Aonach Mòr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aonach Mòr |
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Aonach Mòr from Banavie
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,006 ft (1,221 m) ) |
| Prominence | c. 440 ft (130 m) |
| Parent peak | Aonach Beag |
| Listing | Munro |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Big ridge |
| Language of name | Scottish Gaelic |
| Pronunciation | English approximation: oon-ƏKH-mor |
| Geography | |
| Location | Highland, Scotland |
| Parent range | Grampians |
| OS grid | NN193729 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 41 |
Aonach Mòr is a large mountain in the Scottish Highlands. It is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Ben Nevis. This is near the town of Fort William. The mountain's top is 4,006 feet (1,221 m) high. It is known as a Munro, which is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914.4 m).
The name Aonach Mòr means "big ridge" in Scottish Gaelic. You might think it's taller than its neighbor, Aonach Beag ("small ridge"). They are connected by a high mountain pass called a bealach. But Aonach Mòr is actually 43 feet (13 m) lower than Aonach Beag. The names describe how big they look from the valley, not their actual height.
The fastest way to climb Aonach Mòr is by taking a gondola lift. This lift goes up to the Snowgoose Terminal, which is 2,133 feet (650 m) high. From there, you can hike to the top. Many people also climb it from Glen Nevis in the south. They often climb Aonach Beag at the same time.
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What's the Weather Like on Aonach Mòr?
The top of Aonach Mòr has a tundra climate. This means it's very cold, like the Arctic. The average temperature for the year is only 1.6°C (35°F). Even in July, the warmest month, it stays below 10°C (50°F). Because of this, trees cannot grow there.
Snow can usually be found on the mountain all year round. It often stays from one winter until the next. Aonach Mòr has one of Scotland's longest-lasting snow patches. It is in Coire an Lochain, at 3,670 feet (1,119 m) high. During a big storm called Cyclone Bodil, Aonach Mòr had winds of 142 mph (229 km/h).
| Climate data for Aonach Mòr, elevation: 3,707 ft (1,130 m) (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −0.5 (31.1) |
−0.9 (30.4) |
0.1 (32.2) |
2.2 (36.0) |
5.6 (42.1) |
7.6 (45.7) |
9.7 (49.5) |
9.5 (49.1) |
7.4 (45.3) |
4.3 (39.7) |
1.3 (34.3) |
0.5 (32.9) |
3.9 (39.0) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −2.5 (27.5) |
−3.0 (26.6) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
−0.4 (31.3) |
2.9 (37.2) |
5.0 (41.0) |
7.3 (45.1) |
7.4 (45.3) |
5.3 (41.5) |
2.3 (36.1) |
−0.7 (30.7) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
1.6 (34.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −4.4 (24.1) |
−5.1 (22.8) |
−4.4 (24.1) |
−2.9 (26.8) |
0.1 (32.2) |
2.3 (36.1) |
4.9 (40.8) |
5.2 (41.4) |
3.1 (37.6) |
0.2 (32.4) |
−2.7 (27.1) |
−4.1 (24.6) |
−0.6 (30.9) |
| Source: Met Office | |||||||||||||
Nevis Range Ski Area: Winter Fun
| Nevis Range Ski Area | |
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Aonach Mòr Summit Coire
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| Nearest city | Fort William - 2 miles (3 km) |
| Vertical | 3,708 ft (1,130 m) |
| Top elevation | 4,006 ft (1,221 m) |
| Base elevation | 298 ft (91 m) |
| Skiable area | 630 hectares |
| Runs |
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| Longest run | 3 miles (5 km) |
| Lift system | 1 gondola, 3 chairlifts, 8 surface |
| Lift capacity | 9600 per hour |
| Snowfall | 126 in (320 cm) |
| Snowmaking | yes |
| Night skiing | yes |
| Website | Nevis Range |
The Nevis Range is a popular ski area. It is located on the northern and eastern sides of Aonach Mòr. This ski area first opened in 1989. It has a gondola lift, several chairlifts, and ski tows. These lifts help people get to 54 different ski runs.
Some of these runs are Scotland's highest ski slopes. There are also great off-piste areas for backcountry skiing. These are found in places like Coire Dubh, Coire an Lochan, Summit Coire, and the West Face.
The ski area was first named after Aonach Mòr. Later, it was renamed "Nevis Range." This name comes from the more famous nearby mountain, Ben Nevis. Some people thought this change was not good. They felt it removed the original Scottish Gaelic name.
Nevis Range Downhill Mountain Bike Track: Summer Thrills
In the summer, the gondola is used for a different exciting activity. It takes people up to the top of the downhill mountain biking tracks. The Nevis Range resort is famous for mountain biking. It has hosted the Mountain Bike World Cup many times. This includes events in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. It also hosted the Mountain Bike World Championships in 2007.
The gondola is also used by paragliders. They use it to reach high places to launch their paragliders.
Images for kids
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Allt an t-Sneachda or the Snow Goose. This is a main red run on Aonach Mòr when there is good snow.
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A skier on Summit Coire, one of many off-piste runs on Aonach Mòr.
