When snowmobile enthusiast Jim Thorner says the riding in Fernie is top-notch, he means it in literal terms; the Baynes Lake rider counts reaching the top of the infamous Notch Lookout in several inches of fresh snow as one of his biggest scores.
“I have ridden in Fernie since 1990. It’s great; lots of varied terrain, multiple riding areas and of course, legendary powder,” said Thorner.
In 1993 after one such huge snowfall, he set out with a few friends from the Coal Creek staging area for the ANG pipeline.
“The goal was to make the Notch,” said Thorner. “It took half the day to make the Wrangler’s Cabin with over three inches of fresh snow, and it took the rest of the day to make it to the top of the double hill on the pipeline. We must have ran at the double hill 15 times each before we got up and over.
“I was riding a new Arctic Cat EXT with a one-inch paddle track and remember thinking, ‘how could it get any better?’ I particularly like riding hard-to-reach but spectacular spots.”
Thorner said he relies on a good sled to take on the challenge of steeper terrain and get to the top of tough ridge lookouts.
“My first ride was a Polaris Mustang, about a 1968 vintage. I remember the excitement; sledding was a new sport and we could ride just about anywhere at that time; total freedom.
“I currently ride a 2012 Arctic Cat M8. I am most impressed with its handling, flickability and good power. On my wish list is a 2014 Arctic Cat, with a bit more power and even lighter weight. I hope Arctic Cat is listening!”
