FSA Receives Approval for Ram Shelter Replacement
February 10, 2023
The Fernie Snowmobile Association is pleased to announce we have received government approval for a replacement of the Ram backcountry emergency shelter in the Cabin Pass area, southeast of Fernie, BC. The planning and approval process started in 2020 with numerous hours contributed by snowmobile club volunteers towards this important piece of recreation infrastructure.
The original ATCO trailer shelter was hauled into the site in the 90s and is now beyond a state of repair. Volunteers will remove the building and replace it with an insulated sea-can-style metal shelter of the same footprint that is more resilient to the elements. “The Ram Cabin Pass area is an important recreation area in our valley,” says FSA President Justin Boehm. “It not only offers incredible winter snowmobiling and ski touring opportunities, but the area is also extensively used by trappers, hunters, is a critical rest stop along the Great Divide cycling route and is even known for spelunking (caving) opportunities.”
photos: Construction of the original Ram shelter in the 90’s
The Ram cabin sits in the Flathead Valley among the towering limestone Inverted Range, a 55km trail ride from Fernie. The shelter will ensure that winter recreationists have a safe spot to warm up or weather a storm in this remote area where help can be quite far away. Under land use agreements, the shelter is locked during summer months but offers camping and pit toilet on site.
Photo: Ram Cabin in fall 2022
Photo: replacement shelter plans
With the planning and approval process complete, the FSA is now seeking financial support, grants, and in-kind donations of material and labor to help fund the public recreation project. For more information, please reach out to info@ferniesnwmobile.com.