 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I've skied the Goose with considerably less snow than that 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Very sad.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Really sad used to love riding the back corries.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Ridiculous. Hopefully Glencoe is picking up business instead.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sounds like they learned a trick from Vail?
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Disgrace.
SCGB visited NR a few years ago and did a superb video on what it had to offer including the back corries. They had a unique offering compared to the other Scottish areas.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Jesus
That's a movie
Call Brian Cox and Bill Forsyth
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Looking forward to seeing a copy of your letter expressing your indignation to the First Minister, the local MP, MSP and also your local representatives.
Incidentally, are there any conditions attached to EU funding re long term use of the facilities for which the funding was provided ?
(generally, not just in this case).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| brianatab wrote: |
| Looking forward to seeing a copy of your letter expressing your indignation to the First Minister, the local MP, MSP and also your local representatives. |
Mark (Back Corries) doing a very good job of that...
12th April 26.
https://www.facebook.com/BackCorries
FWW: I have written multiple letter in past regarding Cairngorm funicular.
Which to their credit has been run much better this winter.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I remember seeing the whole brand expansion in Dubai thing, was an actual WTF am I reading moment
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| damanpunk wrote: |
| I remember seeing the whole brand expansion in Dubai thing, was an actual WTF am I reading moment |
Its absolutely wild...
Reads like a real life April fool.
Scottish ski area diversifies into middle east while pretending to be sustainable / net-zero
Advertorial : Bringing Highland heritage to Dubai: Nevis Range proves sustainability is smart business
https://www.ttnworldwide.com/Article/389576/Bringing-Highland-heritage-to-Dubai-Nevis-Range-proves-sustainability-is-smart-business
| Quote: |
From the rugged heights of the Scottish Highlands to the glittering towers of the UAE, Nevis Range is embarking on its most ambitious chapter yet.
Spearheaded by Managing Director Chris O'Brien, the company has planted its flag in the Middle East with the launch of its bar Wild Woven Dubai in the prestigious DIFC area. This strategic move positions the brand as a global ambassador for Scottish heritage, underpinned by a compelling and profitable net-zero business model.
O'Brien, a recognised figure in Scottish tourism, rebuilt Nevis Range from a break-even ski centre into a commercially resilient and sustainable enterprise. He now brings the lessons from that decade-long transformation to the Gulf, proving that environmental stewardship isn't a cost- it's the foundation of smart, scalable business.
Substance over style
The new venture, Wild Woven Dubai, launching in the Carlton Downtown Hotel, is more than just a bar; it’s an umbrella for several high-value business streams.
The company’s first flagship bar outside the UK is set to be swiftly followed in December by the unveiling of an authentic retail business, co-founded by Laila Sutherland. The retail concept, also operating under the 'Wild, Woven' name, perfectly symbolises the interweaving of Scottish and Dubai cultures.
"My goal is to provide high-quality, unique items that change regularly," O'Brien explained. The brand will focus on traditional Scottish materials like Harris tweed and cashmere, collaborating with young Emirati designers to create unique, culturally integrated designs. Products will include limited-edition items such as jewellery featuring mountain or skyline designs, and watches with tartan straps.
O'Brien is quick to critique the tendency to prioritise style over substance in some luxury markets. He firmly asserts that his Dubai venture will focus on meaningful, quality products with genuine cultural significance, avoiding the "elaborate display cases that only sell basic items like deodorant."
Consumer trips to consultancy
The expansion includes a dedicated travel agency and a new consulting service. Nevis Range partners with Star Tours to integrate their travel agency business, providing a market presence in London, Mumbai and the US, alongside satellite partners in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
The agency's primary goal is clear: "to help clients based in Dubai and the wider region travel to Nevis Range in Scotland and experience my home business." The second objective is to promote Star Tours' excellent, Europe-wide coach touring business, which is the leading choice for Indian clientele, particularly those from Mumbai.
"Beyond the consumer side, this agency serves as a front-facing consultancy for how we expand our travel expertise here in the UAE," O'Brien elaborated. "The proposition to local businesses is straightforward: partner with us and gain access to my established international promotion channels, leveraging our global expertise in bringing in international visitors."
Net-zero consultancy
O'Brien is also launching a consulting service with a powerful, singular core proposition: "We made net zero profitable, and everybody can."
He wants to demonstrate that sustainability is not a prohibitive cost but a direct benefit that expands business. His simple message on greenwashing is direct: claims like not providing serviettes for 'green policies' are simply "ripping off the customer."
"What we are interested in are big, philosophical changes to a business that actually do more than just respect the environment - they genuinely enhance it," he stated, noting that many excellent businesses in Dubai already understand this philosophy. |
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You know it makes sense.
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All news to me, wild stuff.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I remember having some cracking skiing in the back bowls at this time of the year.
Must admit I haven't looked at Aonach Mor recently. 
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Poster: A snowHead
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They don't like scrutiny, remember they sent the Police round to Marks when he posted an obviously tongue in cheek AI picture claiming he was inciting violence against their staff FFS.
They've totally lost the plot on reality. The Hotel is very very empty and a total cash loss, they were offering up rooms for peanuts all winter because, yep, nobody goes there. Last season was same snow wise btw, we could see it from Glencoe and they did send Patrol up a few times to assess conditions which were fine to ski and yet they chose not to open. No ski hire, no patrol, no lift maintenance. Best thing they can do is take the lifts out of the hill now and let it be. Run the Gondola for people wanting a scone.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@orange, all incredibly sad. A ski area which was very nice allowed to decline due to the owner's total lack of interest in snow sports, even when snow conditions are good. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I know it's incredibly sad the demise of Nevis Range - one of my best days Scottish skiing was the Back Corries in April 2015 - lapping them 3 - 4 times (no Braveheart, so ski/skin rinse-repeat)
However it's kinda understandable that a commercial operation probs isn't really viable these days with such unpredictable snowfall.
I've always wondered whether a volunteer-run operation would work, as in a number of NZ ski fields
>>>>
Volunteer-run ski fields in New Zealand are primarily "club fields" located in the South Island, offering a rustic, community-driven experience distinct from commercial resorts. These fields (such as Mount Cheeseman, Broken River, and Temple Basin) operate with volunteer labor for tasks like lift operation and mountain safety, often offering skiing perks in exchange
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Agree with all the comments above
Terribly sad that Scotland newest/ highest ski resort has come to this.
I am obviously a Glencoe local / season pass holder. However Aonach Mor offered a unique experience - especially the back corries
| geoffers wrote: |
However it's kinda understandable that a commercial operation probs isn't really viable these days with such unpredictable snowfall |
Certainly Scottish skiing is the wrong industry to be in if you want to make a profit. However the skiing does bring visitors during the low season. Plus it means a lot to people & local communities (skiing, like golf, is not necessarily a posh sport in Scotland).
Hopefully a sensible outcome can be found that allows the uplift to keep spinning on Aonach Mor whenever they do get snow. Oddly Cairngorm been much improved this year (credit where due) and Andy and his team at Glencoe is legendary
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Sat 25-04-26 20:30; edited 1 time in total
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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We had 8 days in S Wales ffs
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| Mike Pow wrote: |
| We had 8 days in S Wales ffs |
Proper soul skiing!
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The goose and back Corries were in ace nick yesterday. Such a great area, very sad about current decision making
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
| The goose and back Corries were in ace nick yesterday. |
Were you up there @Inboard?
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@mountainaddict, yes we had a day there on Friday. Got Climbers gondola up, walked to snack shack, then skinned. One of our group did An Cul Coire, then we all did Summit Gully which was excellent. Bootlacked back up to plateau and finished with an amazing run down the Goose, then gondola down. Only saw one other skitourer all day. Lovely spring snow.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Haggis_Trap, very interesting. If it's a genuine plan then it could mean a new lease of life for snowsports at Nevis Range. 
However given the previous attitude to snowsports shown by the Nevis Range management it's wise to be cautious before celebrating.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Alastair Pink wrote: |
@Haggis_Trap, very interesting. If it's a genuine plan then it could mean a new lease of life for snowsports at Nevis Range.
However given the previous attitude to snowsports shown by the Nevis Range management it's wise to be cautious before celebrating. |
Why not fix the existing goose chair?
Which would give almost identical outcome ....
I note comment disabled on article & facebook
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Haggis_Trap, playing devils advocate you have to walk to the existing goose chair, and it also relies on the T bar to get to the top, so this new plan fixes both those issues.
It's a real shame they don't take comments on board, doing something/anything to get the Back Corries open has to be in any serious plan, it's one of the best lift served OP areas in Scotland! Perhaps they could move the T bar over there??
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Poster: A snowHead
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| kitenski wrote: |
@Haggis_Trap, playing devils advocate you have to walk to the existing goose chair, and it also relies on the T bar to get to the top, so this new plan fixes both those issues.
It's a real shame they don't take comments on board, doing something/anything to get the Back Corries open has to be in any serious plan, it's one of the best lift served OP areas in Scotland! Perhaps they could move the T bar over there?? |
A few understandably sceptical comments here:
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1015571814461007&id=100080245928956&locale=en_GB
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Haggis_Trap, ta, I suspect this is all part of an "application for funding"......
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Could seriously enhance the Nevis Range experience, IF it comes off.
But, IMO, they are missing a trick by not including a mid-station get off/get on point on the proposed chair. Given the removal of practically every other lift on the hill, this would:
- Connect to the Goose T-bar and alleviate queues/pressure on the new lift.
- Allow access to skiing at altitude when there was insufficient snow to ski back to the bottom of the new chair. Come to think of it, will the new chair require full snow cover to be able to run at all? If not, how will people get back to the bottom of it 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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There look to be a fair number of lifts being removed in the Alps but I haven't seen any that are fixed grip with covers, will this be a oneoff custom build?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Unfortunately It doesn’t stand up to much scrutiny.
A chairlift up to 4000’ is going to be extremely exposed and frequently unable to run.
Chairlifts are no more reliable in strong winds today than they were 40 years ago and in Scotland most skiing is reliant on surface tbars, button lifts and Pomas.
Its not hard to imagine uncertainty about whether the summit chair will run that day or start running then close down etc.
Whilst the chair would provide access to the summit plateau, wind permitting, it would only be useful after that if it is skiable down to the Gondola station. The existing lifts have been sited to provide wind tolerant uplift and be near the deeper lying snow patches.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Am I the only one wondering whether this
is actually a scheme to run a bike lift in summer, but disguised as intended for skiing?
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@ousekjarr, No even though it says ‘winter focused’. The whole thing reads as a clumsy AI wind up.
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| ousekjarr wrote: |
Am I the only one wondering whether this
is actually a scheme to run a bike lift in summer, but disguised as intended for skiing? |
I don't think it is even that ...
Basic detail such as the horizontal/ vertical ascent of supposed new lift simply don't match up with an OS map. It is a half baked fantasy idea which they have attempted to make credible with AI generated image.
My feeling is that it is smoke and mirrors from incompetent management team (who would rather spend their winters in Dubai). This plan is a cover up : just in case anyone important asks why the existing uplift is all non-operational and past service date
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