Ski Touring
Recent Articles
Fernie avalanche conditions
Surface Hoar Layer in the Flathead Subregion
On December 19th the Southern Rockies Avai team observed the late November surface hoar layer in our Flathead sub region. The firm snow above the weak layer has formed a slab that may be sensitive to sled and ski triggering. Watch Gord Ohm locate the failure of the layer during a snowpack test.
The Bridges of Lazy Lizard
It’s been a busy year for trail building and upgrading. One of the most significant projects this year has been the new Lazy Lizard trail. This trial when completed will be a 100% single track route from Mt. Fernie Park to Island Lake Lodge and will all be a 10% grade or less. The trail […]
ski touring hut
Thunder Meadows Work Party a Success
The Thunder Meadows Work Party was a success as all of the list items were completed and we had some fun celebrating the cabins 20th anniversary. The anniversary work party saw the rebuild of the cabin front deck, re-plywooding of the kitchen floor, painting of the entire interior (including benches and tables), a new kitchen […]
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Thunder Meadows 20th anniversary get together and work party
The weekend of Sept 14 to 15th is the planned date for the Thunder Meadows 20th anniversary get together and work party. With an adequate work party we home to make significant improvements to the cabin. To participate you can hike up for a day or the weekend. With limited sleeping space in the cabin […]
Big Steep Mother and Beyond
We’ve been doing lots of ski touring this season, but just haven’t taken the time to take many pictures and write any posts. By Sunday the 60cms of fresh that we received on Thursday and Friday was thoroughly shredded on the resort. So Trina, Stephan and myself decided a little tour from the top […]
Backcountry
Fernie Backcountry Powder experiences
Local Fernie resident Gary Walker has been editing short video clips from his memorable recreation experiences. Here is a short clip from ski touring this wonderful winter:
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New Orca Bowl Crossing
To call this a “bridge” in light of the the new standard set by George would be a stretch…so I’m going to suggest this structure is a crossing. When Mitch, Ian and I arrived to install the timbers, three helpers arrived seconds later! Ian thouroughly tested the structure.
A Cabin Crisis: The Economy of Toilet Paper views: 2269
Deep in the heart of the Fernie backcountry, at the legendary Thunder Meadows, Tunnel Creek, and Harvey Pass cabins, a shadowy barter economy thrives. No, it’s not trading trail mix for dry socks or a thermos of coffee for a warm seat by the fire. It’s something far more primal: toilet paper. Yes, in the […]
Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club Annual General Meeting 2026 views: 600
The Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club invites members and anyone interested in ski touring and four-season cabin use in the Elk Valley to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Who: Anyone interested in ski touring and winter/summer use cabins in the Elk Valley What: 2026 Annual General Meeting Where: Fernie Seniors Centre, 562 3 […]
January 15 Booking Release Opens for Fernie’s Backcountry Cabins views: 1026
The January 15 booking period for Fernie’s backcountry cabins opens Thursday, January 15 at 6:00am MST, releasing February 1 to April 30 overnight inventory for Thunder Meadows Cabin and Tunnel Creek Cabin. This is the second and final winter release for the 2025–26 season and typically fills quickly. What’s Being Released on January 15 Thunder […]
2026 Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Avalanche Bursary Recipients views: 921
The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FTSTC) 2026 Avalanche Bursary Program awarded a total of $2,500, with funding allocated based on the cost of each recipient’s training program. Applicants this year reflect the breadth of avalanche education being pursued in the Elk Valley, from first-time courses to continued skill development. FTSTC President Magnus Leckenby […]
Tunnel Creek Cabin Fall Maintenance Update views: 792
Nine dedicated volunteers made the trek up to the Tunnel Creek Cabin this week for a full day of fall maintenance and cleanup. The crew completed a deep clean of the hut, installed a new chimney, added snow stops to the roof, and took care of extensive brush and weed trimming around the cabin, outhouse, […]
Bring it back!!!