Did a snowshoe trip up Tunnel Creek to the new Tunnel Creek Hut on on December 3. Had to walk the first kilometer up the road and then used the snowshoes for the next 4 km. The steady climb to the Hut from Highway 3 took just over 2 hours for the 5 km (3 miles) and 760 meters (2500′) of elevation gain. There is about one meter of snowpack at the hut and skiing above should be very good. The Tunnel Creek Hut is at 1715 meters (5625′) elevation, about the same as Lost Boys Cafe (1725m) at the top of the Timber Chair (Fernie Alpine Resort). Generally a nice safe route up to the hut before the serious avalanche terrain is encountered. Tunnel Creek Hut is above the headwall at the base of SunnySide slope which offers 1000 foot ski runs.
We have a few more tasks to finish at the hut first and then will start accepting bookings at the Guides Hut (Fernie) in January. The hut will accomodate six people and is available for $80 per night in 2012. Have to bring your own 1 lb propane bottles to hook up to the heater, Coleman stove and lantern.
Just got back from Tunnel Creek cabin. Took Julien and I, 2.5 hrs to get up to cabin. Last part still very steep and not enough snowpack to make switchbacks. Make sure your skins are in good shape if you plan on going there in the near future. Great place for a shelter. Looking forward to going again and touring around. Cheers to all who made this possible. Gio Jan. 11th 2011.