Launched in the summer of 2016, FBC's Trail to Ale Challenge returns once more. A fun mountain and beer-filled adventure, to challenge many a local or visitor to Fernie.

Please read the full details and rules below, on how to #trailtoalefernie...

HOW TO TAKE PART:

The Fernie Brewing Co. Trail to Ale™ Challenge consists of bagging three peaks, on bike or foot, within a 24hr period. Open to bikers, runners or hikers, you have to get to the top of Hyper Ventilation, Project 9 & Swine Flu, in any order, within the 24hr time limit.Of course, you have to 'prove it' with time-stamped phone selfies next to the 3 Trail to Ale™ on-trail signage, as well as at the start and then the finish at the Brewery. Once the photographic evidence has been shared with the Tasting Room staff, you will be rewarded with a cold beer and a #TrailtoAleFernie sticker. New this year, you can take home a souvenir of the suffering, with Trail to Ale merch – now available for purchase.

WHEN CAN I DO IT?:

The challenge is open to anyone, at any time and challenges may start from wherever they wish. Smart planning, of course, would be to ensure that finish line glory coincides with the Brewery being open – to ensure the cold, crisp, craft-brewed reward can be enjoyed on the spot. Be sure to check FBC’s current opening hours before you start, to avoid a potentially very disappointing end to one of your best days on the Fernie trails!

TRAILS:

The three peaks you have to reach, in your order of choice, are:

• Hyperventilation (Castle Rocks area)
• Project 9 (Fernie Provincial Park area)
• Swine Flu (Mount Proctor)
• And then finish at the Brewery

The total distance is approximately 45km, depending on the chosen route, and over 1,200m climbing. Find the route on TrailForks.

RULES:

There are some rules to this. To make sure you get it right, and earn your beer and medal, please read the below:

• There’s no charge to take part, but we ask all participants to purchase their Fernie Trails Pass, from the Fernie Trails Alliance – for the safety of both the participant and landowners.
• Please follow the Fernie Trails Alliance COVID Trail Etiquette. Avoid taking on in a large group, or adventuring out with your skill level.
• The trails can be accomplished in any order, but challengers must bike, run or hike the whole way, from start to finish – if hiking, you are allowed to drive to the trailheads.
• Photos need to be timestamped - whether by camera or phone!
• You may start wherever you wish, but don't forget to take a 'kick-off' photo!
• You must finish at the Brewery.
• All on-course photos must include all Challengers, and the Trail to Ale signs, located at the top of each trail, and on the patio railing at the Brewery.
• Challengers must have 5 time-stamped 'prove it' photos on their phones, to show to the Tasting Room staff upon completion:

1. START @ Wherever you like!
2. Peak #1
3. Peak #2
4. Peak #3
5. FINISH @ Fernie Brewing Co.

Once you've finished at the Brewery, show your five time-stamped photos to our Tasting Room staff, and you will be rewarded with a beer and a FBC Trail To Ale™ Sticker!

WHO IS THIS SUITABLE FOR?:

Please note: As a tough challenge on some of Fernie’s more advanced bike trails, please be sure this is within your capabilities. Extending over 45km of predominantly single-track trails and with over 1,200m of climbing, you are taking on this challenge at your own risk. You need to be an intermediate/expert biker, with strong single-track experience and fitness. Runners and hikers need to be experienced and prepared for a long day on the trails. Highly suggest water and food be carried.

Fernie Brewing Co. assumes no liability for individuals participating in the Trail to Ale™ Challenge. Participate at your own risk. We highly recommend you do this with a friend, but if you’re going solo, always let a friend know where you’re going and when you’re expected to be back. Fernie is also in wildlife country. Be animal smart and know what to do if you encounter animals. For more information on how to stay safe, head to Wildsafe BC. Lastly, please check the weather and trail conditions – always respect the trails! And remember to save the beers for the finish line glory only – always play smart!

OTHER TRAIL-RELATED RESOURCES:

Thanks to the below supporters of our Trail To Ale Challenge™...

• Fernie Mountain Bike Club
• Stag Leap Running Co.
• Fernie Trails Alliance
• Tourism Fernie
• The Fernie Fix

SOCIAL MEDIA:

For further glory, challengers can share their adventure along the way, using #‎trailtoalefernie #ferniestoke and @ferniebrewingco. Or if going that bit harder, and simply finishing alone is not quite enough, challengers can 'prove it' on Strava, to see how they rank amongst the best of the best. 

Share your moment of triumph with us: