Outdoors
A Fresh Start
July is the month fly fishing in Fernie gets off to a fresh start every year. Millions of litres of fresh water flows down the tributaries into the Elk River as the winter snow pack melts under the warmth of the summer sun. Anglers, having suffered a long, cold, grey winter are keen to get out into some fresh air and sunshine in anticipation of some of the very best dry fly trout fishing anywhere on the planet.
Golf with Frisbees?
Lizard Range Golf Course - Photo by David Couse
I have actually found a sport I know basically nothing about, Disc golf. Lucky for me I was able to chat with someone who not only plays, but has also designed Fernie’s own Disc Golf course and organizes the yearly Lizard Range Disc Golf tournament. Serge Gosselin took some time to explain the game of Disc Golf which in theory is very similar to regular golf.
Katya Choroszewski
photo by Bo Choroszewski
Par for the Course - Practice with a Purpose
I want to start off the year with an article that is going to help you improve your golf game throughout the season. The best way to improve is to practice, but more importantly practice with a purpose. This means quality over quantity! I see so many people go out to the range and hit hundreds of balls with no improvement because they’re not practicing the right way.
Preparing for the Season
June is a month of preparation in anticipation of the amazing fly fishing season which, for anglers who prefer fast water, kicks off when the world renowned Elk River and its many tributaries reopen on June 15, having been closed since April 1 for the Cutthroat Trout spawning season. The Elk is one of the last frontiers in North America for pure strain wild Cutthroat Trout which provide unparalleled fishing for the dry fly enthusiast.
Phil Gadd: Biker, Loafer, Runner, Dad!
There are so many individuals in our community that recreate and challenge themselves on a regular basis, but do so a tad more behind the scenes than say previous Racers’ Corner national mountaineer James Minifie or upcoming Tour Divide competitor Paul Attalla. Phil Gadd is one of them, and it wasn’t until he pulled an amazing finish in last year’s Tears & Gears that it was brought to my attention.
Golf
Golf is a good walk spoiled.
~ Mark Twain
Anyone who has ever swung a golf club can attest to the frustration of the sport. The first couple times I ever played 18 holes, my score was around 150. Safe to say my arms were sore but I definitely got my money’s worth.
Furious3 Routes, Spectators and Volunteers
The July long weekend is quickly approaching and with it the inaugural Furious3 multistage mountain bike race. If you have friends or family competing in this race or just don’t have enough to do that weekend, why not come down and support the athletes in and around Fernie? Each stage will take the rider between two and six hours to complete and you can see them at a number of spots or even volunteer on the course to see all the action up close and personal.
James Minifie - Ski Mountaineer
You probably have an idea of what ski touring is, or have partaken in this ever-growing winter sport. But have you heard of ski mountaineering or claut, as it’s known in Europe? Neither had I, and when I heard that James Minifie was competing nationally in this sport, a sport trying to become an Olympic event by 2018, I had to learn more.
Little Leaguers
Every year the start of the major league ball season surprises me. This year we were still slaying pow when opening day pitches were being tossed out on March 31, in fact the first couple weeks of baseball season saw our ski hill get over 100cms of snow. Needless to say even though baseball is one of my favorites I haven’t even watched a game yet.
2011 Summer Race Guide
photo by V. Croome
June 5 Elkord Triathlon
Classic sprint distance, the 750m swim takes place at the Elkford Aquatic Centre, followed by a 20k bike ride, and topped off with a 5km run out towards the Elk Lakes and back to the finish line where racers can enjoy a hot tub, shower and BBQ.
www.elkfordtri.ca
June 11-12 Wasa Lake Triathlon
Fix Favourite Bike Rides and Hikes
photo by Nick Nault
With so much to choose from in and around Fernie, we thought it might help to narrow it down to a few personal favourites!
Hiking
Mount Fernie – Town
Difficulty Level - Blue
Elevation – 7,251 feet
Average Time – 3 hrs +
Getting There
Kid's Guide to Summer
photo by Jamie Hide
Art Safari Camp, July 11-15 (Sparwood), July 18-22 and July 25-29 (Fernie)
East Kootenay Golf Guide
photo by Jamie Hide
Crowsnest Pass
Crowsnest Pass Golf & Country Club
Located right in the heart of the Crowsnest Pass, with spectacular mountain views on all sides. It’s just a 45 minute drive from Fernie but offers strikingly different aspects and terrain. 18-hole course, Green Fees: $30/$53, offer weekday pricing. 6,846 yards. Par 73.
www.crowsnestpassgolf.com
Sparwood
Sparwood Golf Club
News from the Hill with Steve Ruskay
The Final Countdown
It always feels a little sad approaching the end of another legendary ski season. But for Fernie Alpine Resort, what a season it has been! Some of the fluffiest, deepest, and best riding in recent memory. But it’s not over yet - let’s keep the stoke going for Hot Dog Day, the PPP, and of course Trooper playing live in the plaza on April 16!
Packing a Punch!