Outdoors

The Elk Rim Trail

Spring is in the air and you are probably eager to hit the trails! April can be a tricky month for weather in Fernie. The roads are a good option this time of year in Fernie or the South Country area. You can find some great options around Baynes Lake, Jaffray, Newgate and Fort Steele.  

Posted by Julie Kelly on Apr 05, 2021 in Outdoors

Fernie Women on Wheels

The Fernie Women on Wheels program (FWOW), spearheaded by an FTA member club the Fernie Mountain Bike Club (FMBC) has been running since 2013. They are a group of women ripping it up on Fernie’s awesome trails. The group has grown into weekly scheduled rides on Wednesdays and Fridays with approximately 15-20 ladies attending pre COVID-19. They hope to get things rolling again in the Spring, COVID-19 dependent. 

Posted by Julie Kelly on Mar 21, 2021 in Outdoors

Powder Mamas

Posted by Shona Rubens on Mar 16, 2021 in Outdoors

Feedback Sought on Draft 2021 Koocanusa Recreation Strategy

The Koocanusa Recreation Steering Committee (KRSC) is seeking public comment on its Draft 2021 Koocanusa Recreation Strategy, which strives to support and manage Crown land recreation access and use in a way that maintains the ecological integrity, cultural values, recreation experience, and economic value of the Koocanusa area for current and future users.

Posted by admin on Mar 12, 2021 in Outdoors

The Last Day

We get to the turn around and shut off the snowmobile. The stillness that follows is like music to my ears and I feel a tickle of pride knowing that I haven’t turned into the “sled neck” my friends were 
sure I would become when I bought the machine four years ago. It is still simply a necessary tool. 

Posted by Shona Rubens on Feb 16, 2021 in Outdoors

A Breath of Fresh Air in Ridgemont

Time: Approx. 45 mins - 1 hour
Distance: 5 km • Difficulty: Blue

Posted by Julie Kelly on Feb 09, 2021 in Outdoors

Emily Brydon Rediscovers the East Kootenays

When COVID brought her back home in March, I did my best to take advantage. Over the summer, I observed her getting reacquainted with a town that had developed and changed, just as she had, in the years they had been separated. 

Posted by Shona Rubens on Jan 18, 2021 in Outdoors

My Fernie Favourites

There are so many extremely amazing trails in Fernie so picking a few favourites is difficult, but here are my top three winter trails and activities!

Posted by Julie Kelly on Jan 10, 2021 in Outdoors

Special Public Avalanche Warning issued for much of Western Canada

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational users of backcountry and frontcountry avalanche terrain, in effect immediately until Sunday, Dec. 27.

Posted by admin on Dec 23, 2020 in Outdoors

The Ridge

I slam my beat-up ski boot into the icy rime of the windswept ridge. The pounding of my heart thumping with the crunch of snow. I’m thankful for the warm, calm March weather, a stark juxtaposition to the cold, hard knot that has a stranglehold on my guts. I need to find confidence in the next step. In every step. For her sake too. We’re in it together, but as always, I feel responsible.

Posted by Shona Rubens on Dec 18, 2020 in Outdoors

Provincial Park Snowshoe

It’s the holiday season and you may be looking for the gift that keeps giving. We have just what you need! The Fernie Trails Pass keeps giving as you enjoy the trails all season long (note the pass runs a calendar year, from Jan 1 – Dec 31). This is the perfect gift for the active person on your list. 

Posted by Julie Kelly on Dec 16, 2020 in Outdoors

The Changing Face of Snowmobiling

Ten months had passed since my snowmobile last saw daylight. But there I was, two hours back in the saddle weaving through a delicious technical treeline. Gluttonously feasting on a classic Fernie powder buffet. Stoked to be back at the table.

Posted by Nicole Matei on Dec 10, 2020 in Outdoors

Avalanche Canada Launches New Online Tutorial for Backcountry Beginners

Avalanche Canada is proud to introduce a new addition to its online education roster. Avy Savvy is aimed at new users of the winter backcountry and provides a solid introduction to avalanche safety.

Posted by admin on Dec 09, 2020 in Outdoors

Fat Biking 101

We’ve been fat biking in Fernie for many years. Our Fernie fat biking community has gotten bigger and more organized with each year. We went from floundering on precarious single track to riding side by side on groomed trails. Our volunteers are the heart of this community and continue to go out and groom trails for all users in the middle of the night! 

Posted by Troy Nixon on Dec 01, 2020 in Outdoors

Winter at Fernie Alpine Resort - More Than Just Skiing

Connecting and enjoying time with friends in the outdoors has never been more important to our well-being as it has since the arrival of the global pandemic in 2020.  

Posted by Karen Pepper on Nov 26, 2020 in Outdoors