Fernie Snowmobile Association: 23/24 Winter Trail Updates
As winter slowly unfolds over the Elk Valley, the Fernie Snowmobile Association is thrilled to share the latest updates on winter 2023-2024 operations. This fall, we have experienced a slow incremental build-up of snow as forecasted with the anticipated El Nino winter. There is currently 80cm of snow at mid to upper elevations with trace amounts of snow in the valley bottom staging areas. Earlier this summer we were stoked to announce the completion of the new snowcat groomer storage facility as well as the post-flood repair and expansion (again) of the Coal Creek Staging Area. Ramping up for winter and with a strong kick-off in annual membership sales, we have also invested in a few essential items to keep our grooming program running smoothly including a new enviro fuel tank for Coal Creek, a new tiller, a set of new tracks, and some additional replacement belting for the Corbin cat. This is your trail dollars at work!
CORBIN: ROAD BUILDING UNDERWAY
Our dedicated team kicked off the track-packing process with the groomer at Corbin on November 17th. You can read more about the pre-season road-building process HERE. There is currently 60cm of snow on most of the trail but the staging area and first section are nearly bare. Eager beavers may have to ‘tap’er cool’ as trails are not quite ready for early-season snowmobile rides quite yet. Once there is 30cm of consistent snowpack from the parking lot we will commence our regular grooming schedule for the season (Friday, Monday, and holidays each week).
COAL CREEK / MORRISSEY: ESTIMATED OPENING DEC 23RD
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the anticipated opening of Coal Creek and Morrissey trail networks on December 23rd, conditions dependent.
The Morrissey Resource Road will remain plowed for timber harvesting activities taking place in the McEvoy area until December 19th. Once that work is complete, the FSA will commence snow road-building activities on the entire network during the week. This is a considerable task so we ask riders to be mindful of equipment on the roads and trails 24 hours a day until we announce an official handover opening for recreation.
Please be mindful of the following:
Adhere to radio call up / down procedures for resource roads
It is illegal to snowmobile on a plowed forest service road in BC. Not only will you be subject to heavy fines, it is dangerous! Do not put yourself, others, the reputation of our sport, or our relationship with partners at risk!
Do not obstruct industrial traffic or the FSA snowcat groomers by parking on the road.
Are You Ready For It? Winter is here and knowledge is power - LetsRideBC has assembled an extensive resource hub full of expert tips and resource links for sledders HERE.
The Coal Creek and Morrissey networks will be groomed 6 days a week, with plans to extend to seven nights a week if we find the right operator to join our team this season. Think this may be you ? (see minimum requirements HERE) - send a resume and cover letter to info@ferniesnowmobile.com.
While pipeline construction is mostly complete, be cautious of remaining hazards like fencing and stakes in the area. As snowfall allows, we will be working on re-establishing a groomed road to the Notch to identify the safest route for riders looking to access recreation zones in the area.
RAM CABIN: UNLOCKED FOR WINTER USE
The Ram cabin is now unlocked for winter use. The Lodgepole is currently plowed for harvesting activities from Morrissey through to the McClatchie junction below the Harvey Ski Touring Cabin parking lot.
HARTLEY LAKE: ESTIMATED FIRST GROOM JAN 4TH, 2024
We are looking forward to the first groom of the season on the Hartley Lake Trail sometime just after Christmas as conditions allow. The trail will be groomed on Thursdays each week from the staging area to the East Fork of the Sulpher.
Stay tuned for more updates as we dive into a season of snow-filled adventures.
Happy trails!
Fernie Snowmobile Association
UPCOMING EVENTS:
December 30th: Bob Arnott Memorial Family Ride
January 20th: Avalanche Awareness and Demo Dayz (Skidoo, Polaris, Arctic Cat, & Snowbikes)
February 17th: Vintage Poker Ride at Coal Creek (Now looking for volunteers!!!)
PURCHASE YOUR FSA MEMBERSHIP
Early season sale on until November 30th.
