonach Mòr is almost invariably climbed in conjunction with Aonach Beag.

The Nevis Range resort has hosted the Mountain Bike World Cup twelve times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), and hosted the Mountain Bike World Championships in 2007.^[3]

Aonach Mor's Coire an Lochain holds one of Scotland's longest-lasting snow-patches (grid reference NN193736), which sits at an altitude of 1120m.^[4] During Cyclone Bodil, Aonach Mòr was hit by the highest gust of 142mph during the storm.^[5]

References

1. ↑ "walkhighlands Aonach Mor". walkhighlands.co.uk. 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013. 
2. ↑ http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/history.asp | History of Skiing on Aonach Mor
3. ↑ http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/ Nevis Range's Website
4. ↑ Snow patches in Scotland
5. ↑ http://news.stv.tv/scotland/251681-storm-with-gales-of-up-to-142mph-batter-scotland-causing-disruption/

Munros of Scotland: Fort William to Loch Ericht
	Nevis range	Aonach Beag Aonach Mòr Ben Nevis Càrn Mòr Dearg
	Mamores	Am Bodach An Gearanach Binnein Beag Binnein Mòr Na Gruagaichean Sgùrr Eilde Mòr Sgùrr a' Mhàim Stob Bàn Stob Coire a' Chàirn Mullach nan Coirean
	Grey Corries	Stob Bàn Stob Choire Claurigh Sgùrr Choinnich Mòr Stob Coire an Laoigh
	Alder/Ardverikie	Aonach Beag Ben Alder Beinn Bheòil Beinn a' Chlachair Beinn Eibhinn Càrn Dearg Creag Pitridh Geal-Chàrn Mullach Coire an Iubhair
	Ossian/Treig	Beinn na Lap Càrn Dearg Chno Dearg Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin Stob Coire Easain Stob Coire Sgriodain Stob Gaibhre
List of Munros

Coordinates: 56°48′45″N 4°57′42″W / 56.81240°N 4.96177°W / 56.81240; -4.96177