The original world cup downhill course is a spectacular track that drops 525 metres in 2.6 kilometres, offering magnificent views of Ben Nevis, the sea lochs of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil and the surrounding landscape. Not that it’s actually possible to enjoy the view while plummeting toward the base of the mountain at high speed. It is one of the longest and most demanding courses on the world cup circuit.
Another less demanding route has recently been opened but is described as a red graded XC (cross country) trail. However, to all intents and purposes it’s a downhill track just not nearly as hardcore as the existing world cup course. It lacks any of the real airtime generating features to be given a true freeride classification but loads of it follows swoopy sections of north shore and there are one or two pop up points that taken at speed will send you skyward albeit momentarily.
The Nevis Range Gondola, a mountain cableway used for skiing in winter, provides uplift for riders and their bikes. Both courses are accessed a short distance from the top gondola station.