Fernie is home to some of the best lift accessed mountain biking in Canada, with trails for all abilities, and a new Uphill trail for those who like to ride up, as well as down.
Trails range from wide man/machine-made flow trails for beginner and intermediate riders to steep challenging technical singletrack for advanced and expert riders, to ensure everyone is well catered for. There is also bike rental and coaching available, as well as a host of other great facilites, which make this a great venue for all.
Small-town Fernie BC is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, within easy access of the Alberta and US borders. That being said, despite the small-town charm, there are 300kms of world-class trails waiting to be explored, whether an avid fat biker, Nordic skier, downhill biker, trail runner, backcountry skier or of course, mountain biker. Dedicated volunteers keep Fernie’s trail network rolling, improving and expanding year-on-year.
Trails for Novice riders:
Cemetery Trail Loop is a friendly teaser to riding in Fernie. If mountain biking was a three-course meal, this is the appetizer of choice to get you into the swing of things. If after this loop you're feeling confident and your stoke level is running high, then head further towards Montane for more challenge. Maybe try GearHub Sports recommendation below. Distance: 1.2km Climbing: 59m Duration: 30min
The Inclusive Trail is a machine-built trail with a wide and buff out and back route to the Montane Hut. Expect a gradual climb a few wide, open switchbacks along the way. Great tip - pack in a bite to eat for when you get to hut. It's a perfect spot to stop for lunch. Distance: 7km return Climbing: 120m Duration: 60min
The Lazy Lizard is accessible from the Fernie Provincial Park, where you'll ascend up to the beautiful Island Lake Lodge. Once there, relax and take in the views with a well-earned cold beverage before negotiating the fun downhill through smooth flowing berms back to the bottom. This trail is all about what mountain biking in Fernie is about, pure fun! Distance: 7km /14km (One Way/Return) Climbing: 548m Duration: 2hr
For Intermediate riders:
Swine Flu perfectly tacks onto the end of the 'Deadfall/Sidewinder' route (above) to extend your ride if you want to explore Mt. Proctor. Otherwise, it's another great stand-alone route and a true local favourite. The climb is more of a grind, but you'll be greeted with stunning views of Fernie at the top bench. Please be aware that cattle graze at the base of this trail, so, unfortunately, no dogs are allowed. Distance: 7km (Loop) Climbing: 402m Duration: 1 - 1.5hrs
For advanced riders:
Guide's Hut Recommendation set you off over the west bridge into west Fernie. There are a couple of climbs up Mount Fernie before you're rewarded with some fast, twisty runs down Dem Bones, and Red Sonya. Distance: 13km (Loop) Climbing: 788m Duration: 2.5hrs
S-Bomb ventures higher up Mount Fernie Provincial Park. It's a tough climb, but you won't regret it once you've finished the long snakey descent through roots and steep berms. Afterwards, if your heart is for screaming for more, Project 9 (read on below) is just a short pedal up Island Lake Road. Distance: 8km (One Way) Climbing: 647m Duration: 2.5hrs (loop from town)
Project 9 is a great way to finish off an S-Bomb route if you're legs are feeling up for the task. This one-way loop runs clockwise starting halfway up Island Lake Lodge Road. Don't let the steep climb up the 4x4 road dishearten you as your efforts are rewarded on the descent. Watch out for trail forks off on the way down. Each of the multiple routes runs parallel to each other and do eventually converge towards the bottom. Distance: 7km (One Way) Climbing: 401m Duration: 2 - 3 hrs (loop from town)
Straight Line's Recommendation takes us up Castle Mountain approaching from the Montane Trails where you'll catch an occasional view of the majestic Castle Rock. Have a good look, because that is where we're pedalling towards. Keep your head up and remember to take in the epic view of the Lizard Range from the vista points on the way. Distance: 14km Complete Loop) Climbing: 1030m Duration: 2 - 3 hrs from town
Trail to Ale Course is a bonus route created by Fernie Brewing Company. You'll be riding down three local favourite trails on three different mountains; Swine Flu, Hyper Ventilation, and Project 9. If you do all three within 24 hours with photographic proof, Fernie Brewing Company will provide the post-ride beer you have so definitely earned. Click on the trail link for more details. Distance: 45km (Complete Loop) Climbing: 1200m Duration: 6-8hrs
Top Tip: Be sure to check out the excellent local brewery here too: Fernie Brewing Company
Note: April/May is the start of mountain and downhill bike season, through to the end of October, with fat biking, backcountry skiing and Nordic starting in November until the end of March.
Websites: Fernie Alpine Resort (skifernie.com) and Fernie Trails
Route type: MTB (& Ski) Resort