Tunnel Creek Cabin – The Beginning
Some ten years after the first application to build a ski touring recreation cabin in Tunnel Creek was submitted, it is finally happening. The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club received permission from the Ministry of Tourism to establish a recreation site and trails. An alpine style cabin designed to sleep six is being built and will be accompanied by a composting outhouse that already is in place.
Tunnel Creek has long been a favourite day touring spot for locals and the new facility will provide comfortable support for a multi-day adventure. The area has access to great tree skiing and numerous alpine bowls.
The design process involved a team of six lead by Ian Stokie see below in the door of the outhouse. Ian said, “We built the outhouse as a scaled down replica of the cabin to learn how to work with the materials. The structure is made of PVC piping supported by wood frame and spray foamed for strength and insulation. The challenge was to make it light enough to fly in by helicoper and strong enough to survive the elements.”
The outhouse is sitting in place and the cribbing supports await the arrival of the main cabin. Here are some pictures than tell a piece of the tale however by no means communicate the many hours of volunteer work. (click for a larger view)
Tags: cabin, fernie, Tunnel Creek
