Fernhill is located directly adjacent to the Ben Lomond trails, but this distinct trail system provides a fantastic — albeit steep — pedal ride from downtown Queenstown. To get to the top, follow Fernjill to the Skyline Road. At the top of the Skyline Gondola, continue climbing on Beeched As to reach the McGazza memorial on top of the mountainside.
From there, you have a variety of descent options ranging from grade 4 to potentially grade 6, depending on who you ask. I ripped down the grade 4 BluGazi, and found the steep, rutted trail to be plenty entertaining.
At the end of BluGazi riders will reach a landing and trail hub. While there are a few options for completing the descent, the McNearly Gnarly flow trail is one of the true local classics: a perfectly-sculpted grade 3 jump trail. It is arguably one of the best-built jump tracks in all of Queenstown.
This impression could be due to the fact that I rode it literally the day after the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMTBC) finished rebuilding the track, so it was in absolutely pristine condition. The QMTBC is responsible for maintaining and building Queenstown's incredible trail system, and the quality of their work is impeccable.
 | Fernhill Loop |   | 8 mi |
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The trail was undergoing a revamp at the time I was there so will probably be different and better when you ride it. You should definitely go up the gondola rather than try to ride up from downtown. It's a trail with a lot of potential. Great views up top.
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