Creating Lifelong Passion for Riding Bikes by Jacob Johnson

from Fernie Fix Summer Guide 2022

Tennis, Anyone? by Lucy Harrup

Mountain Biking

While I love trail running and hiking, biking is my absolute favourite. Thankfully in Fernie, there is an abundance of trails to explore for all levels and styles of riding. Here are a few different styles and levels to try out.

DANYAL TAYLOR PHOTO

Lazy Lizard

Style: Cross Country Difficulty: Green Distance: 8km Elevation: 390

A more cross-country trail, which you can access from town, or park at the Hedonism parking lot at the far end of the Mount Fernie campground. The Lazy Lizard connector trail begins here, rolling gently alongside Island Lake Road. You will cross a few bridges (slippery when wet) and begin to climb, gently at first. Once you reach the powerline, the trail climbs a bit more steeply but with nice benches in between. When you reach the top, come back the way you came unless lunch is on your mind at Island Lake. Please note: this is a busy two-way trail. Use proper trail etiquette, make noise so other trail users hear you, and be kind and cautious.

Trail Dogs

Style: Flow Trail Difficulty: Blue Distance: 2km Elevation: 131M

One of Fernie’s newest trails, Trail Dogs is located down Coal Creek Road. For those keen on a warm-up, bike the 5km along Coal Creek Heritage to access Up Dog. Otherwise, parking is available at the bottom of Rifle Range Road. This trail can also be shuttled for multiple laps or to help those groms with wee legs. The climb is a quick and gentle 1km (finished late spring 2022) otherwise the road is a great option. Trail Dogs is a flowy, berm to jump style trail that is fun regardless of the air you catch… or don’t. Everyone will be smiling and looking for another lap after this one!

S-Bomb (Slunt)

Style: Technical Difficulty: Black Distance: 14km Elevation: 592M

Guys, don’t think too hard about the trail names here. I promise, it is so, so worth it! This is a long and exciting descent. Start off by climbing Phat Bastard, which isn’t as bad as it sounds. Then continue up Mushroom Head. At the peak of Mushroom Head, begin up Lactic Ridge. Line choice plays a role here, as does that Eagle. Once at the top of Lactic you can either hike up Lactic or ride the Moc-Assassin. Once you hit the Moccasin, take a left and continue climbing until you reach the Stupid Traverse. This takes you across to Slunt. Enjoy the view from Rob’s bench, who also loved this trail. And then hold on tight through the jumps and roots and small natural drops along the way down Slunt. You’ll reach a y – the natural flow is to continue down Brokeback Ridge. An alternative is to continue on Slunt to the powerline, take a left and head to the top of Eric’s Trip. This is another epic trail, which will bring you close to where you started.

Remember, there are different levels and types of trail users out there. Be respectful, be informed of proper trail etiquette, and show your support by purchasing your Fernie Trails Pass. fernietrailsalliance.com/getinvolved/trails-pass.

Krista Turcasso grew up in Fernie, but it wasn’t until she was lured back after university that she fell in love with mountain adventures. While she loves mountain biking, she also enjoys exploring the backcountry roads on her gravel bike, discovering places she never knew existed.