Fernie Winter Guide 2021

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Elkford: Winter in the wild Wondering what to do this winter? When the snow flies, get outside and explore the Wilderness Capital of B.C. At 1,300 metres above sea level—and at one of the highest elevations in British Columbia—Elkford welcomes 10 to 16 feet of snowpack annually, making it superb locale for powderhounds to sniff out fresh snow. A nearby neighbour of the cities of Fernie, Cranbrook and Kimberley, Elkford boasts comparable downhill and cross-country conditions, without the crowds. Explore our Winter Wonderland

From Sparwood, follow Highway 43 north until the road ends—and the wilderness begins. A hidden gem of the East Kootenay, Elkford is a high-altitude Rocky Mountain municipality that calls to the wild at heart and adventurous in spirit. Without a traffic light or big-box store in sight, Elkford’s rugged mountain ranges, iconic Canadian wildlife and untamed wilderness are truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.

Wilderness has always been at the core of Elkford’s identity. Built in 1971, as a homestead for mining industry workers and their families, Elkford has grown to boast the amenities, recreation facilities and luxuries of a much larger city centre. This idyllic mountain hamlet

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Winter 2021/2022 - Thefreepress.ca

currently provides over 2,500 residents with postcard-perfect views, beautifully maintained community parks, a nine-hole golf course, hiking and mountain biking trails, world-class fishing, emerald lakes and endless backcountry to explore. Conquer the Slopes

Skip the lineups and spend more time carving up the slopes! Enjoy some fresh powder at any time of day, with a lit hill perfect for nighttime skiing and snowboarding. Wapiti Ski Club is a volunteer-operated facility, located right in Elkford. Wapiti Ski Hill offers an array of complete runs, with 1000 vertical feet of elevation gain and enough variety to keep the whole family entertained!

Downhill skiing not your speed? Experience the tranquility of a winter wonderland with breathtaking backcountry views. Whether you prefer Nordic, telemark, alpine or classic cross-country skiing, you are guaranteed to enjoy exploring the endless trail systems in the Elkford region. Popular cross-country trails in town include:

Boivin Creek: A moderate, 8-kilometre crosscountry skiing trail with a gradual climb, including 300 metres of elevation gain along Boivin Creek to the base of Mount Phillips. Two ski cabins are located along the way for resting [o] Tasha Chorneyko


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