SLOPE STYLES

Scotts Saddle is a spectacular place. Halfway up the Mt Hutt Ski Area access road, it offers stunning alpine vistas and gorgeous views out over the Canterbury Plains.

Mt Hutt is part of the lifeblood of nearby Methven. The rural township, nestled at the base of the Southern Alps, has a permanent population of about 1600. During winter, this more than triples as a horde of powderhounds call it home for about 14 weeks while the skifield is running.

But for more than quarter of a century, the hill has provided for adrenaline junkies of a different kind. That’s how long local mountain bikers have worked on Mt Hutt Bike Park, which has grown from a humble beginning to become a key part of the local community.

Today, over 30 kilometres of mountain bike