Fernie sledding: something for everyone in the heart of the Rockies

Fernie Snowmobile Club

by Michelle Carr Johnston

Nestled in the B.C. Rockies along Highway 3, Fernie, famous for its impressive annual snowfall, is the place to be for sledders of every caliber. The trails and cabins maintained by the Fernie Snowmobile Association make it an ideal destination for families and experts alike.

Coal Creek Trail

This family-friendly trail is accessed just outside of town and leads sledders to both the recently upgraded Wranglers cabin, and the brand new Rolling Hills cabin. The Fernie Snowmobile Club keeps this trail well groomed; three times a week when conditions allow.

Grooming season: November to as long as conditions allow
Staging area: 5 minutes from town
Difficulty level: Easy

Wranglers Cabin to The Notch

A trail for the more experienced rider, with access to a number of bowls. The Notch can be reached by continuing along the pipeline, south from Wranglers Cabin. Be sure to check avalanche conditions before heading out.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hartley Lake Trail System

This is where riders can take it steeper and deeper. Recommended for experienced snowmobilers, sledders can gain access to advanced/expert areas. The Hartley Lake road is a single-lane with a steep grade not suitable for large trailers. Good snow tires and/or chains are a must.

Grooming: Intermittent
Difficulty level: Advanced

 

Know before you go

• A BCSF membership allows one to ride without a daily trail pass.
• Day passes ($10.00) and detailed trail maps can be found at Ghostrider Motorsports, 30 Shadow Road in Fernie; (250) 423-9251.
• The Morrissey staging area will be closed for the 2012/2013 seasons due to logging. No usage is allowed.
• Up to date grooming and trail conditions are available on the Fernie Snowmobile Association website. Use the website’s link to check avalanche conditions, or access the Canadian Avalanche Centre directly.
• Visitors are welcome to stop by Ghostrider Motorsports for the latest on trail conditions and other valuable information.

Related Articles

A snowmobiler on the pipeline overlooking Fernie snowmobiling terrain.
Fernie, BC Trip planner: What you need to know before snowmobiling in Fernie, B.C.

Trail map, top snowmobile trails, club contacts and other information you can use when planning a snowmobile trip to Fernie, B.C.

A man sits on his snowmobile amidst towering mountain peaks filled with snow.
Top 8 places to snowmobile in the Kootenay Rockies

Here’s a list of the top 8 locations to go snowmobiling in B.C.’s Kootenay Rockies

by Kyle Born
A bald man shows of a baseball cap that reads FSA
Club News, BC Snowmobile Federation Fernie Snowmobile Association makes big moves

Fernie Snowmobile Association summarizes exciting news as they ramp up for winter 2020/2021 operations

>
View all Fernie articles