Community conversations will be enhancing backcountry safety in Fernie with the State Of The Snowpack series. Each winter, our snowpack tells a unique story, with every snowfall, wind event, and weather change adding a new chapter. Understanding this evolving narrative is crucial for backcountry enthusiasts, as it directly impacts safety and decision-making in avalanche-prone areas.
To foster community engagement and enhance safety, Fernie is hosting the State of the Snowpack series. These events bring together local avalanche professionals and the community to discuss current conditions and safety measures, bridging the gap between regional forecasts and local knowledge. This empowers backcountry users with detailed, community-specific snowpack information.
The local avalanche professionals include:
The Fernie events are scheduled at The Central from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the following dates:
December 9, 2024: Snowpack update by the Avalanche Canada South Rockies Team, featuring guest speaker Robin Siggers, CAA Level 3 and Senior Advisor to Operations at Fernie Alpine Resort.
January 14, 2025: Snowpack update by the Avalanche Canada South Rockies Team, featuring guest speaker Steve Kuijt, ACMG Ski Guide and CAA Level 2 at Island Lake Lodge Cat Skiing.
February 18, 2025: Snowpack update by the Avalanche Canada South Rockies Team, featuring guest speaker Ben Jackman, CAA Level 3 and Lead Avalanche Technician at Alpine Solutions.
March 18, 2025: Snowpack update by the Avalanche Canada South Rockies Team.
By participating in these community conversations, residents and visitors alike can contribute to a culture of safety and awareness in Fernie’s backcountry. Staying informed and engaged not only enriches the experience of exploring our winter landscapes but also plays a vital role in saving lives.
For more information on upcoming events and resources, visit Avalanche Canada’s event listings and the State of the Snowpack website.