2023 Canadian National Downhill Championships
Get ready for a gravity-filled, energetic weekend of downhill racing. Fernie Alpine Resort is proud to partner with SE Racing, Cycling Canada, and Cycling BC to welcome back the Fernie Dunbar Summer Series Canadian Nationals DH Championships. Fernie is the first of 4 stops on the Dunbar Summer Race series – the best downhill mountain bike series in Western Canada!
To keep informed on all the Dunbar Summer Series Races, visit their Facebook page here.
Watch the Course Preview video here!
Registration:
Registration for the event is now SOLD OUT.
Schedule:
PLEASE NOTE: Schedule is subject to change
Thursday, July 13th
Early Ticket Pickup
3:oopm – 7:00 pm: Guest Services is open for racers to pick up their lift tickets for Friday through Sunday.
Friday, July 14th
Timber Chair is open for racers, unofficial course inspection, and plate pickup.
8:30 am-8:00 pm: Ticket Windows open in the main plaza for racers to pick up their lift tickets for Friday through Sunday.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Timber Chair Open. DH Course will be marked and open to pre-registered racers. No course marshals. No public access to the Timber Chair (Elk chair is open from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm for friends/family of racers to access the Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Park).
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Course closed for UCI Inspection
3:30 pm – 4:45 pm: Lift Access for course walks. Waivers & lift tickets are required. *DO NOT COURSE WALK before 4:00 pm*
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Plate Pickup @ Griz Daylodge in the plaza
6:30 pm: Official Cycling Canada Riders & Team Managers Meeting @ Plaza
Saturday, July 15th
Official Practice, seeding runs for the elite categories and plate pickup.
8:30 am: Ticket Windows open for racer lift ticket pickup
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Plate Pickup @ Griz Daylodge in the plaza. Jr Ex & Elite can plate pickup only.
9:30 am: Timber Chair Open for registered racers only
10:00 am – 12:40 pm: Open Practice (all categories)
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm: Volunteer Break & Plates 1-150 Queue for upload only
1:05 pm-2:00 pm: Plate 1-150 Practice Only
2:00 pm – 3:40 pm: Plates 200+ practice only
3:50 pm – 5:00 pm: Jr Ex & Elite Seeding Runs (course closed after last timed run). The last Upload is at 4:30 pm
7:30 pm: Racers Meeting @ Plaza. Seeding podium, swag toss, games and more!
Sunday, July 16th
Race Day!
8:00 am: Ticket Window open for racer lift ticket pickup
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Last Chance Plate Pickup
9:30 am: Timber Chair Open for registered racers only
10:00 am – 11:25 am: Plates 200+ Practice Only
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Plates 1-150 Practice Only
12:20 pm-12:45 pm: Volunteer Break
12:50 pm: Pre-Runners
1:15 pm: Race Start
4:30 pm: Last Upload (Re-Run Only)
**Awards and podiums to follow shortly after final racer.
NOTE: The Timber Chair is open to racers only. The Elk Chairlift is open all weekend from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm for lift-accessed biking, hiking and sightseeing for racers, family and friends.
Tech Guide
Please find a copy of the Tech Guide here: https://cyclingcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DH-MTB-Canadian-Championships-Tech-Guide-Final-V.2-.pdf
Accommodation:
Hotels
Several hotel options exist at the resort and in town for the event. Our central reservations team can help you find the best accommodation for your needs – packages are available. Call 1-800-258-7669 or visit https://skircr.com/vacations/summer-vacation-packages/
**Please book your accommodations early. Due to a large contractor staying in town for the summer, hotel availability is significantly less than in previous years.
Registered competitors get a discount on accommodation booked through Central Reservations – if racers did not receive their booking code, please email [email protected].
Camping
There are several options for camping for the event. Fernie has several campsites in town and close by. You can reserve spots in the following campgrounds for those looking for traditional campsites. Please book your camping early, as local campgrounds do sell out.
The Fernie RV Resort and Mt Fernie Provincial Park campgrounds are a short drive and located within 7km of the resort and venue.
Fernie RV Resort (full serviced sites and amenities including internet and laundry)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/fernie-rv-resort
Mt Fernie Provincial Park (un-serviced sites but has washrooms, shower facilities and proper campsites with picnic tables and firepits)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/mt-fernie-provincial-park
Camping is also just outside of town at both Mountain Shadows Camping in Sparwood (approx 25min drive to the resort) and Kikomun Provincial Park near Lake Koocanusa (approx 30min drive from the resort)
Mountain Shadows Campground (serviced sites)
https://www.mountainshadows.ca/
Kikomun Creek Provincial Park – 3 separate camping areas (mostly un-serviced sites with a limited number of sites with electrical hookups. Shower and washroom facilities available on site)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/kikomun-creek
On-Site Camping
Basic parking lot camping will be available at the resort for the event. Campers must be self-contained as no services are available other than basic washrooms/porta-potties (no shower facilities, water, or power will be available). For those seeking more services, please see the campground options above.
Cost: $25+gst per night
Due to the availability of parking on-site, parking lot camping spaces are limited, and reservations are required.
Reservations will open on Monday, May 29th, at noon Mountain Time Zone (11 am Pacific Time Zone). Limited number available
**ONSITE CAMPING UPDATE – RESERVATIONS ARE NOW SOLD OUT***
Lift Tickets:
Racers will receive discounted lift tickets for July 14, 15 and 16. To receive the discount, racers must be pre-registered for the event and pay for and pick up their tickets in person during the times below.
Competitors can get their tickets for the weekend at the following locations. Racers can pick up tickets for all 3 days on Thursday afternoon and Friday.
NEW THIS YEAR – EARLY PICKUP Thursday, July 13th:
Lift Tickets will be available at Guest Services from 3 pm – 7 pm.
(beat the rush on Friday morning and pick up your tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday early)
REGULAR TICKET PICKUP: Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th
Please go to the designated Lift Ticket Window outside Guest Services for the following times:
Friday, July 14th – 8:30 am- 8 pm
Saturday, July 15th – 8:30 am – 3 pm
Sunday, July 16th – 8 am – 10 am
All racers must complete an RCR Bike Park Waiver online before purchasing their ticket. Please do this online ahead of time via the following link – https://passes.skircr.com/waiverNSSummer/signupFull.aspx?w=bike
Once the waiver is complete, you will get a confirmation page with a unique ID code. Save a screenshot of the confirmation page or save the confirmation email to show the guest services/ticket window staff member that the waiver has been completed. Please have this ready ahead of time to speed up the ticket purchasing and pickup process.
*Racers 15yrs of age and younger must have their parent or legal guardian fill out the waiver for them. Please ensure the waiver is in the Racer’s Name (not the parental name).
Lift Ticket Prices, including discount:
Adults (18yrs+)
3 Day Ticket (valid July 14-16): $118.71+gst
2 Day Ticket (valid July 15&16): $65.95+gst
1 Day Ticket (valid July 16): $26.48+gst
Youth (13yrs-17yrs)
3 Day Ticket (valid July 14-16): $95.31+gst
2 Day Ticket (valid July 15&16): $52.95+gst
1 Day Ticket (valid July 16): $26.48+gst
Discounts are available for registered competitors only.
Family & support crew can purchase lift tickets at the same time (or online ahead of time). Details on lift ticket pricing for non-racers can be found here: https://skifernie.com/purchase/summer-lift-tickets/
Season Pass Holders
Summer Season Pass Holders who are registered racers for the event. Your Summer Bike Season Pass is valid for the weekend (you do not have to purchase a separate racer ticket). However, all season pass racers MUST have the following race identification on their bikes in order to be allowed on the Timber Chairlift (if you do not have the accreditation, you will not be allowed up).
For those riding on Friday, July 14th – please come into Guest Services to pick up an accreditation pass for the day (this is free). For those riding Saturday and Sunday – your bike plate will identify you as part of the event (so please pick up your plate before heading to the Timber Chair).
Course Map:
See the course maps below.
Marshal Locations:
Volunteers:
We’re super grateful to our volunteers who help with Marshalling the races. Thank you to everyone that reached out – we have all our volunteers for the weekend!
THANK YOU
Thank you to SE Racing and Dunbar Cycles for supporting this event.
‘We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia for funding through the BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Grant’.
Fernie Dunbar Summer Series Canada Cup/BC Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Race 2022
JULY 16 SEEDING RUN RESULTS – https://zone4.ca/race/2022-07-16/c46bb552/results/
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Get ready for a gravity-filled, energetic weekend of downhill racing. Fernie Alpine Resort is proud to partner with SE Racing, Cycling Canada, and Cycling BC to welcome back the Fernie Dunbar Summer Series Canada Cup / BC Cup Downhill Race. Fernie is the first of 3 stops on the Dunbar Summer Race series – the best downhill mountain bike series in Western Canada!
Races can expect a fun, technical course, and after being the debut location for the first-ever adaptive mountain bike category last summer, we are stoked to work with SE Racing and KASA (Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association) to offer an adaptive bike category once again for this year’s race.
To keep informed on all the Dunbar Summer Series Races, visit their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/dunbarsummerseries.
Registration:
Registration for the event is now open at ccnbikes.com – Click the button below to register:
Schedule:
Friday – Timber Chair is open for racers, unofficial course inspection, and plate pickup.
Saturday – Practice, seeding runs for the elite categories, and plate pickup.
Sunday – Race Day!
NOTE: The Timber Chair is open to racers only. The Elk Chairlift is open 10:30 am – 4:30 pm all weekend for lift-accessed biking, hiking and sightseeing for racers, family and friends.
For the Full Schedule: Click Here
Lift Tickets:
Competitor 2 Day (Saturday & Sunday) Race Lift Ticket for the event will be $63.95+gst (Ages 18+) and $51.95+gst (Ages 13-17).
Friday & Monday – Competitors receive a 20% discount on their lift ticket. To get the discount on Friday, competitors must be pre-registered by Thursday.
Competitors, please head to the designated race lift ticket window in the main plaza to pick up your lift tickets. Racers can pick up tickets for all 3 days on Friday if they wish.
Ticket Windows will be open at
Friday – 9:30am
Saturday – 8:30am
Sunday- 8:30am
All racers must complete a RCR Bike Ticket Waiver online before purchasing their ticket. This can be done online ahead of time via the following link – https://passes.skircr.com/waiverNSSummer/signupFull.aspx?w=bike
Save a screen shot of the bar code or keep the email confirmation on your phone to show the ticket window that the waiver has been completed.
NOTE: Season Pass Holders will have to pick up a lift ticket from the ticket window or Guest Services. Your pass will not scan at the Timber Chair. The lift ticket identifies you as part of the race and will get you on Timber. There is no charge for the lift ticket.
Waiver:
All competitors must fill out RCR Event Waiver(s) prior to the event. Any competitor 16 years of age and older (as of Day 1 of competition) must fill out an EVENT WAIVER. You can fill the Event Waiver out yourself. Any competitor 15 years of age and younger (as of Day 1 of the competition) must fill out both the EVENT WAIVER and PARENTAL CONSENT WAIVER. Your parent or legal guardian must complete these waivers. You will receive an email with a copy of the completed waiver to confirm you have finished the process (you will receive one email per waiver). Competitors 15yrs and younger will receive two emails – one email with a copy of the Event Waiver and one with the copy of the Parental Consent Waiver). Click on the online waiver button below to fill out the waiver.
Course:
The top half of the course starts with the infamous technical and loose “Canadian Section” steeps through the woods. The course then connects with the fast and loamy “Bicycle Thief” trail through the trees and then exits to a high-speed straights section before heading into the Rockstar Tree Island for a few final turns before the final finish ramp.
Adaptive Riders will re-route from the start and race down the access road to connect with Bicycle Thief and the bottom half of the course.
Racers can access the top of the course by riding down the access road from the top of the Timber Chair – follow the signs. Please note: Access road is gravel, and there are loose sections, so please ride with care when heading to the start area.
This course is open to racers only for the weekend. Public, friends and family can access trails off the Elk Chairlift all weekend.
Base Area Map:
Accommodation:
Hotels
There are several hotel options both at the resort and in town for the event. Our central reservations team can help you find the best accommodation for your needs – packages are available. Call 1-800-258-7669 or visit https://skircr.com/vacations/summer-vacation-packages/
**Please book your accommodations early. Due to a large contractor staying in town for the summer, hotel availability is significantly less than previous years.
Camping
There are several options for camping for the event. Fernie has a number of campsites in town and close by. You can reserve spots in the following campgrounds for those looking for traditional campsites. Please book your camping early as local campgrounds do sell out.
Both the Fernie RV Resort and Mt Fernie Provincial Park campgrounds are a short drive and located within 7km from the resort and venue.
Fernie RV Resort (full serviced sites and amenities including internet and laundry)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/fernie-rv-resort
Mt Fernie Provincial Park (un-serviced sites but has washrooms, shower facilities and proper campsites with picnic tables and firepits)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/mt-fernie-provincial-park
Camping is also just outside of town at both Mountain Shadows Camping in Sparwood (approx 25min drive to the resort) and Kikomun Provincial Park near Lake Koocanusa (approx 30min drive from the resort)
Mountain Shadows Campground (serviced sites)
https://www.mountainshadows.ca/
Kikomun Creek Provincial Park – 3 separate camping areas (mostly un-serviced sites with a limited number of sites with electrical hookups. Shower and washroom facilities available on site)
https://tourismfernie.com/accommodations/camping-rv/kikomun-creek
On-Site Camping
Basic parking lot camping will be available up at the resort for the event. Campers must be self-contained as there are no services available other than basic washrooms/porta-potties (no shower facilities, water, or power will be available). For those seeking more services please see the campground options above.
Due to the demand for camping, reservations are strongly recommended this year to guarantee a spot as limited space is available. The cost is $25/night. To reserve a spot please fill out the Canada/BC Cup Camping Request Form via the link below. Once the camping request forms are received, a Guest Services agent will call you to take payment and finalize your reservation.
Onsite Camping Request Form – ON SITE RESERVED CAMPING IS NOW FULL
We will have LIMITED overflow spots available on a first-come, first-filled basis starting Wednesday, July 13th. To check into the overflow spots you must call our daytime security between 12pm-12am when you arrive on site. Contact Number is on the sign as you enter Parking Lot #2. Our security staff will confirm if we have space and direct you where to go. Please have a backup plan if the overflow is full. Overflow spots cannot be reserved.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Calling all volunteers!
Volunteers are needed as course marshals for the event on both Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers can volunteer for one day or both days.
In return for helping out, all volunteers get up close to the action, get lunch on the day they volunteer, event swag and are entered into our Volunteer prize draws for awesome bike prizing from our sponsors. Plus all volunteers will get a summer lift ticket that they can use for themselves or a family member/friend anytime over the Summer 2022 season.
To sign up please fill out our volunteer form here – https://form.jotform.com/221744936560258
If you have any questions please email [email protected].
THANK YOU
Thank you to SE Racing and Dunbar Cycles for supporting the event once again this year.
‘We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia for funding through the BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Grant’
A FAR Out Summer – Uphill Enduro
Last year, when the pandemic hit and my two girls were suddenly home I felt a heavy responsibility to keep them active physically and mentally, on top of staying safe. Where better to take the learning than outdoors? Each week, I would shake things up by heading somewhere new and inspiring. Reading circle at Silver Springs. Science class in the Old Growth or at Matheson Falls. Gym class at the Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) Aerial Park. Many of our ‘classrooms’ I hadn’t been to in years, and some never! They were shocked, ‘but you grew up here!?’
Now, it’s been two years since we’ve left the beautiful bubble of the Kootenays. Two years! And while I am extremely fond of this area, it has begun to feel a little too… comfy. As an avid biker, I was feeling uninspired. Yes, we’ve done a couple of trips to the West Kootenays, but here I had ridden nearly every inch of trail countless times some in both directions. It made me think back to that time, at the beginning of the pandemic. How could I shake things up?
Years ago, before I had kids I spent a lot of time training for bike events and hit a similar wall. A park pass at FAR not only helped me to gain additional confidence on the downhill, it exposed me to new, technical terrain and had me excited about biking again. ‘That’s it,’ I thought. ‘There are over 30 trails over there!’ And I headed to Guest Services to get my pass.
Pass in hand, I went out on my first adventure. I decided to check out the newly established Uphill Enduro Route as I had yet to try it. Taking you up the access route, it is a bit painful to cross beneath the Elk Chair and the relaxed lift riders, but it is quick, to the point, and allows you to do a few laps while also testing your endurance.
For the first lap, I decided on Hollow Tree. I have ridden this trail numerous times as it was in two TransRockies events hosted at the hill. Forested, loamy, rooty, optional stunts. It is always a blast and over too soon. I hopped onto Monorail to finish off and got right into my second climb. Next, I decided to take upper Top Gun and then climb over to Bin Logdin to lower Rumplestumpskin. Again, extremely fun and I could have handled twice the length! This lap was flowier, fast and exciting… and had me easily convinced to head up again. This time, I decided on Will Power. We hosted Tears and Gears at FAR two years ago so I had only ever been on it to flag the course. Wow, it had me on my toes and it was nice to feel challenged. Similar to Hollow Tree but more narrow and steeper in sections.
Feeling inspired and fulfilled, I left wanting more. Next week, hiking with the kids. Chair lift up, hike down… should be easy, right?
Hot Tips
- The Uphill Enduro Route is exposed and the last portion steep. Make sure to bring enough water to keep you going, consider electrolytes on hot days.
- While getting your pass, ask Guest Services about their Multi-Use Pass for just $5, which covers access annually to xc trails on their property.
- If biking in town, make sure to get your Fernie Trails Alliance – Fernie Trails Pass which supports building, maintaining and developing the Fernie Trail Network.
- Carve out some time for a rewarding post-ride refreshment at Legends – you deserve it!
What to do & Where to Drink on your Powder Highway Summer Road Trip
Craft Breweries, quaint mountain towns, stunning rocky mountain views – those are the new experiences many people seek when planning at road trip. Road trips really are the best of all travelling worlds – without the major cost/headache of flying somewhere, staying semi close to your homebase while getting out and seeing the world at the same time. If you’re still looking to plan a fun, easy to manage getaway this summer or fall – here’s an itinerary all laid out for you. Less planning – more fun! It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you’re coming from Calgary in the south of the city or surrounding area, start at Fernie Alpine Resort – it’s an easy 2.5 hour drive when there’s no snow on the ground and it is home to perhaps the best known craft brewery scene of all our suggested locations. If you’re heading out from Calgary in the north or surrounding area, Kicking Horse might be the place for you to start your trip and do this whole circuit in reverse.
Fernie, B.C. – where the beer is local, but your server might be an import
Fernie is one of Canada’s great ski towns, not only has it been named ‘the coolest little town in North America’ by Rolling Stone Magazine, it’s also been named ‘the greatest Canadian outdoor town’ by Get Out There Magazine, in part because it truly is a year round outdoor destination with so much to do in the summer as well as the winter.
What to try – for a non boozy activity, try the Aerial Park at Fernie Alpine Resort. It’s a super fun afternoon where even adults find a challenge in the tree top obstacle course (perhaps do this one before the brewery tour, you might not want to have a hang over when 30 feet up in the trees)!
Where to drink – The Fernie Brewing Company is not just well known in Fernie, it’s well known in Calgary and branching out into many other major cities as well. But Fernie, of course, is the breweries home. The Fernie Brewing Co. building is located just as you drive into town (from the Sparwood/Calgary direction), they have a tasting room where you can try a flight of 4 beers for just $5 – which they donate to charity! Want to give back and drink at the same time? Fernie Brewing Co. is for you! Another fun initiative from the Fernie Brewing Co. is the Trail to Ale challenge, which is pretty much exactly what the name suggests, get more information on the Trail to Ale challenge on their website.
Photo | Fernie Brewing Company
Kimberley, B.C – a place to get away from traffic, full calendars and all things marked ‘urgent’
Kimberley is a town where you feel relaxed, like really relaxed. If you’re from the city when was the last time you can say you felt completely relaxed? 
Maybe it was on a nature walk, or in your backyard or maybe it’s only when you actually get out of the city. If you’re asking the questions where can I relax and forget about all my worries while on vacation – Kimberley is your answer.
What to try – swimming in gorgeous St. Mary’s lake, it’s super fun & super free! There’s not only swimming at St. Mary’s Lake you can also canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board, fish or just float! If you’re looking to rent some water sports equipment check out local company Kootenay Rafting for options. St Mary’s is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the region, Instagram worthy pictures for sure (and everyone needs to document their best vacations on Instagram). For even more options of what to try in Kimberley, check out my blog from last summer – ‘12 (plus) reasons to visit Kimberley this August’.
Where to drink – Overtime Beerworks in Kimberley may be the youngest of all the breweries on our list, starting in 2016 – don’t let that deter you though, their beers are brewed with the sophistication of a much older brewery and they’re quickly making a name for themselves further than just in Kimberley and are available in a variety of cities and towns in British Columbia and Alberta. All their beers are brewed in small batches, making each of them slightly different with the unique flare of each individual batch – try local favourites like the ‘Mountain Standard’ Golden Ale or the ‘Right About Now’ IPA.
Photo | Overtime Beerworks
Golden, B.C – the friendly mountain town
Golden is another one of those ultimate outdoor adventure towns on our list, with a TON to choose from in regards to outdoor activities. Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are frequently named in magazines with annotations such as ‘extreme’, ‘challenging’ and ‘adventurous’ and while it is 
all of those things, it’s also a place to chill out and enjoy adventures everyone can try. For example…
What to try – the Via Ferrata at Kicking horse Mountain Resort is an amazing experience not to be missed while in Golden. While it admittingly does look pretty hardcore, it’s actually a mountain climbing trek even novices can accomplish and feel comfortable while doing so. Via Ferrata courses are a series of iron rungs and handles mounted across the mountain face that novices and expert climbers can do, all the while strapped into to a safety harness – an added bonus of the Kicking Horse course is the suspension bridge you need to cross to get to the Via Ferrata course, it’s an experience in itself! In fact, if the Via Ferrata is still a little too hardcore for you – the Suspension Bridge can be done on its own without having to continue onto the full course. The sense of wonder and accomplishment you’ll feel after achieving the Via Ferrata course or just crossing the Suspension Bridge is enough to make anyone want a beer!
Where to drink – The Whitetooth Brewing Company is the place to go in Golden, not only do they offer their own unique and delicious beers (that goes without saying), their outdoor patio is one of the best in Golden with an epic view of the surrounding mountains. There are quite a few beers to choose from that fall into three categories – ‘West Coast Inspired’, Belgian Inspired’ and ‘High Gravity’ – no matter what type of beer you enjoy you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds here. The Brewery doesn’t have a huge capacity and is usually busy – they open at 2pm so make sure you go early and you might just get to sit here, I can’t think of very many better seats than that!
Photo | Whitetooth Brewing Company
- Published in Blog
The Best Family Mountain Bike Trails in Fernie
My family loves touring new towns on our bikes and the best loops always include at least one playground, a bike park, a stop for ice-cream, and a spot to cool off. Fernie has all of that in a short 8 to 15 km loop (depending on which trails you link together.)
The Main Town Loop combines several easy trails that are all relatively flat. As a family, you will enjoy pleasant trail riding on well-maintained gravel or dirt paths. Most of the loop is double track and Chariot-friendly as well. The only challenging sections for us have been on the Old Stumpy Trail (which can be bypassed.)
The loop can be started at multiple locations downtown Fernie but we like to start at the dirt jump and skills park beside the aquatic centre and spray park on the corner of Pine Ave & Ridgemont Drive. We play at the bike park to warm up on the pump track and jumps, and then visit the spray park at the end to cool off. There’s also a short beginner mountain bike loop located behind the dirt jump park that helps kids gain an easy introduction to single track riding.
Once you’ve managed to convince the kids to leave the bike park, cross Ridgemont Drive and find the trailhead for the Kootenay Elk Trail. This easy trail poses no challenges as it crosses over a boardwalk and small wetland area (image shown). You’ll soon reach a junction for the Old Stumpy Trail and the Downtown Connector Trail. The connector trail makes a beeline for Maiden Lake and is the easy trail option. At the lake you’ll find a small rocky beach area and a great spot for a dip in the cool water if you’ve packed swim suits with you.
If you’re up for a challenge, take the Old Stumpy Trail and Great Northern Trail for a longer loop to Maiden Lake. This extension has some tricky spots and you’ll have to walk bikes when you come to a few short sets of stairs. Regardless of the technical bits on Old Stumpy, it’s a beautiful trail with an “old growth forest” feeling to it. It’s also a short ride until you reach the much easier Great Northern Trail which parallels the Elk River.
Once you’ve reached Maiden Lake, the riding gets extremely easy for a while as you continue on the Emily Brydon Trail along the Elk River and connect to the Dogwood Trail heading for the town Boat Launch. Shortly after the boat launch, go around the corner and then cross a small bridge. Here you’ll get on the Brewery Creek Trail heading for an old barn (main/top image). The bike tour ends with a short introductory section on the Coal Creek Heritage Trail (where you probably won’t want to be wearing white shoes since the trail is practically made of coal dust!)
You’ll end up back at the aquatic centre from where it’s a short drive or bike ride over to the Happy Cow Ice-Cream Store off Highway 3 (between 5th and 6th Street.)
Progressions for easy – intermediate family mountain biking
Once the kids have cut their teeth on the Town Loop, it’s time to move on to some other great intro-trails that are a bit more technical and offer a “real” mountain biking experience.
The Coal Creek Heritage Trail – This trail is divided into two sections, The Lower Coal Creek Heritage Trail and the East Coal Creek Heritage Trail. We rode a 9 km section of the trail and started from the “Townsite” parking lot on the East part of the trail. To find the parking lot, drive 6.3 km up Coal Creek Road from town, turn left at the bridge onto First Creek Rd. and look for the Trailhead Kiosk, 3 km further along on the left.
This is a classic “truck drop” ride (meaning, you drive up, drop the kids off, and they bike back down to town.) Either arrange the ride with a shuttle or plan to have an adult bike back up for the vehicle (as we did) because making the kids ride UP Coal Creek would not be a lot of fun for anybody. Fortunately, the bike park and spray park are right at the end of the trail so kids will not be bored while they wait for somebody to go fetch the truck.
While this is considered a “beginner” trail, I was pretty new to mountain biking when we rode it and I had to walk a few hills. Gears and hand brakes are imperative for safety and enjoyment on the ride.
Montane Trails – The Montane area has a bunch of new trails, starting from the old barn/coal creek bridge. On these trails you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Lizard range, Mt Fernie and the 3 sisters.
Recommended loops:
TransCanada Trail to Montane North (This is the easiest loop in the Montane trail system.)
Montane North (image shown) to the TransCanada Trail to Montane / Ruby’s Way to Montane Blue for Evyr to Montane. (This loop is a little more challenging with some uphill sections.)
And I’ve had two separate families tell me how much they love the new Montane Blue for Evyr Trail, a fairly easy section of the loop above. The ride can be completed by riding on Montane, a double track trail and a smooth easy ride.
Biking the Ridgemont Trails with Older Kids and Teens – For families ready to move on to some solid intermediate trails, Ridgemont has plenty to offer with hill climbs, fun downhill riding, flowy corners, obstacles and beautiful scenery.
Recommended Loops:
Head up Cemetery bi-pass (image shown) and continue on to the junction where ‘KiddieUp’ is the middle of 3 trails that branch off. It is full of easy switchbacks to keep the grade bikeable for the young ones, and give them plenty of practice cornering. To complete a loop take a right onto the logging road, and about 200m down you can take another right onto ‘What’s up Doc”.
For something longer and more challenging, you could put together nearly any combination to make an excellent loop. Cemetery Bypass, Kiddie Up, Queen V, Ecoterrorist, Eric’s Trail, and Broken Hip are all intermediate trails that are popular with families riding with older children and teens.
Information on all trails here can be found on the Trail Forks website.
Progressing to Downhill Mountain Biking at Fernie Alpine Resort
Register for a Kids Freeride Mountain Bike Camp and let professional coaches introduce the kids to lift-accessed downhill riding at Fernie Alpine Resort.
The theme of the camps is “Teaching kids to ride hard and safe.” In the camps, kids learn basic downhill riding skills, gain confidence, learn to ride steep lines and to tackle challenging terrain at the resort. Discounted lift tickets and bike rentals are available for camp participants.
The resort will be holding four camps this summer for kids ages 8 – 16 and each camp runs for two consecutive days mid-week. Meanwhile, mom and dad will find no shortage of entertainment at the resort’s bike park. Adult lessons are also offered including the brand new mid-week Trail Warrior Camps for adults. These 3-day camps are designed for cross country riders interested in developing downhill bike skills.
My family has a gigantic list of trails we want to ride this summer so we’ll see you out there with huge smiles on our faces. My 8 year old (below) will be leading the way and will be yelling back at me to stay on my bike and to stop wussing out on every corner. 😉
Special thanks to Leanne Nanninga and Coleen Hughes for contributing to this story with trail suggestions, route information, and photos.
Why My Preferred Ride in Fernie is a Bike Ride
I didn’t discover mountain biking until my mid-twenties. While Fernie’s epic trail network, both in town and at Fernie Alpine Resort had yet to be developed in my youth, mountain biking has become such an integral part of Fernie it’s difficult to remember it any other way.
After graduating, the lure to come home was strong. I spent every possible moment in Fernie and noticed a big change during the summer months. Bikes… they were everywhere. I decided to take a friend up on an offer to go for a ride. That friend was Emily Brydon, and she decided Verboten was great way to start (a Black Diamond at the top of Red Tree Road just off the ski hill.) A group of us rode from Timberline Village, and I was mesmerized as we crossed bowls I had only seen on skis. This feeling quickly shifted to fear and defeat as we made our way down the technical trail.
A few years later, I moved home and decided to park my car and buy a mountain bike. It was 2006, and while I still had a tremendous amount of fear, I just couldn’t get it out of my head. I fell in with a fantastic group of women who supported and pushed me and were integral to me falling in love with the sport. In August of that summer, I watched in awe as rider after rider crossed the finish line of the TransRockies and thought… I’m going to do this one day. And I did.
While I love the accomplishment of finishing a race, I get the same feeling nearly every day riding in Fernie. Trail development and enhancement has meant new entry level and flow trails are available, along with more challenging and technical rides and everything in between. I love this about mountain biking. It allows everyone to test themselves whatever age, level or style of rider, and in turn can expose them to a side of themselves they may have long forgotten or didn’t know existed. The same goes for Fernie – it never saw itself as a summer destination, but mountain biking has sure shown us something different.
I bike a lot, from the first trails to show themselves in the spring, to the last trails to be covered in the fall. Typically during the week I stick to trails in town for the ease of a quick early morning or evening ride just out the door. A favourite loop is Hyperventilation to Hyper Extension, and slipping into Ridgemont to finish on Oh Dear if there’s time. But on any given Sunday I can be found in Mount Fernie Provincial Park, heading to Fernie Alpine Resort via Old Goat and Mega Hurtz or the newly revitalized Ben Emmett. From there, I catch a lift and laugh and giggle all the way down beautifully manicured trails like Duff Dynasty, Top Gun and Eville. And on the way home, I always climb my way to Verboten for the final descent, and remember how times have changed. For the better.
Closing Weekend 2017 at Fernie Alpine Resort
The snow may be melting, but Fernie Alpine Resort is just starting to warm up for our closing weekend! April 15th and 16th will bring the 2016/2017 season to a close the only way the Resort knows how: with a party! Events and activities for everyone, with the Raging Elk Powder, Pedal, Paddle Relay race and the Coca-Cola Slope Soaker to the live music entertainment both days, Fernie has something for you.
Since 1984, The Raging Elk Powder, Pedal, Paddle Relay Race has been a wonderful way to end the winter and test your endurance on your own or with a team. A four and a half kilometre spring ski or snowboard kicks the event off and brings participants to the bike transition. 
Once on the bike, contestants ride the six kilometre route from the Resort into Fernie to paddle their way back to the toward the ski hill along the awesome – and ice cold – Elk River. Don’t worry, the fun is not over yet!
From the the river racers either hand off their “baton” or transition into the run. 
It may only be two kilometres, but it’s no slouch, after more than 16.5 kilometres runners will begin the ascent up ski hill road and to the finish at the base of the resort. Some awesome prizes await contestants; there not just for winners either! Contestants are encouraged to dress up, in the past the race has seen costume clad teams compete as the “minions” from Despicable Me, super heroes (superpowers may or may not be necessary) and even a BLT sandwich!
If you don’t feel like competing but want to be a part of the event, we always need volunteers to help with marshalling and transition stations, contact [email protected] for more volunteer information. On course cheering squads are also highly encouraged!
Saturday doesn’t end with the PPP! Day 1 of the 9th annual Fernival Festival in the Resort’s plaza kicks off with a live show from the high energy classic rockers the Backroad Traveler Band. 
This Calgary based band will be playing some beloved classic rock covers for the crowd. After a quick stage flip, DJ Skratch Bastid will be keeping the party going in the Plaza with his world renowned skills. The day will wrap up with an epic performance by Wide Mouth Mason who will play hits from their 20-year career. The Emily Brydon Youth Foundation will be on site to collect donations through various activities during the day.
In case you didn’t get enough live music on Saturday, for the first time in Fernival history a second day will be added to the lineup, bringing Fernie favourites BC/DC to the Plaza stage.
Sunday will also have the ski bum tradition – The Slope Soaker. Participate or come watch contestants do their best to make their way across a large pool at the base of the Mighty Moose Run. 
Costumes, and splashes are guaranteed for viewers and a portion of event proceeds go to Fernie Search and Rescue, who will be on site to pull waterlogged contestants from the icy cold pool.
Many of the closing weekend’s events have limited participation, so be sure to sign up with Fernie Alpine Resort’s Guest Services to reserve a spot for you and your team.
For more information on the closing weekend’s festivities check out Fernie Alpine Resort or https://www.facebook.com/FernieAlpineResort/
Words: Bryn Catton Photos: Jordan Johnson, Robin Siggers, Tourism Fernie
Fat Biking and Snowshoeing at Fernie
Fat Biking at Fernie Alpine Resort
What is fat biking? It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors when you’re not shredding down the slopes at Fernie Alpine Resort. Last week, I went out fat biking with my friend Charlie for the first time. We had a blast!
We started our ride at rentals where we got our helmets and fat bikes. The process was quick and simple. After a safety check, we grabbed our equipment and headed towards the trails next to Lizard Creek Lodge. We started on the View trial and merged right onto the Boom Creek trail. The trails were wide and the snow was compact.
I did not know what to expect, but it was surprisingly relaxing. We made it all the way to the Elk Valley Nordic Society Cross country trails. At that point, we turned around and headed back towards the View trail. After a leisurely 30 minutes bike ride we decided to venture up to the Boomerang triple chair. The next 15 minutes was all up hill, definitely a work out!
We arrived at the Boomerang chair and we were nearly half way to the end of the trail. Tired, but having a great time we headed back down hill all the way to Boom Creek, past the mountain condos and into the Griz Day Lodge for a hot chocolate and coffee.
Snowshoeing at Fernie Alpine Resort: Strapping Up For the First Time
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go snowshoeing for the first time. We had a blast! We spent the afternoon exploring the trails on the east end of the mountain. Neither of us had snow shoed before, but it was fun and easy to pick up.
We met up at the Fernie Alpine Resort rental shop and picked up two pairs of snowshoes. The staff were super friendly and the process was simple. Charlie rented the shorter Denali snowshoes and I took out the larger Tubbs snowshoes. Both pairs fit nicely over our boots. The Denali were more effective on packed snow and the Tubbs did well in the deep powder. For that reason, I lead the way on our excursion.
We began our adventure past Lizard Creek Lodge on Boom Creek trail. Charlie noticed an opening just to the right of the Mighty Moose lift. The view in between the trees was so incredible that we decided to take some photos to share with you.
After the photo shoot, we headed further down Boom Creek trail and up into the woods. We spent the afternoon exploring through the trees and getting lost in the moment. The experience was unforgettable and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to spend a day in the woods. There is certain feeling you get when you are nature and are surrounded by nothing but trees and snowfall. Pure bliss.
Post by Neil Kabesh
Five Fun Things to Do in Fernie This Winter
The main reason we make winter weekend pilgrimages to Fernie, B.C. is the snow. Nearly 40 feet of the white stuff falls every season and covers the ski resort and nearby trails with an embarrassment of fluffy flakes. Naturally, downhill skiing is the main attraction, but there’s more to do in Fernie than just snorkel through powder on fat skis. It truly is a winter playground and that’s why we love it. Here are our Top 5 favourite things to do during a Fernie winter.
Downhill Skiing
You can’t ignore nature, so when Fernie Alpine Resort receives an epic dump that blows a foot or more of fresh snow across its five alpine bowls, you’d best get yourself to the top of the mountain, stat. But even when there’s no new snow, Fernie’s 2,500 acres of terrain delivers. North-facing slopes like the 123’s in Currie Bowl hold the snow well into spring, and there are plenty of steeps, bumps, glades, groomers and beginner runs for everyone in the family. (Insider tip: head to Snake Ridge in Cedar Bowl for gnarly vertical, try the runs off Boomerang chair for moguls, and float between perfectly-spaced trees on Morning Glory in Siberia Bowl).
Ice, ice baby
No ski day is complete without a little bit of après. Fernie boasts more bars per capita than most ski towns—there are 14 bars for a population of just 4,000—and it also has the only Ice Bar in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The new vodka tasting ice room at Lizard Creek Lodge is an intimate indoor, refrigerated room complete with an ice bar, ice shot glasses and ice walls with ice alcoves into which are placed more than 20 kinds of vodka from around the world. Guests don a Helly Hansen parka and then shoot back a flight of three vodkas, from smooth Tito’s Handmade to Stoli’s sweet Salted Karamel. This après-ski experience will ease the pain of sore muscles (and dull the memory of any tumbles).
Fat biking
Like kids at a playground, once you’ve been sliding for hours, you want to try something else that’s just as rewarding. By all accounts, winter fat biking is the best new way to combine a great workout from the uphill climb with an adrenalin hit on the descent. For those not in the know, fat bikes are basically mountain bikes with custom forks to accommodate wide tires that provide more stability and extra grip and traction on snow. You can rent one at the FAR Rental Shop on the mountain, or at the Gear Hub in town, and then hit Fernie’s system of over 90 trails. Beginners can start on the flat riverside trails, and progress to the wide, groomed trails in the Montane area off Coal Creek Road, or tackle the 12 kilometres of groomed trails adjacent to the Timber Bowl chair at the ski hill.
Downtown stroll 
Historic downtown Fernie, set with the dramatic Lizard Range as a backdrop, is one of the most picturesque ski towns in Canada. The best way to take in its charm is on foot, by strolling past original brick and sandstone buildings that date back to the early 1900s and now house an eclectic mix of bars, boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops. Pop in to the Fernie Arts Co-op to admire jewelry, art and photography by local artists, and check out the Ghostrider Trading Co. for Fernie clothing and souvenirs. Stop in at Nevados for delicious pork belly tacos and the best margaritas in town, or head to The Brickhouse if a burger and Fernie Brewing Co. beer are more your style. And don’t miss Beanpod for artisan chocolate made right in the store.
Cross-country skiing
There’s something magical about gliding through a silent forest under your own power while giant snowflakes twirl down from the sky. It’s not all about steep and deep at Fernie—the town also boasts plenty of groomed and track-set trails for Nordic skiers. There are even cross-country trails right at the base of the ski hill for keeners who want to tackle both styles of skiing in one day! Or, check out the trails up at Island Lake Lodge, the groomed trails at the Fernie Golf and Country Club or the skier-only (no fat bikes) trails at the new Elk Valley Nordic Centre. Check in with the Fernie Nordic Society for trail conditions and details.
Photos by Abbydell Photography, Henry Georgi, Mark Eleven Photography, Fernie Alpine Resort & Cali Sammel
While there are many, many reasons to Mountain Bike (or learn to), here are (arguably) some of the best;
1) Bragging rights and Looking Cool
Can you ride the Binlogdin Wall? Or take on Rumplestumskin, the new Duff Dynasty trail, maybe perhaps even Phat Larry’s? You’re awesome – brag it up!
(Brag on social media – share your photos with Fernie on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter)
2) Impress your crush
Boys, girls will be impressed with your skills and girls..boys will be SUPER impressed with your skills!
3) Skip the gym but stay in shape
Have you ever tried Mountain Biking? If you have you’ll know how hard it works your core, similar to snowboarding in the winter, so stay in shape and outside while doing so!
4) Get in a tan
Soak in the sunlight, not the fake lights – Now that you are in shape, get your tan to match that bod! (You might have to work on this during your lunch break)
5) The truth about mountain biking
The truth about mountain biking here is it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Over the last few season Fernie has made a huge effort to increase the amount of trails for the beginner and intermediate rider as well as offering a variety of lessons and brush up courses (although we still have plenty of hardcore trails for those looking for an intense ride).
6) Sun, Mountain Air, Views
A day in the Fernie bike park with the gently rolling mountain views with the town of Fernie in the distance and the sunshine on your face, is always better than a day in the city or office. Hands down. No Contest.
Get into Mountain Biking in Fernie this summer! Check out our First Timers Guide, available Lesson Programs or book a vacation Online.
By Cali Sammel
@california1530
Photos by Nicole Matei & Henry Georgi
