[Oonoch More] Gaelic, meaning Big Ridge.
Aonach Mòr is a mecca for skiers and mountain bikers thanks to the Nevis Range Ski Centre. In winter, its back corries have some of the best lift-accessed skiing in Scotland; in summer, it attracts thousands for the UCI Downhill World Cup. Walking up Aonach Mòr, the ski centre infrastructure is, of course, unmissable, but from the flat, broad summit ridge, it would be easy to underestimate the climbing potential on the east and west flanks.
Whether one considers the ski centre a godsend or an eyesore, it undoubtedly makes Aonach Mòr\'s crags far more easily accessible than any others at the same height. The gondola arrives at a large café at about 650m, which is the starting point for the approaches to the west face and to Càrn Dearg Meadhonach (p260), and the endpoint for the low-lying Sgùrr Finnisg\'aig. For the east face, a higher chairlift can be taken to over 900m, from where it is a short walk to the top of the crag. This also allows the north face of Aonach Beag (p278) to be approached efficiently by going up and over the summit of Aonach Mòr. At present, the ski centre offers a climbers\' lift at 8am, but check their website for details.
If you miss the last gondola down, take the walk of shame down the mountain bike course and marvel at the jumps and berms that the pros make look so straightforward.