CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing is a great way to see the area and is an enjoyable workout. Whether you own your own equipment and are just looking for a map, or are looking for information on guided tours and equipment rentals, Fernie.com is your source.
Fernie's Leisure Services Department provides groomed trails in and around town. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a 10km (approximate) looping trail. Explore Fernie's parks, the dike trail adjacent to the Elk River, as well as the Fernie Golf Course and other picturesque spots. Call 423-4466.
 City Recreational Trail Map 135 KB
Fernie Alpine Resort
Photo: Shannon Moore
While the trail system at Fernie Alpine Resort is small, it has been very well maintained this year. The trails are wide enough for skate skiing and are track set for classical cross country. The cat crew has been out with the groomers almost daily keeping the loops fast and smooth and with the lack of snow this season, more and more people are getting out and enjoying the trails.
 Finding the trail head could be the biggest challenge to skiing here. To reach them you must drive past the sign at the upper parking lot that reads, "No authorized vehicles beyond this point," and park at the trail head which is about 200 metres past the Fernie Alpine Resort machine shop. To this date, public parking for cross country skiers has been allowed in this area. If disobeying signs goes against your ethical upbringing, park at the back of parking lot three. From there, follow the trail past the dog sled compound and up the incredibly steep hill that joins to the main trail system.
A word of caution. These trails are multiple use. You may run into dog sled teams, or snowmobile tours on any of the trails. Treat them with the same respect you expect to be treated with and everyone will have a good time. If you bring your dog, please clean up after it if it happens to use the trail for activities other than running. Nobody likes to look at the mess and definitely do not like cleaning it from their bases.
The trail system at Fernie Alpine Resort is essentially a 10 km, figure eight loop but can be divided into three main components.
Access (Silk) Trail - 1 kilometer: This trail starts from the trailhead at the shop and climbs for approximately 1 kilometer to the start of the Silk trail. It is a gradual climb that ends a bit steeper than it started. If you are learning to skate ski, it is usually enough to make you want to climb back on the couch you were trying to avoid.
Silk/Manchuria Loop - 4 kilometers: This 4 kilometer loop has a two different personalities depending on the way you do it. To take the upper trail, Manchuria, seems to be the easier of the two ways to go. You start off climbing a rather steep grade but it quickly levels off before dropping down through some fun S turns to the halfway hut. Following the Silk trail back to the trail head is generally a gradual climb with a few shorter pitches thrown in to keep you entertained.
Starting with the Silk trail provides a fast and fun glide downhill before a short steep hill to the halfway hut. Manchuria from here, switch backs and climbs a steep and continuous grade for half its length before leveling off. As a general rule though, the Manchuria section of the route sees little traffic.
Scandia Loop - 5 kilometers: From the halfway hut, the Scandia loop winds along the hillside and tends to be more broken than the Silk/Manchuria loop. Short up hills break up the down hills and near the apex of the loop, the trail could be described as actually rolling with small, two stride hills. This is not to say the loop is easier mind you. In either direction, the hills are generally longer and steeper than on the Silk/Manchuria loop. Winding through peaceful stands of birch and aspen, with scenic views of the Elk Valley, make this trail worth the extra effort. Plus, a short jaunt through the forest at the apex of the trail brings you to the Birch Meadows bed and breakfast which serves lunches and hot soups on the weekends between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
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