Navigating Fernie’s Bike Park as a Newbie
Ready to try downhill mountain biking but feeling uncertain about where to begin? Fernie’s bike park offers the perfect blend of excitement and accessibility, making it an ideal location for those who are new to the sport.
With the electric buzz of opening weekend, now is the perfect time to dive into mountain biking at Fernie Alpine Resort. The energy is high, and the trails are in prime condition, offering excellent traction. Here’s how you can join the fun and ride with confidence, even if you’re new to downhill.
Start Slow: Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free Ride
The cardinal rule of mountain biking is to Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, and Free Ride. Take your time, especially on the first day of the season and your first runs on unfamiliar trails. Your body and brain need time to adjust to your bike and assess your abilities.
Conquer the Elk Chair Lift
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when loading your bike onto the Elk Chair lift. The lifties are there to assist, and there’s no shame in seeking their support. They are trained to teach you how to load your bike correctly and safely. The Elk Chair moves quickly, and getting your back tire up on the hook can be tricky. Embrace the assistance; it’s what they’re there for.
Fuel Up and Ride On
While riding up the chair lift, take a moment to snack and hydrate. Once you’re off, grab your bike and head to the right for your pre-ride run on Mr. Berms. This fun trail is a fantastic warm-up to gauge your riding skills. While it’s rated as a blue trail, it’s an excellent introduction with its series of berms and rollers. Stay focused and take your time.
Remember, go easy on the front brake in the turns and you’ll be able to slowly navigate your way through them with control.
Dive into Duff Dynasty
After Mr. Berms, you’ll find yourself in Duff Dynasty—a gentle, smooth trail winding through a picturesque cedar forest. It’s perfect for beginners, offering twists, turns, rolls, and bridges.
Explore Other Green Trails
Fernie offers several green trails like Lil Miss Buffet, Eville, and Honey Bee. Although they’re designated green, these trails will challenge you due to their technical nature. Honey Bee, for example, features a gentle singletrack through the forest with wide bridges, roots, and tight corners—ideal for honing your bike handling skills.
Challenge Yourself with Top Gun
If you’re feeling adventurous, tackle Top Gun—one of Fernie’s most loved trails. It’s fast with flowy berms and jumps, but all features can be rolled over, making it a great option for riders with varying skill levels.
Ready to Ride?
Don’t let intimidation hold you back! Take your time, enjoy the ride, and remember every expert started as a beginner. If you’re still not confident, consider taking a lesson at Fernie’s Mountain Bike School, where you can build your skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Shattering the Ice Ceiling: Inspiring Inclusion in Fernie’s Snowsports Community
In the heart of Fernie’s snow-covered peaks lies a hidden power, one that defies stereotypes and redefines leadership in the snowsports industry. It’s not just about shreddin’ the slopes; it’s about the women who lead the charge, carving their path through deep powder and prejudice alike.
The Fernie Stoke
Fernie is globally recognized as a destination for snow enthusiasts; its steep terrain, consistent deep powder, and vibrant community vibes are renowned. But there’s a lesser-known source of stoke – the Fernie women who elevate snowsports to new heights. From mastering some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies to shaping the future of snowsports instruction, these women of Fernie are rewriting the script of snowsports.
Winter Sports School
Fernie’s slopes echo with the cheers of female triumph. Here, women are pioneers, challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of snowsport enthusiasts. With four of Fernie’s Level 4 CSIA instructors among the mere 20 active women holding this prestigious certification in Canada, and one of them standing as the youngest level 4 CSIA certified skier in Canada, it’s evident that Fernie stands as a beacon of women’s empowerment in the snowsports industry.
At the helm of this movement is Wendy, a force to be reckoned with in Fernie’s Winter Sports School. With nearly five decades of experience in the ski industry, Wendy’s leadership transcends gender biases, focusing instead on fostering inclusivity and excellence. By empowering her team to be their authentic selves, she cultivates a culture where everyone thrives, regardless of gender.
“When you have strong female leadership, it allows people to be their best. And it has to be about our people.”
– Wendy Reade, Director of Winter Sports School
Embrace Change, Embrace Inclusion
Great organizations like Resorts of the Canadian Rockies know that diversity is its greatest strength. By championing inclusivity and challenging traditional norms, we can shape a future where everyone has a place at the table.
Be a part of the journey towards gender equality in snowsports. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or hitting the slopes for the first time, your presence makes a difference. As you ride the chairlift together, it becomes very apparent that it’s not just sharing a passion for winter sports—we’re shaping the future of female leadership. Let’s continue to amplify diverse voices and challenge traditional norms, shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to soar. Together, we can shatter the ice ceiling and create a more inclusive snowsports community not just here at Fernie, but throughout this beautiful country.
Fernie Stoke isn’t just a feeling; it’s a movement. So, let’s strap in, push off, and carve our path towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.