The rumours are true: the Mogul Smoker is back, and The Bush League is stepping up to host this year’s legendary snow-summoning celebration.

When the Mogul Smoker crew called for extra hands, The Bush League didn’t hesitate. With the tradition evolving and a new chapter unfolding, the group is filling the gap to ensure the Griz stays pleased — and that deep pow days return to Fernie this winter.

For newcomers, the Mogul Smoker is a long-standing Fernie rite. It’s a night to dance, burn old skis, howl into the darkness, and offer loud, spirited prayers to the one and only Griz. It’s the kind of wild ritual that binds the community in rhythm, firelight, and a healthy measure of mountain-town mischief.

First launched in 1976 by two spirited ski-bums, the original Mogul Smoker was as simple as it was potent: mix two ounces of rum and Kahlua, top it with coffee and hot chocolate, gather a few hundred adventurous souls with a well-developed propensity for drunkenness, and let the mountain magic unfold. After only a few years of this ritual, something curious became evident — every time the Mogul Smoker happened, Fernie got hammered with deep, glorious snow.

Coincidence? The Griz doesn’t do coincidences.

This year, the Griz himself has invited everyone to his cabin. The location will be posted Friday night in true bush-party style. What can be confirmed is that it’s 20 minutes from town, down a plowed road, and primed for a night destined to become Fernie lore.

Bring your stoke. Bring your layers. Bring your sense of humour.

And above all, bring your belief that a great party can summon great snow.

The Mogul Smoker is on.

Let the Griz roar.