Mellow Mountain Rangers 50+ Training

on our second hike

In the mean time, what about some pre-ski physical training to get you ready for the trails as soon as the snow flies?

Participants on a hike

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We are curreently looking for a volunteer to lead this group for the 2023-2024 season. If you are interested to join our group, please contact us today! Make sure you also subscribe to our email list.

Primary focus

The main goal of the 50+ Training Group is to stay active and provide skills to increase skiing efficiency in a social group setting. The training program encourages group participation to help motivate people through a social and friendly setting. We also encourage the members to enter some fun races in the Kootenays as a way to motivate your training participation. While it is encouraged, it is not mandatory to attend any races.

Past Hikes done during the summer of 2022

  • May 18: Fernie Main Loop   Old Stumpy, following around to ax tracks to go past golf course, then towards Canadian Tire. I then cut across through high school and back to Aquatic Centre. There was a downpour so this hike was cancelled.
  • May 25: Coal Discovery Trail (Road) Heritage Trail from The Barn that then becomes Coal Discovery Trail. Walked to the Rifle range which took almost two hours. Returned along Coal Creek road.
  • May 27: Fairy Creek Falls (It rained so it was postponed to the next week.)
  • June 1: Fairy Creek Falls
  • June 10:  Montane 
  • June 15 & 17: Nothing planned due to rain
  • June 22: Let’s meet at the Cemetery Trailhead at 2 o’clock. There are lots of options.
  • June 24: Let’s head to Parking Lot 4 at the ski hill for 2 0’clock and check out the Nordic Trails; Silk, Manchuria and or Scandia.
  • July 6: We’ll meet at the Provincial Parking Lot at 2:00 and hike Gorby.
  • July 8: We can meet at Island Lake Lodge Lower Parking Lot and walk along the Rail Trail. This is a one way, returning along the same trail. If some wish to include Old Growth Trail you’ll need to add a few more hours due to the limited Lodge Road access and parking.
  • July 13: Last week just as we arrived at the Gorby Trailhead, the rain and thunder also arrived. None of us was too keen on walking in the rain so we’ll give Gorby hike another try this week.
  • July 20:  Lazy Lizard Trail  We’ll begin at the Lower Island Lake Parking lot at 10:30.  
  • July 27: This week’s plan is to meet at the parking for Lizard Creek Bridge at 10:30. We’ll do some of Gorby then turn off onto Old Goat which takes us to Happy Gilmar. We’ll follow Happy Gilmar to Sherwoody.
  • Aug 3: Hiking to the mid-way point (or any other point you choose) on Mt. Fernie should keep us in the shade. Let’s meet at the end of Canyon Trail at 10:30
Any questions? Get in touch with a volunteer.

A Virtual Adventure in Fernie

canadian ski marathon fernie

Saturday February 6 will be the start of a virtual adventure for the many cross-country ski enthusiasts who have registered for the 55th edition of the Canadian Ski Marathonread the press release. This year, the Canadian Ski Marathon is being held exclusively in virtual mode and with more than 1,200 people registered to date. There is still time to register, as this year skiers can do so until the last day of the virtual event, March 7, 2021.

The Elk Valley Nordic Centre in Fernie has been picked as one of the recommended sites for the virtual event.

The organizing committee has created a virtual event that allows participants to meet their challenge close to home, allowing everyone to participate in our event, which is meant to be a celebration of winter. Despite the health restrictions,  with the financial support of our partners, skiers and all levels of government, we have worked hard to make this virtual event a reality and keep the legend alive.

Several options have been put in place to facilitate participation, improve the skier experience and make the event even more accessible to everyone.

Categories include distances of 15 km and up. Affordable registration fees apply. For more information, visit the official site at https://skimarathon.ca/register/fees/