Cross Country Skiing in Spectacular Fernie
What is up with this moose at the Nordic Centre? Darren the moose will call the Nordic Centre home during February. It is hanging out on the sunny side of the warming hut. It is in fact an exhibition prepared by the Arts Station in Fernie. More tiny moose are resting along the trails. Spot them and participate in this family activity. Go to the Fernie Arts Station website for more details and download the bingo-style card … and have a great hunt!
All young skiers! Here is a fun challenge to do during the month of January
How to do it
There are 8 checkpoints throughout the trails of the Nordic Centre, each with an animal. Find the checkpoint and write down the animal on the answer sheet. Send a photo of your answer sheet with contact information to fernienordic@gmail.com to enter for a draw prize.
Hint: all of the checkpoints are on this side of the bridge
Draw will take place 1st week of February.
Print or download the blank answer sheet below
This month’s full moon was on December 29th. Unfortunately the evening sky was cloudy on that night but the trails were firm and not icy. Several skiers took this opportunity this week to go to the golf course and the Nordic Centre in the evenings to give this a try.
The sky was clear and the moon shined brightly on Monday evening so a headlamp was not even necessary at the Nordic Centre. Here are a few photos.
The next full moons will be on Jan 28, Feb 27 and March 28. Mark your calendar and let’s hope for clear skies.
Wonderful weather was on hand for the Community Fun Races and its participants last Saturday. The trails had just been groomed and the overcast sky cleared enough for the sun to peek out during the event.
The Hot Chocolate Run was underway by 10:45 as planned and twenty-nine kids crowded the start line, each with an adult as their partner. The kids stopped near the bridge for hot chocolate while the adults completed the Lizard Lookout and Cedar loops before returning to the hut with their young partner. It was all over in thirty minutes. A selection of prizes awaited the young ones at the finish line.
This was followed by a 12 km race done as a relay race or solo. Five relay teams drawn from available youth and adult participants plus ten solo skiers took part. Loud cheers from the crowd greeted the skiers at the end of each 3 km lap. The fastest participant completed the full course in a fast 42 minutes while others finished it in 73 minutes or less!
The event ended with ten 300 m sprints by groups of kids, youth or adults. This fast skiing by seventeen racers included a few falls but ended with smiles at the finish.
Sam and Johnny organized the event and many volunteers lended a hand at grooming, stadium preparation, food preparation, hot chocolate station and safety patrol. The young Fernie Racers helped in the kids races as well. More photos in our gallery page.
The Family Friendly Ski is coming up! This Sunday is an opportunity for anyone, kids, adults, families, to ski on the trails of the Nordic Centre. Meet at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre at 4 pm for a group ski for all ages. Headlamps may not be needed! Free for members, day pass required for non-members.
Our next event is planned for Saturday January 11 at 19:00 at the Fernie Golf Course. The trails on the golf course should be open with some cooperation from the weather gods. This event is open to ALL ages. Come and ski under the stars and the full moon – bring a headlamp! The Cast Iron Grill will be open and a special menu will be offered for this occasion.