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  • Ski Touring in Cabin Bowl
  • Polaris Bowl Backcounty Access
  • Polaris Bowl Backcounty Access - Transceiver gate to Polaris Bowl
  • Polaris Bowl Backcounty Access - Easy Street to Thunder Meadows Cabin
  • Thunder Meadows Cabin
  • Tunnel Creek Hut
  • Fernie Ski Touring
  • Ski Touring in the Fernie Area
  • Ski Touring near Fernie
  • Ski Touring near Island Lake

Backcountry ski touring in Fernie is focused on the area between Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Resort, along the Lizard Range, through a large swath of crown land, as well as the Tunnel Creek area south of Fernie Alpine Resort.

In and around Thunder Meadows, touring takes place northward from FAR’s present boundary in Fish Bowl, Lizard Lake (Liverwurst Bowl), and Big Steep Mother Bowl. Ski runs named by members include The Treed Slope, Orca Bowl, Big Steep, Cabin Bowl, Thirst Quencher, Goat Pass, and Three Bears.

Overnight Ski Touring Huts

The Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club maintains two permanent shelters that are available for booking:

  • Thunder Meadows, located between Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Resort
  • Tunnel Creek, to the south of Fernie Alpine Resort

Overnight reservations for Thunder Meadows and Tunnel Creek Cabins are exclusive to members of the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club. See below for booking information and links. 

Thunder Meadows Hut

  • FT&STC membership required for booking, $80 annual family or $40 annual solo memberships available. Purchase online. The booking request form will be available after you sign in as a current member.
  • The cabin is $110 per night plus $10 booking fee. 
  • The Cabin is available to book from December 1st - April 30th, and July 1st - October 31st.
  • Please read the Policy and Procedure information carefully prior to booking and adhere to it at all times.
  • Sleeps 8 on bunks, foam mattresses supplied.
  • Wood stove, wood provided
  • Solar lights
  • Propane stove, propane provided
  • Pots, pans, cutlery & coffee maker, meltwater pot and grey-water pot. dish soap & bleach provided. Bring own dish cloth and towel. 
  • Outhouse provided, bring own paper
  • Shovel & fire extinguisher.
  • Meltwater supply.
  • Dogs are not permitted due to potential contamination of the meltwater supply. 
  • ISLAND LAKE ACCESS INFORMATION
  • THUNDER MEADOWS ACCESS INFORMATION

Tunnel Creek Hut

  • FT&STC membership required for booking, $80 annual family or $40 annual solo memberships available. Purchase online. The booking request form will be available after you sign in as a current member.
  • $100 per night, winter only, plus $10 booking fee. 
  • The Cabin is available to book from December 1st - April 30th ONLY. Summer bookings are not available. 
  • Sleeps 6 on bunks, foam mattresses supplied.
  • Wood stove, wood provided
  • Solar lights
  • Propane stove, propane provided
  • Pots, pans, cutlery & coffee maker, meltwater pot and grey-water pot. dish soap & bleach provided. Bring own dish cloth and towel. 
  • Outhouse provided, bring own paper
  • Shovel & fire extinguisher.
  • Meltwater supply.
  • Dogs are not permitted due to potential contamination of the meltwater supply.
  • ACCESS INFORMATION

Additional information from Backcountry Skiing Canada

Safety

Current Avalanche Forecast Report

Safety is essential to ski touring. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, skiers in the backcountry endanger the lives of others as well as their own. Each winter there are numerous stories in the news of backcountry enthusiasts who trek unprepared and cost lives, time, and money as a result. Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club encourages its members and others enjoying the backcountry to prepare for every eventuality.

Avalanche training is an essential tool for ski touring; simply put, it is a must. Knowledge is power, and in this case, a lifesaver. Avalanche safety courses are available locally in the Elk Valley through private companies hosting training, and College of the Rockies.

Armed with the right knowledge, ski tourers must also equip themselves properly. The mandatory list includes avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, proper clothing, and survival kit. Make sure that someone at home base knows where you are going, when you are going, and when to expect you back. Know your terrain, or travel with someone who does.

Finally, checking conditions prior to heading out is also critical to safety. The Canadian Avalanche Association Website maintains the most up to date bulletins for regions throughout BC and Alberta, and specifically, the Southern Rockies. Be sure to log on before you head out.

 

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