How Trails Build Community

We are so lucky to have such a strong community of volunteers, contractors, local businesses, and funders who support our trail network. The Fernie Trails Alliance is centred on volunteerism. Did you know that last year alone our volunteers logged approximately 3,000 hours? We rely on our volunteers to keep our trail network in top shape and to assist with significant trail projects each year. One of our key volunteers, Rick Wiess received Volunteer of the Year in 2018 at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Awards!

Volunteering is an opportunity to give back to your community. So how can you get involved this year? Our trail work parties will start running this month on Thursday evenings. Meet at the Bike Park tool shed at the Aquatic Centre at 6pm. No experience or tools are necessary. Our leaders will provide all the tools and direction you need. Follow the Fernie Trails Alliance Trail Conditions & Ride Board Facebook page to find out which trails we will be working on each week.

As well, this month the Trail Razr IV is back at the Fernie Community Centre on May 18. This event is put on as a fundraiser for our trail network and is a great opportunity to give back. You can buy tickets online at eventbrite.ca or better yet help out at the event. Get in touch with the Fernie Mountain Bike Club (FMBC) to get more information on volunteering.

Finally, there are a number of local events that always require volunteers. Our member club Stag Leap Running is hosting The Lone Wolf on June 15, Elk Valley Ultra on July 27 and Tears and Gears on September 7. You can get in touch with them directly to see where you can help out. Participating in any of these events is also a great way to connect with runners and/or bikers in the community.

In addition, our member club FMBC will be hosting the popular Toonie Tuesday rides, Project 9 on September 9 and HighRoller on September 28. Get in touch with FMBC directly to see where help is needed. As you can see there are a lot of opportunities to get involved this season. Give back and be part of our active and vibrant community. Trails don’t build
themselves, we need you!

And make sure to get your membership to the club you best align with, or to visit fernietrailsalliance.com to learn more about the new Fernie Trails Pass being launched this spring!