Every year on December 11, communities around the world mark International Mountain Day, a United Nations observance highlighting the vital role mountains play in sustaining life. Established in 2002 and coordinated globally by the FAO, the day calls attention to the challenges facing mountain environments and the people who depend on them.
2025 Theme: “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond”
This year’s theme speaks directly to regions like ours, where shrinking glaciers influence river flows, winter snowpack, and long-term water security across the Elk Valley.
Why Mountains Matter:
• Home to 15% of the world’s population
• Source of freshwater for billions
• Anchors to nearly half of global biodiversity hotspots
• Foundation for recreation-based economies like Fernie’s
• A Global Message, Rooted in the Elk Valley
Fernie sits in the Southern Canadian Rockies, part of the greater Rocky Mountain system, with the Lizard Range defining the western skyline and the Three Sisters, Mount Fernie, and Mount Proctor standing as familiar guardians over the community.
These mountains shape everything — our climate, our water, our wildlife corridors, and the recreation experiences that draw people here year-round. From skiing and touring to biking, hiking, and fishing, Fernie’s culture is inseparable from its peaks and valleys.
As climate change accelerates glacial retreat and shifts seasonal snowpack, mountain towns like Fernie face real challenges and responsibilities. International Mountain Day is a reminder to appreciate the landscapes that sustain our community and to support efforts that protect water, forests, ecosystems, and the people who call mountain regions home.
