Some embrace winter; the ptarmigan changes its plumage to match a snowy landscape. Others leave the Northern Hemisphere to find warmth, like hummingbirds. This year, we opted to chase summer, along with many of Ripton's sponsored riders. The destination: Queenstown, New Zealand.
The endlessly mountainous terrain of the South Island is rife with riding spots. Just around the corner from our Queenstown rental, Wynyard Bike Park is home to the Dream Line, arguable the largest public jump line in the world. Not to mention the myriad other trails and smaller jump lines, the Skyline lift-serve bike park, and the Gorge Dirt Jumps.
The daily rhythm in Queenstown is simple. In the morning, most head out to Wynyard to ride the mulch jump or the airbag. In the afternoon, you might go to Skyline for a few laps. Once it gets later and the jumps are running faster, an evening session at Dream is often the move. Or if you want to get out on the little bike, Gorge is always firing in the hours before (and even after) sunset.
All of this incredible riding would not be possible without the tireless work of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club. Please consider supporting their mission if you have or ever plan to experience the trails in Queenstown.
Photography by Callum Wood.