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Ski Touring

British Columbia is home to legendary backcountry skiing and snowboarding, with Fernie's backyard being one of the province's best spots. Every climb leads to fresh lines, big views, and unbeatable backcountry bliss.

Earn Your Turns in Backcountry Paradise

Varied terrain and fresh powder in a true wilderness, what could be better? Trade the lift seat for the quiet grind of the climb toward breathtaking ridgelines followed by the adrenaline of carving down untracked slopes, surrounded by snow-laden pines and jagged peaks. This is a place that feels worlds away from ordinary.

Overnight Ski Touring Huts in Fernie

Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club maintains two permanent shelters, Thunder Meadows & Tunnel Creek that are available for booking on overnight ski touring adventures.

Snowy mountain landscape with evergreen trees and a small cabin.

Thunder Meadows Hut

  • Located between Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge, the cabin is available to book from December 1st - April 30th, and July 1st - October 31st. The area is closed for goat lambing in the spring.
  • Sleeps max 8 persons.
  • Please read the Policy and Procedure for pricing and cabin rules & policies.
  • Dogs are not permitted due to potential contamination of the meltwater supply.
  • Island Lake access information
  • Thunder Meadows access information
  • Purchase a club membership to support day use, ongoing protection of backcountry user rights, and hut maintenance.
Star-filled night sky over a dark forest with a lit cabin.

Tunnel Creek Hut

  • Located to the south of Fernie Alpine Resort, the Cabin is available to book from December 1st - April 30th only. Summer bookings are not available because the area is high-value summer range for sheep and goats.
  • Sleeps max 6 persons.
  • Dogs are not permitted due to potential contamination of the meltwater supply.
  • Tunnel Creek Hut access information
  • Purchase a club membership to support day use, ongoing protection of backcountry user rights, and hut maintenance.

Backcountry Access via Fernie Alpine Resort

There are four designated backcountry access points, each marked with an official gate or access area. All ski tourers must use these zones when exiting the resort boundary.  All guests using resort terrain must have a valid lift ticket/season pass. Uphill traffic is not permitted within Fernie Alpine Resort boundaries at any time.

Ski Touring Access Points at Fernie Alpine Resort

  • Mammoth Droppings (South Boundary): Access to Mongolia Ridge
  • Lost Boys Pass (South Boundary): Access to Mammoth Head, and Lost Boys Pass
  • End of Cedar High Traverse / Top of Snake Ridge (North Boundary): Access to upper Fish Bowl
  • Polar Peak Saddle (West Boundary): Access to Polaris Bowl 


Important Notes

Access through these points is only permitted when the lift or terrain leading to the gate is open for public use. If the terrain or lift is closed, the corresponding backcountry access is also closed.  Guests must have a valid season pass or lift ticket to use these access points.
There is no avalanche control or ski patrol outside of the resort boundary.
If re-entering the resort from backcountry, guests must obey all resort signage.  Guests should not plan to enter backcountry areas outside of our operating hours.  After lift operating hours, please note that heavy machinery work and avalanche control may be in progress.
For questions, please contact Fernie Alpine Resort's Dispatch at 250-423-2426.

Courses, Safety, Guided Ski Touring

Learn from the Pros

There is no replacement for expertise and knowledge when it comes to venturing into the backcountry.

Snow-capped mountains under a blue sky with white clouds.

Safety & Preparation

Smart choices lead to amazing days in the backcountry. Safety is essential to ski touring. Without proper equipment and knowledge, skiers in the backcountry endanger the lives of others as well as their own. Each winter there are stories from all over the world of backcountry enthusiasts who trek unprepared and cost lives and resources as a result. Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club encourages everyone enjoying the backcountry to prepare for any 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, and through College of the Rockies.

Person in blue jacket and orange pants digging in snow with shovel.

Armed with the right knowledge, ski tourers must also equip themselves properly. The mandatory list includes avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, proper clothing, satellite-linked communication device, and survival kit. Make sure that someone at home knows where you are going, when you are going, and when to expect you back. Know your terrain, and make sure your group does too.

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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Check Avalanche Canada

Before heading out ski touring, always check Avalanche Canada for the latest avalanche forecast—because informed decisions are your best safety gear.