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2023 Cabin Improvements

Filed in Ski Touring, Thunder Meadows, Tunnel Creek by admin on November 8, 2023 • views: 2075

Every summer the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club directors, members and friends volunteer their time to improve our backcountry cabins.

The dedication of the volunteers and the support the club receives from various organizations is commendable. The organizations include the Columbia Basin Trust, RDEK Area A, the City of Fernie, Home Hardware, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Ascent Helicopters…to name a few.

This October Tunnel Creek cabin was the volunteer focus. A record 14 heli drops of firewood, lumber, steel roofing and other items were flown in. 20 plus volunteers managed the heli lifts and hiked to the cabin for a weekend of work.

The cabin received a new metal roof, metal fascia and soffiting on the day use area, and increased basement space for a larger cache of firewood. These improvements will keep the water and wind out and ensure enough dry wood for the season.

The other improvement was the creation of a heli-pad. Unlike Thunder Meadows, Tunnel Creek didn’t offer a four season landing zone.

Simon Piney, Fernie SAR, commented, “The new heli-pad at Tunnel Creek Cabin is a much-needed addition from a SAR point of view. While the vast majority of users heading up there enjoy their time and have no need of our services, the reality is that accidents do happen from time to time. The remote location and steep surrounding terrain make rapid access a challenge and this heli-pad is a very real improvement. Many thanks to the FTASTC for making this happen.”

W. Ingram Building Supplies, also know as Home Hardware, was very generous with a donation of $3500 in materials. Pictured above: Ryan Ingram, Ian Stokie and Sarah Ingram.

Recently G-Money, cool guy on the left and Edge of the World rock star, donated 2 Burton Backseat Driver Pow Surfers to be stored at Tunnel Creek for everyone use. We’re hoping they remain at the hut for everyone to enjoy.

This past July another great volunteer effort saw Thunder Meadows upgraded with a new roof, new wood shed, and a bit of fresh paint. Read the details here.

The cabins have never been in better condition, enjoy! Details on 2023 bookings can be found here.

Tags: 2023 Cabin Improvements, fernie ski touring cabins, thunder meadows, Tunnel Creek

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