Nevis Range Information

Apres-ski

Nevis Range shuts down more or less as soon as the ski day ends, so most of the après-ski action can be found in Fort William, 8km (5 miles) away, where there are about 40 bars.

The Crofter (tel: +44 1397 704 899; www.crofterbar.co.uk) is a central, award-winning Highland pub with real ale, occasional live music and Sports TV. The Tavern, also on the central street (tel: +44 1397 703 600; www.thetavernrestaurant.co.uk) is another traditional pub that does a mean cocktail alongside the regular selection of beers and whiskies.

Cobbs at Nevisport (tel: +44 1397 704 790; www.cobbs-at-nevisport.co.uk) has occasional live music, an open fire and a tantalising selection of real ales on tap.

Eating out

On the slopes the Snowgoose Restaurant (tel: +44 1397 705 825) at the top of the gondola station provides a range of affordable basic meals on the mountain. The Pinemarten, a café/bar with a lovely view of the mountain at the foot of Aonach Mor, serves freshly made meals using locally sourced produce.

Back in Fort William and the wider area there's a good choice of more than 60 places to eat, with options ranging from Chinese, Indian or traditional fish and chips to fine dining.

The brilliantly named Grog and Gruel (tel: +44 1397 705 078; www.grogandgruel.co.uk) serves wholesome bar meals, while the colourful Crannog Restaurant (tel: +44 1397 705 589; www.crannog.net) has a long-standing reputation for excellent seafood, often caught from the neighbouring loch.

Browns Restaurant in the Nevis Bank Inn (tel: +44 1397 705 721; www.nevisbankinn.co.uk) is also good for seafood and one of the most popular restaurants in town with locals and tourists alike.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

In addition to sightseeing in and around Fort William, there's plenty to do besides skiing and snowboarding at Nevis Range in the winter.

Courses at High Wire Adventure (tel: +44 1397 705 825) are suitable for all ages and abilities. Alternatively, for further adrenaline-fuelled thrills, miles of cross-country mountain bike trails wait in Leanachan forest at the gondola base station.

The region's spectacular natural beauty is its key asset and this is as magnificent on a frosty winter's day as during the busy tourist months of summer. So a drive to either Glen Nevis – a favoured filming spot for the Harry Potter films – or a walk on one of the many stunning sandy beaches in the area, are both great options.

There are also indoor activities in Fort William itself, including the Lochaber Leisure Centre (tel: +44 1397 704 359; www.highlifehighland.com/lochaber-lesiure-centre/) with a pool, gym, table tennis tables, squash courts, spacious spa bath, sauna, steam baths and solarium facilities.

Family fun

Nevis Range is one of the easiest Scottish ski areas to access. Just off the Fort William-Inverness main road, a modern access road leads to the gondola base station – so there's minimum stress in reaching the slopes with children.

At the top of the gondola, the nursery slopes and a sledging area, as well as the family-friendly Snowgoose restaurant, are all just a few slides away.

Fort William is also a good resort town base, and the Lochaber Leisure Centre (tel: +44 1397 704 359) at the north end of the town has a pool. There are also plenty of affordable dining options for families in the region.

Retail therapy

Fort William is the leading retail and tourist centre in the area. It combines all the usual high street shops one would expect to find in any small British town with a good range of tourist shops and specialist ski and mountain outlets, including the excellent Nevisport (High Street). The Ben Nevis Woollen Mill (Belford Road) sells a wide range of knitwear, tartans, gifts and souvenirs.

Splashing out

Ice Factor (tel: +44 1855 831 100; www.ice-factor.co.uk‎), a 20 minute drive from Nevis Range, is home to the world’s largest indoor ice climbing wall (16m/52ft high) comprised of 500 tonnes of real snow and ice. Courses are offered for everyone, from first-timers right through to experienced ice climbers.

Hotels

As a popular winter and summer destination, there is a whole host of accommodation in Nevis Range, both near the slopes and in the surrounding villages and towns. These include countless bed and breakfast hotels, lodges, guest houses and hotels, ranging from the basic to luxurious.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap