The Alders Stood No Chance!
Did you know that in the summer, we have a whole team of people dedicated to preparing our skiable terrain for winter? We call them the Saw & Brush Crew and this year, the stars aligned, and they were able to take the resorts ‘haircut’ to a whole new level. The early season conditions will be incredible (what alders!?) and some of our most loved runs on the mountain, think Boom, Buck-shot, Suprize and Black Cloud will offer you a very different (FUN!) ski/ride experience.
North ridge mowed vs unmowed
The most significant change is thanks to the FrankenCat! That’s what we call the new mower-cat that was created here at Fernie Alpine Resort. Our Vehicle Maintenace Crew have outdone themselves by constructing a machine that can tackle terrain that was previously unattainable.
Blair and Alina (our grooming/mower-cat extraordinaires) were able to cut every inch of mowable terrain across all 5 of our bowls. In fact, thanks to the use of a winch, they were able to access very steep terrain that has never been mowed before (see below for a HUGE list of what runs were mowed). This is exciting news! If you combine that with the work that our saw and brush crew completed over the summer (see more here), the alders didn’t stand a chance. Our early season conditions are set up to be some of the best yet!
Mowing timeline over the years:
1987 – The first (recorded) mowing was in the Fernie Snow Valley days, by Fernie legend, and previous owner, Heiko Socher. They used a European hand mower (walk behind) to mow the Lizard and Elk runs.
1988 – We upgraded to a John Deere 350 Dozer with an attached ditch mower
1993 – We moved onto a bigger Dozer, John Deere 550 while using the same ditch mower
1996 – We changed to a Bush Hog Mower
2007 – The BR-350 #19 snowcat was converted to a mower with a mulcher on the front and fitted with a Winch on the back
2019 – Cat #19 BR350 and cat #33 BR350 were combined to create ‘FrankenCat’. It was fitted out with a THC Cancela TTH-350 Hydraulic mower. The #33 cat has been part of the FAR grooming fleet as a winch cat since the 15/16 season. This machine was a favourite for many of the operators in the Grooming department.
The #19 snowcat is a special machine to us as it was the first BR350 that Fernie added to their grooming fleet, and also the first BR350 with a winch. This machine even borrowed by Lake Louise for the FIS Alpine World Cup!
FrankenCat taking on the mountain!
The creation of the FrankenCat has allowed us to make our terrain even better, and a huge credit is owed to the Vehicle Maintenance Mechanics and Jeff’s entire team, who worked incredibly hard to make all of this happen for the Resort.
Another cool fun fact: Tim, who joined the Mechanical staff in April after many years of dreaming of being a mechanic at the ski hill, was assigned to work on FrankenCat as his first major project. FrankenCat was the first Groomer that he has worked on. Shane provided a ton of guidance during this project; Dan and Rob also had the lovely task of replacing the hammers inside the mower (which was not an easy job). The new hammers cut the alders like a Samurai sword.
Let’s hear it for the Shop Crew, Blair and Alina! Give them some yee haa’s when you’re cruising down Sib Ridge in the early season.
Runs that have been mowed:
Meadow
Silver Fox
Incline
Bambi
Downhill
Lower Bear
Elk
Emily’s
Lower Cruiser
China Mite
Tuck Out
Lower North Ridge
Ballet
Lower Ballet
Lizard
Bear
Lower Kodiak
Bear Cub
Lower Linda’s
North Ridge – winch
Upper Kodiak – winch
Bear Right
Bear – winch
Bear Ridge
Upper North Ridge – winch
Siberia Ridge – winch
Wallaby
Deer
Silk Trail – XC Short Loop
Lower Boom
Gilmar Trail
Upper Falling Star
Runs that were cut by the Saw & Brush Crew:
Sunnyside
Bomb Drop (upper Cedar Bowl)
Boomerang
Deep Space
Buck Shot
Upper Suprize
Lower Suprize
Stag Leap – up to Megasaurus
Decline – up to Megasaurus
Skydive – up to Megasaurus
Griz Lift line (in between China Wall and Ballet)
Incline Trail
Timber Lift line above Rock Landing to White Pass load
Black Cloud
Deep Sea
Currie Chutes
China Wall
Upper Puff
2019.20 Kids Multi Week Clubs
It’s almost that time of year. Winter is fast approaching and the time has come to start thinking about what the right ski/snowboard club is the right one for your child. We want to help make it easy. We’ve put together a complete list of all of your choices. The graphic is to keep it simple, to help show you what stage your child is at in accordance with their age and/or skill level. If you would like more information on the levels then scroll down to find the full description.
Take a look and if you have any questions, be sure to give us a call so we can help guide you, 250-423-2406.
REGISTER HERE
Kids & Youth Ski Clubs
Little Rippers (Age 3-4 )
The Little Rippers program is the perfect introductory program into the world of learning to ski for you and your child. The one-on-one tuition builds confidence both in the sport and with their independence, as each 45-minute lesson is tailored individually to ensure continuous development for each child, and a season of fun on the snow.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Ratio – 1:1
Wees Club (Ages 4-5)
In our Wees Club, we build on the foundation that was built in the Little Rippers program and introduce the kids to a social sports environment. Our energetic coaches use games and guided discovery to continue to develop the fundamentals of skiing necessary to progress their individual skiing. They will start to explore more of what the mountain has to offer, in a safe, team approach.
Offered for half-day or full-day, 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 4:1
Snow Rangers (Ages 5 -6)
Our Snow Rangers program is geared toward kids graduating from our Wees program, and starting to ski in bigger groups. Snow Rangers will help bridge the gap for these youngsters between our Wees Club, and our Ski Club, with class ratios of 6:1 This will allow them to continue to explore the mountain, develop stronger independence in their skiing, and help build their love of the sport….
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 6:1
Ski Club (Ages 6-17)
This popular club is a fun and engaging program for children, which will have them embarking on a more technical approach to skiing. Whether they are beginners or intermediate skiers, we look for ways to challenge and improve on their existing skills and encourage them to take their abilities to the next level. Our coaches create an engaging, fair play social environment, allowing children to form friendships that continue from season to season.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 10:1
Extreme Club (Ages 8-12)
The Extreme Club will develop skiers into confident all-mountain skiers. For kids who are confident on blue runs and some black runs, this program will start to challenge and consolidate their tactics as they develop into more “All Mountain” riders. They will be able to experience more of what Fernie Alpine Resort is all about, in their own way. Our specialist coaches will help nurture their desire for adventure in a safe and structured way.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 10:1
Freeski Club (Ages 12-17) tactics, thought process, risk and reward, refinement
This challenging high-end program cultivates true, solid “big mountain” skiers. Our specialist coaches help develop the skills necessary to shred the bumps, trees, powder, and even the gnarliest of conditions. Good use of proper tactics, developing sound thought process, understanding risk and reward and working toward the refinement of skills will all be part of the program. Introducing the Freeriders to important elements of alpine safety will also allow them to take ownership of their individual well being on the mountain.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks
Days taught: Saturdays
Ratio – 10:1
Girls Freeski Club (Ages 12-17)
This increasingly popular program is for young ladies who really want to push their skiing. This has all the benefits of the Freeride Team but is exclusively for girls. It’s really exciting to see young women skiing big mountain terrain with so much confidence, talent and flair!
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks
Days taught: Saturdays
Ratio – 10:1
Big Mountain Development team (7 – 18)
This is a competitive program for competent big mountain skiers. The program is designed for young athletes who want to enter Junior Freeski Competitions at Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Coached by our dedicated high-performance coaches, this program is purely focused on developing the skills, strategy and style needed to move into the world of competitive freestyle.
Offered 12 weeks
Days taught: Saturdays
Ratio – 10:1
Big Mountain / Freeski Non Competitive program (7 – 18) NEW
Similar in approach to both the Freeski and Big Mountain programs, this Non Competitive program is based around the development of young skiers to reach their full potential on our mountain. Our high-performance coaches will help them develop good decision making, skills, and strategy to be able to cope with all the mountain has to offer.
Offered 12 weeks
Days taught: Sundays
Ratio – 10:1
Christmas Camp & Spring Extravaganza Camp(Ages 6 -17)
Join us for a fun-filled week, with top quality instruction from our
specialist children instructors. Includes coaching all days, video and apres ski.
Days taught: Tuesday – Friday
Dates: Christmas camps: Dec 31- Jam 3, 2020
Spring Extravaganza Mar. 24- 27, 2020
Session time daily: 10 am – 3:30 pm
Kids & Youth Snowboard Clubs
Little Shredders (Age 3- 5 )
The Little Rippers program is the perfect introductory program into the world of learning to snowboard for you and your child. The one-on-one tuition builds confidence both in the sport and with their independence, as each 45-minute lesson is tailored individually to ensure continuous development for each child, and a season of fun on the snow.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Ability Levels: 1 – 4
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 1:1
Wees Snowboard Club (Ages 4-6)
In our Wees Club, we build on the foundation that was built in the Little Rippers program and introduce the kids to a social sports environment. Our energetic coaches use games and guided discovery to continue to develop the fundamentals of snowboarding necessary to progress their individual riding. They will start to explore more of what the mountain has to offer, in a safe, team approach.
Offered half day or full day, 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ability Levels: 2 – 4
Ratio – 3:1
Snowboard Rangers (Ages 5 -6) NEW
Our NEW Snowboard Rangers program is geared toward kids graduating from our Wees program, and starting to ski in bigger groups. Snowboard Rangers will help bridge the gap for these youngsters between our Wees Club, and our Freeride Club, with class ratios of 6:1 This will allow them to continue to explore the mountain, develop stronger independence in their riding, and help build their love of the sport….
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays & Sundays
Ratio – 6:1
Snowboard Freeride Club (Ages 6-17)
This Snowboard Freeride Program’s main goal is to make snowboarding fun. Whether they are beginners or intermediates, we look for ways to challenge and improve their existing skills and encourage them to take their abilities to the next level. Our coaches create an engaging, fair play social environment, allowing children to form friendships that continue from season to season.
Offered for 6 or 12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays
Ratio – 10:1
Girls Freeride Club (Ages 12-17)
This increasingly popular program is for young ladies who really want to push their riding. This has all the benefits of the Freeride Club but is exclusively for girls. It’s really exciting to see young women riding big mountain terrain with so much confidence, talent and flair!
Offered 6 or12 weeks.
Days taught: Saturdays
Ratio – 10:1
Note:
6 week programs start on January 4 & 5, 2020 or February 22 & 23, 2020.
12-week programs start on January 4 & 5, 2020.
Prices do not include tax.
REGISTER HERE
For more information: 250-423-2406
Timber Chair Update
Each season Fernie Alpine Resort strives to make improvements and upgrades to our existing services to ensure that you have the best vacation and recreational experience possible.
As a lot of you know, this summer the Timber Chair has been undergoing a significant makeover. The work that is being done is extensive and time-consuming but will add an extra 25 years onto the life of the chair.
In May, a crane and a D8 dozer travelled up the mountain to remove the gearbox out of the Timber Chair top station and transport it down to the maintenance shop. The gearbox was then successfully rebuilt by our maintenance team, in conjunction with an engineer from Austria, and transported back to the top of the lift and re-installed.
The delivery of the 2nd communication line for the electrical upgrade was delayed by three weeks and arrived the second week of July. The comm line is approx 1.8M/ 2.9KM long and weighs 6 Tons; a crane was required to lift the cable off the delivery truck. The cable was loaded to a specially prepared trailer for transport to the Timber unload /top station to be prepared for pulling in. The comm line carries electrical signals through for the safety circuits between the load and unload stations to ensure the safe running of all equipment.
In mid-July, on a cold and rainy day, up to 30 staff, including the electrical 
crew, pull the cable by hand from the Timber top station to the load at the base. They had to go from tower to tower, up and over every tower top and through the rollers. It was a massive effort by our Mountain Operations team and at the end of the day, rain-soaked and cold, they were all still smiling.
The next step was for the electrical crew to go through the process of setting the tension of the cable between every tower and terminating the electrical connections.
The panels that drive and control that chair lifts start, run and monitor all the safety devices and stop the controls, arrived on August 16th and installation began right away. The panels were installed in a day, but it took three weeks to connect all the wiring between the drive/control panel and the station and to verify that it was working correctly.
During the week of September 23rd, the lift is expected to start turning. We will be testing the setup and ensuring the correct functionality.
The load test is planned for the beginning of October. This involves loading the chairs with weighted buckets and performing a series of safety tests to ensure everything meets the manufacturer and Technical Safety BC standards.
Then, on November 30th (tentative opening date!), the Timber Chair will be waiting for you to take a ride. We can’t wait!
What the Brush!
The annual Brushing Program for the Fernie Ski Resort is having a very successful summer. The cooler weather and lower Fire Danger ratings have allowed the crew to keep working through the dog days of summer without restrictions due to Fire Danger. The crew this summer has also been doubled to allow us to catch up a little on the past couple seasons where High Fire Danger has shut us down or limited our progress. The crews have been hard at work in many areas across the mountain.
New line down the North Boundry – Steep & Deep!
There has been a new line cut down Snake Ridge as well as cleaning a new line down the North Boundary for those that are looking for the Steep and Deep that Fernie is famous for.
Additionally, we have been working on core areas on the Lizard Side that focusses on terrain that is open at 9 am on most big snow days. The Sunny Side has had a new haircut that extends down onto the China Wall and old Griz Lift line that will provide some early deep turns on those Pow Days.
Boomerang and Boom Ridge has received another mow and will be prime for early season riding providing steep turns right out of the gate.
New Side lovers will also see some changes to the lines in the Alpha Centauries and Currie Chutes areas as well as the lower elevations of the Big Three as we cleaned up the exits from those thigh-burning runs. In addition, core areas around the Timber Bowl, Surprise, Black Cloud have all been touched.
Our Summer Mower Cat was rebuilt from a repurposed Snowcat this Spring and will be out in anger this fall to mow many of our main runs including all our beginner terrain on the lower mountain and runs where all the rocks and obstacles have been removed such as Bear, North Ridge, Kodiak, and many others.
It is a giant mountain, and we have excellent growing conditions. People ask why don’t you just cut it all? Sounds like a good idea but when you are standing at the bottom of Cedar Ridge looking up at acres of 12 foot high Alder, you start to feel pretty small. When you dive into Cedar Ridge early season and have that perfect line top to bottom down the King Fir don’t forget to think about that person that has spent their summer on the end of a saw making that possible.
We are looking forward to an awesome season.
The red highlights the areas that the Brush Program have cleared so far this summer.
Challenge accepted!
There are many things in this world that we take for granted. The way that we move and our freedom to walk, run, ski and bike are undoubtedly some of them.
It’s not so hard.
Want to go skiing? Go.
Want to climb a mountain? Go.
Want to go downhill mountain biking? Go.
I have a question, what if you had no legs? Would the ‘go’ be as easy?
This past Saturday was International Ride MTB Day, and we had the honour of having Mack Adams, a shredder from the Elk Valley, spend the day with us here at Fernie Alpine Resort. Mack is an upbeat guy who is always keen for a chat and, ALWAYS keen to send it on the mountain with his friends.
You wouldn’t guess it to look at him, but Mack is a double amputee who lost both of his legs at ten months old due to a congenital birth defect. He hasn’t let that stop him.
At the age of 12, Mack learnt how to bike, using outriggers (adult training wheels), with the help of Mark Hall, owner of GearHub. He then tried his hand at dirt jumping but found that his true biking passion lay with downhill mountain biking.
So, once again, with the help of Mark from GearHub who loaned him a Rocky Mountain Maiden, on Saturday Mack was back up at our bike park, in the pouring rain, getting his laps in. At one point I asked him if he was doing ok. He answered, “Yeah, but my ankles are starting to hurt.” His friends told me that these kinds of jokes had been flying around all day. His stoke was high, he was having fun, and watching him do his thing was inspiring! What a great way to spend International Ride MTB Day.
Mack has a dream of riding every trail that we have in one weekend, and Fernie Alpine Resort is working with Mack to help him make it happen. He is also a keen basketballer, volleyballer and loves to play his guitar – basically, nothing will stop him once he has set his mind to it.
What a legend.
Adult Mountain Bike Camps/Lessons
Downhill mountain biking in Fernie is exhilarating, and often breathtaking.
The downhill trails here at Fernie Alpine Resort are in prime condition and riding beautifully.
Come and check out what it’s all about, and advance your skills, in one of our mountain bike camps or lessons!
NEW! ADULT CO-ED DOWNHILL CAMPS
Are you comfortable on green & blue trails but want to develop your downhill riding skills? Join us for our new adult co-ed intermediate weekend camps – focusing on progression to more technical descents, roots, rocks, drops, jumps & obstacles. With small group sizes, our certified professional coaches will help take your riding to the next level. Camp includes 10 hrs of coaching over two days, lunch, lift tickets, and bike maintenance session. Ages 18+.
Dates: July 13 & 14 / August 10 & 11 Time: 10am – 4pm. Price: 2 day camp $229 / 1 day camp $139
WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMPS
MTB designed by women for women! These camps are catered to various levels of riding ability and are led by qualified female instructors. Camps include skill sessions, bike maintenance, lift tickets, instructional trail rides and lunch.
Dates: July 13 & 14, 2019 / August 10 & 11, 2019
Time: 10am – 4pm
Price: 2 day camp $229 / 1 day camp $139
MOUNTAIN BIKE PRIVATE LESSONS
For the beginner or hardcore rider — have a lesson tailor-made to suit your skills! Rates are based on 3 people per lesson — price includes instruction only. Lift ticket is required. Participants receive a 20% discount on bike rentals for the day of their private lesson.
DISCOVER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Discover the thrill of Downhill Mountain biking under the expert guidance of one of our bike coaches. Learn the basics and gain confidence! Minimum 3 people per lesson and a maximum of 10 people per lesson. The clinic includes a 3-hour coaching session, 3-hour bike rental and 3-hour lift pass. Rates based per person. For ages 8+.
Days & Times: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am-1pm
PEAK TO PARK TO PINT BIKE TOUR
Join us for a fun afternoon of biking! Starting from the top of the chairlift at Fernie Alpine Resort, cruising downhill to Mt Fernie Provincial Park and then pedalling through town to enjoy a refreshing sampling of East Kootenay beers! Includes guiding, lift ticket, and post-ride sampler drinks. Guests then have the option to take our complimentary shuttle back to the resort. Minimum 2 participants. Ages 19+.
Fridays & Saturdays
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Trail Crew Update #2
Tail crew primarily spent this week on the Lizard Lane.
-On Monday, we finished all the machine work and began hand shaping.
-Tuesday & Wednesday were spent dialling in the shapes of features and hand packing.
-After Wednesday night’s rain, we spent Thursday repacking Duff Dynasty, Monorail, Case Closed and began packing on Mr. Berms.
-From Tuesday to Thursday we’ve had a machine in the Aggravated Assault Extension tree island. More info to come on this project over the next week!
Modern problems (no rain) require modern solutions (tapping into the snowmaking to water our shapes)
The final shape of the first feature, we’ve dubbed this one “Swayze”.
Packed and shaped! With more dirt this year everything has gotten a little bigger on the Lizard Lane.
A revamped Monorail gets a second run through.
The last 2 corners on Case Closed about to get some shovel love.
See you on the trails!
Trail Crew 🚵
2019 Trail Update #1
We have lots of exciting work going on at Fernie Alpine Resort this summer!
This year Trail Crew were able to start their work earlier than ever, and it has been very productive.
Our progress so far has included:
- A full rebuild of Monorail and lower Duff Dynasty
- We’ve finished all the machine work and shaping on upper Mr. Berms tree island (carrying on from where we left off last year)
- New squirrel catcher berms on upper Will Power
- The Lizard Lane is underway!
We’ll be doing weekly updates with a few teaser photos.
Machine work beginning on Lizard Lane
More dirt!!!! It’s going to be bigger and better this year!
New entrance to lower Duff Dynasty
Admiring one of the new corners on lower Duff Dynasty
See you on the trails,
Trail Crew
Summer Camps at FAR
Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to have three amazing outdoor adventure camps to keep your kids entertained and having fun all day long!
Experienced camp counsellors & bike coaches are ready to fill your child’s day with action-packed adventures and exciting new knowledge that they just can’t wait to share with you!
FireSmart at FAR
On Saturday, 54 community volunteers came out to prune, thin, rake, chop, drag and dump twigs, logs and debris from the high-risk areas of the Thunder Ridge and Highline Drive, neighbourhoods at Fernie Alpine Resort.
What an incredible turnout for FireSmart Day!
Here at FAR we take wildfire safety very seriously. We have been actively working with our local fire department and the local community to take the necessary FireSmart precautions. Becoming FireSmart takes time and coordination with your neighbours, and we are lucky to have wonderful homeowners who take the responsibility seriously and have worked hard to lessen the risk surrounding their homes.
A team of FAR employees collected the piles of debris.
FireSmart is living with & managing
for wildfire on our landscape.
The Fernie Fire Department, who is a driving force and impetus for the FireSmart program in Fernie provided the volunteers with leadership, moral support and tools for the working bee.
It’s incredible to see what a community can do when they come together. The transformation is remarkable!
Thank you to our awesome RCR crew, Robin, Andy, Tyler, Tyler, Paul & Ugo who hauled endless piles of debris to the RCR burn pile.
Thanks also to the sponsors, and those who provided donations to the volunteers, Jason Andreola (Royal LePage), Sandra Goode (ReMax), Fernie Tim Hortons, The Chopstick Truck, FireSmart Canada and The Co-operators.
Timberline Condos will be holding their Work Bee on Saturday, May 25th, so if you are able to help/support, please email us at [email protected], and we can pass onto the right people.
A huge thank you to the volunteers from Thunder Ridge and Highline Drive. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
If you would like to learn more about wildfire preparedness, you can refer to the FireSmart Canada website which has a wealth of information www.firesmartcanada.ca.
Please, don’t forget to continue to be FireSmart throughout the spring and summer!
- Published in Blog
