SNOWMOBILING IN THE ELK VALLEY High above the clouds There is so much superb mountain terrain to explore here
SO MUCH SNOW: Since Elkford is more than 4,000 feet above sea level, you can expect powdery snow conditions and the best in mountain riding.
Elkford
Elkford, British Columbia’s highest community, is situated at 4,265 feet above sea level. With that said, you can be sure you won’t run out of places to play on your snowmobile.
The community prides itself on being a prime sledding destination, and the local snowmobile club has done a lot of work to maintain and promote the trails in the area. Many of these trails travel through expansive mountain basins, high mountain passes and beautiful valleys. If you like large alpine snow basins and great trails, check out Cadorna and Abruzzi creeks to the north. To the east, trails take you up Weary and Aldridge creeks.
There are plenty of other places to sled, such as the Crossing Creek (Koko Claims) Trail that is wonderfully scenic all the way to the Bull and White riding areas.
South of Elkford, you’ll discover the challenging terrain of the Line Creek and Alexandra Creek areas, including places like 9-Mile Basin. This is the gateway to another 100 kilometres of awesome snowmobiling.
Fernie
You’ll want to have your game face on when tackling the rugged terrain surrounding Fernie, B.C. Extreme sledding is predominant in this area, although there are some fantastic spots at lower elevations for beginners and families as well.
“It is tough terrain,” said Wayne Stamler, president of the Fernie Snowmobile Club. “There are some meadows in the area, but few. However, the scenery is unbelievable — especially when you get up in the more remote areas. The great thing about our club is many of the guys are more than willing to show out-of-towners the backcountry.”
Top picks
About 16 kilometres south of Fernie off Morrissey Road, snowmobilers will find a vast network of trails in a number of different locations. The Minnesota Flats area is beginner-friendly with a deep base of snow and can be accessed by sledders directly out of Fernie via the well-groomed Coal Creek Trail.
Other groomed trails include the Morrissey area trail and the Hartley Lake
Trail—which is a forestry service trail located north of Fernie towards Bull River.
For more intense alpine riding in the Morrissey area, 29 Mile, Hollow Creek and Ram Creek offer miles of challenging, ungroomed routes with extraordinary views.
“The snow here is really good; we can always find quality riding even when some of the other towns in the East Kootenay are struggling,” said Jim Thorner, secretary/treasurer of the Fernie Snowmobile Club. “It is awesome riding; the places we can get to are pretty neat. We can reach maximum elevations of 7,000 feet and our groomed trails are kept in pretty good shape throughout the winter.”
Involved in the community
The Fernie Snowmobile Club is an active organization that works hard to promote safe sledding and environmental preservation. It provides a strong voice for snowmobilers in the region and maintains two easy-to-access day-use cabins located at Minnesota Flats and Ram Creek. Fernie itself is a winter-loving town with friendly people, a great nightlife scene and plenty of wonderful dining, shopping and accommodation opportunities.
Sparwood
Sparwood is simply a magnificent place for sledding. With its surrounding high alpine snow bowls, the Corbin Valley is a favourite destination that offers riding ranging from gentle family runs to breathtaking mountain climbing challenges. The beautiful Alexander Valley has novice to expert snowmobiling. The main valley has about 40 kilometres of unplowed forestry access roads and limited secondary trails that lead to nine high alpine basins. The Sparwood-based Elk Valley Mountaineers own and operate two cabins in Alexander Valley—one just east of the government weigh scales and the other about 24 kilometres north of the main Alexander Creek trail.
Elk Valley | The essentials
Annual snowfall: 28ft. Average winter temp: -11°C Sledding season: December - April Info: Elkford Chamber of Commerce
(250) 865-4614
www.tourismelkford.ca
Fernie Chamber of Commerce
(250) 423-6868
www.ferniechamber.com
Sparwood Chamber of Commerce
(250) 425-2423 or 1-877-485-8185
www.sparwoodchamber.bc.ca
Fernie | Local Events
March >Drag Races
Usually held during Fernie's annual Griz Days festivities, the Fernie Snowmobile Club Drag Races bring together hundreds of sledders from Fernie and surrounding communities for an entire day of races and entertainment.
Contact: Wayne Stamler (250) 423-3464
District of Elkford
ELKFORD, B.C. Enjoy unparalled alpine riding Situated at 4,265 feet above sea level within the majestic Rocky Mountain range in southeastern B.C., the District of Elkford prides itself in being a popular sledding destination. Each winter, Elkford receives a huge amount of snowfall, so finding a place to play in the powder isn't ever a problem. A lot of work is done by the local snowmobile club to ensure the many kilometres of trails are kept in great shape. Some popular riding areas include Cadorna and Abruzzi creeks to the north, Weary and Aldridge creeks on the east and the Line and Alexandra Creek areas to the south of Elkford.
So if you are looking for superb mountain terrain to explore, plan your next snowmobile trip to Elkford.
District of Elkford
816 Michel Road
P.O. Box 340
Elkford, B.C.
V0B 1H0
Phone: 250-865-2241
Fax: 250-865-2429
Email: info@elkford.ca
Website:
Where to stay in the Elk Valley
Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge
This is an elegant, 4-1/2 star hotel located 5 minutes from Fernie Alpine Resort and across from Fernie Golf and Country Club—and adjacent to the Elk River, which is renowned for its fly-fishing. Luxurious guestrooms and theme Jacuzzi suites are available. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, fitness centre and sports/gift shop. Enjoy the exciting atmosphere in Boston Pizza’s trendy Restaurant & Lounge. Meeting & Banquet facilities for up to 200 people. Each guestroom features deluxe furnishings, refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and board, voice-mail and data port. Golf and ski packages are available.
