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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. Membership fee payment and bookings can be made online.

Thunder Meadows Hut

  • $100 per night in winter, $50 per night in summer, plus $10 booking fee. 
  • FT&STC membership required for booking, $40 lifetime memberships available to the general public. 
  • Sleeps 8 on bunks, foam mattresses supplied.
  • Wood stove and wood provided.
  • Pots, pans, cutlery & coffee maker.
  • Solar lights & propane stove.
  • Outhouse provided, bring own paper.
  • Axe, shovel & fire extinguisher.
  • Meltwater supply.
  • Closed May & June for wildlife protection.
  • ACCESS INFORMATION

Tunnel Creek Hut

  • $100 per night, winter only, plus $10 booking fee. 
  • FT&STC membership required for booking. Individual lifetime memberships available to the general public for $40
  • Sleeps 6 on bunks, 5 foamies supplied.
  • Propane furnace & cookstove, propane provided.
  • Pots, pans, cutlery & coffee maker.
  • Propane lantern, (bring own 1lb propane bottle).
  • Outhouse provided, bring own paper.
  • Shovel & fire extinguisher.
  • Meltwater supply.
  • Closed May & June for wildlife protection.
  • ACCESS INFORMATION

The FT&STC also maintains a warming hut at the Montane Trail Area near Coal Creek Road. 

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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