Fernie Snowmobile Association

03/29/2026

Real conversations. Real impact.

This weekend at the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation - BCSF AGM and Congress, members of the FSA Board had the opportunity to connect with Scott McInnis MLA, Gavin Dew - MLA Kelowna - Mission, and Donegal Wilson MLA Boundary-Similkameen.

We spoke about what matters to our Fernie riding community — land access, responsible stewardship, and the real impact snowmobiling has in rural BC through diverse recreation opportunities, job creation and local economic impact.

Thank you to Scott, Donegal, and Gavin for taking the time to sit down with us and dig into these topics.

03/21/2026

REGIONAL UPDATE: Heavy Rainfall Impacts (updated: Mar.20.26 9pm)

A High Streamflow Advisory is in effect for the entire East Kootenay. Water levels are subject to rapid change given current conditions, often with no warning. Please use extreme caution around waterways and stay back from creek or riverbanks.

Here is the latest update on regional impacts from the rainfall:

Fernie:
• The rainfall has pushed wastewater flows beyond what the City's wastewater system can safely handle. To prevent a critical infrastructure failure, the City opened an emergency bypass at the Main Sewage Lift Station, resulting in a temporary release of untreated effluent into the Elk River.
• The EOC continues to work with the City of Fernie, Interior Health, and other agencies.
• City crews are responding to localized flooding within the City.
• Residents of Fernie can help by eliminating non-essential water use & ensuring sump pumps, downspouts & perimeter drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Area A:
• There is a washout on Coal Creek Road and it is closed with no current detour. Check DriveBC for updates.
• The RDEK's Flood Response Unit is monitoring the Hosmer / Mine Creek confluence.
• The Ministry of Transportation and Transit / Mainroad EK is doing regular patrols throughout the area.

SELF-FILL SANDBAG STATIONS (bring gloves/shovel)
• Fernie: Railway Ave (next to the Operations Facility)
• Hosmer: far side of the parking lot of the Elk River Inn Hotel.
• Sparwood: on Engelmann Spruce Drive past the Mainroad Yard and Fire Hall #1
• Fairmont: Behind the old barn at Mountainside Golf Course on Hot Springs Rd
• Kimberley: behind Centennial Hall - 100 4 Ave

The RDEK Flood Response Unit has been monitoring several locations around the region and will continue to do so until this system has passed. Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) team is also in regular contact with the municipalities and other agencies to ensure we are ready to support as needed.

If you see widescale flooding, call the 24-hour emergency reporting line: 250-489-9677.

Though the rainfall is forecast to ease this evening, the effects of this system will likely be felt for at least a day or two. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

03/20/2026

Fernie has been under the influence of an atmospheric river over the past several days, bringing significant precipitation and freezing levels at ridgetop.

In partnership with landowners, and under the terms of our operating agreements, combined with elevated avalanche hazard, risk of road damage, and potential for flooding and landslides, the FSA has made the decision to conclude grooming operations for the season.

Due to saturated road conditions and at the request of the landowner, concrete barricades will be installed and there will be no public access up Coal Creek at this time.

We will begin demobilizing equipment this weekend. No further grooming is scheduled for the 2025-2026 season.

Thank you to all our members and riders for your support through a season that brought both incredible days and challenging conditions. This work is only possible because of you.

We look forward to connecting again at the FSA AGM in June and through upcoming summer work bees. A major focus this year will be the replacement of the Ram Cabin, with opportunities to get involved coming soon.

Thank you for being part of the Fernie snowmobiling community.

03/16/2026

Blue bird powder days and fresh corduroy just do something for the soul.... anyone else agree?

Hartley, Coal Creek, Summit, Doug Dean, Upper Morrissey, McEvoy, North Pipeline Groomed last night. Notch groomed yesterday. Upper staging areas in effect - follow all posted signage.

Get today's full grooming and conditions report: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule

Support your Fernie trails and the volunteers making sure sledding happens in this valley by purchasing your memberships or day tickets available online here: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/trail-passes

See you out there!

03/15/2026

Big thanks to Dave on our grooming crew for tackling a pretty tall run list last night.

The past week hasn’t made it easy. 56 cm of new snow, tricky weather, and elevated avalanche hazard had our team sitting on the sidelines longer than we’d like while the mountains sorted themselves out. Last night we finally caught a window and got machines back into some areas that have been waiting for attention.

Coal Creek, Summit, Doug Dean, Upper Morrissey, Notch groomed last night. Get the full report: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule

And a big thank you to riders from near and far who continue to choose Fernie through this challenging season. Your support makes it possible for us to keep showing up and doing the work out there.

03/14/2026

Good Morning Fernie Riders! It's snowing: 10cm overnight and still coming down with big fat flakes out there this morning. AND WELCOME TO ALL THE LADIES JOINING US FOR OUR LADIES DAY RIDE! 🩷

As a reminder, we've got variable conditions below 1540m so expect to deal with mud, frozen mud, mixed snow etc on the lowest 4km of trail. Upper staging is in effect at both Morrissey and Coal Creek. You can help us keep this upper access possible by not blocking the turn around area. Please use the cleared areas to turn around only and then park facing downhill on the shoulder of the road.

Get today's grooming and conditions update: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule

Get your memberships and trail passes online before you ride: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/trail-passes

03/14/2026

Quick Friday update from the field.

Our grooming team is out right now getting things tuned up for the weekend, but this is one of the most challenging times of the season for our operation. The photo here shows our live groomer tracking, and it’s pretty cool watching the board slowly turn green as our operators work their way around the trails (you can check it out at ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule)

Grooming in some areas was on hold this week due to a persistent avalanche problem and uncertainty around the recent storm cycle.

At the same time, lower elevations (below 1540 m) are seeing variable conditions with mud, frozen ground, and patchy snow in places. The photos below show some of the worst of it.

The good news is that about 35 cm of new dry powder is waiting above that elevation for riders this weekend.

As a reminder we are using upper staging at both Coal Creek and Morrissey right now. Vehicles should stop in at the trailhead kiosk to check in with the staff, then you may proceed to upper staging (old washed our bridge at Coal Creek or the bridge at the bottom of the canyon up Morrissey). At these locations, turn around, and park on the shoulder facing downhill. Do not block traffic, snowcats etc and do not drive higher than the posted signs or you risk shoulder season access for us all (both are private property!). Corbin has snow right to the staging area.

See you out there!

03/12/2026

We’re getting excited for Ladies Day Out this weekend.

If you’re registered for the ride, please check your inbox for the latest event details.

Over the past 24 hours the mountains received 32 cm of new snow, but it arrived in classic Elk Valley fashion: wet, windy, and a little unpredictable. Because of this, we are not yet confirming whether upper or lower staging will be in operation for the weekend. With additional weather expected over the next 24 hours, we’ll continue evaluating conditions.

The best way to stay up to date before heading out is to check the daily grooming and conditions report on our website.

Visit:
ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule

See you this weekend.

03/12/2026

Things are starting to stack up on the Pacesetter Equipment Ltd. Pow Cam! Fingers crossed we're sending out a BIG DUMP alert by tomorrow morning!

The crew took a few days of down time mid-week to tackle some cat maintenance but we are full steam ahead for the weekend including our Annual Ladies Day Out on Saturday. We have some great give aways lined-up from A&E Motorsports, the Fernie Fox Hotel, and H2O School Ltd. Ladies - watch your inbox for an update with all the details tomorrow for the ride.

If you're looking for accommodations this weekend: https://letsridebc.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-fernie-a-sledders-guide

See you out there!

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

Across British Columbia, the snowmobile community is facing a growing number of land use and policy discussions that influence where and how riders can access winter landscapes. Ensuring snowmobilers are represented in these conversations requires preparation, coordination, and a strong provincial v

03/07/2026

Happy Griz Days Weekend! Short groom up Coal Creek and Morrissey last night as the team had to help recover a vehicle that drove up and had become stuck on the snowmobile trail.

Spring is here so expect variable conditions below 1540m. Upper staging is now open. Please follow all posted signage. Corbin and Hartley have good snow coverage right to the staging area.

Get the full grooming and conditions update: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/schedule

Get your membership and trail passes online before you ride: https://www.ferniesnowmobile.com/trail-passes

Griz Days Events: https://www.ferniegrizdays.com/