While the sunshine quickly melts away this past winter’s snowpack, the Elk Valley and it’s fantastic trail network is quickly opening up for another great season of trail running. .. all just in time for the May long weekend!
Outdoor trail-based running is fast growing in Fernie, thanks to the ever-growing network of trails, races, resources and trail running groups.
A lot of Fernie’s trails are multi-purpose, catering to a wide variety of activities, including various skill levels of trail runners. As an added bonus, all of Fernie’s trails offer up spectacular mountain scenery around every corner!
Best Suggested Trail Running Routes in Fernie
For an overview of our community’s trails check out the Fernie trail map available in PDF and in town at local shops. In addition, here are three of our favorite options to get you started off on the right foot this May and early June:
- Community/Town Trail System – Multi-purpose, primarily flat, double track, good for kids, chariots and beginners. The Elk River Trails network which follows along the Elk River in the city is a perfect early season trail for walking, running or biking. The wide stroller-friendly trails are ideal for families and also provide access to several of Fernie’s parks including Rotary Park located across the street from Park Place Lodge.
- Ridgemont Trails – An easily accessible area from town, with a wide variety of trails, which you can easily add to your runs as you wish. With the exception of upper eco-terrorist, the trails network above ridgemont is snow free and in great shape for early season running.
- Montane & Castle Mountain Area – Starting at the old historic barn in Montane, there are several excellent running / multiuse trails the the Montane & Castle Mountain area including a section of the Trans Canada Trail. Don’t forget to visit the ponies at the barn if you bring your little ones along!
Trail Running Events in Fernie
If you are keen to challenge yourself or meet up with other trail runners, there are several excellent event happening in Fernie over the next 6 months you might want to consider:
Stag Leap May Long Trail Running Weekend 2018 – May 18-21, 2018
Join the Park Place Lodge & Stag Leap Running Co. for their popular May Long Running Weekend and Film Fest! Prepare for a sweet weekend of running in Fernie and an amazing reel of trail running films from around the globe. To learn more and book your weekend getaway including special room rates for participants CLICK HERE
Stag Leap Running “The Lone Wolf Race” Weekend – June 15-17, 2018
Is it a beep test, or a training run? You decide. This new “last man standing” looped race style will be a great challenge for all. Think you can outrun the pack and become The Lone Wolf? To learn more and book your weekend getaway including special room rates for participants CLICK HERE
Stag Leap Running Elk Valley Ultra Weekend – July 27-29, 2018
This high-vertical, challenging 50km Solo or Relay Ultra starts and finishes in Annex Park and takes in the spectacular Mt Fernie, Island Lake Lodge and Mt Fernie Provincial Park trails. To learn more and book your weekend getaway including special room rates for participants CLICK HERE
Fernie Half Marathon, Relay & 10km Run Weekend – September 29 – October 1, 2018
This race has become a classic in southeastern BC with its all-trail course that winds along the Elk River. A perfect introduction to racing, or a great finale to end your season. To learn more and book your weekend getaway including special room rates for participants CLICK HERE
For more information on all things trail running in Fernie, visit the Tourism Fernie Train Running Webpage or check Stag Leap Running Co.! Want to set goals, challenge yourself or see what others are up to in Fernie? Join the Stag Leap Trail Running Club on Strava or Stag Leap Group Runs on Facebook. Helping inspire, plan, and find your way on the Fernie trails
We hope to see you on the trails in Fernie this spring and summer plus we encourage you to take advantage of our great Vacation Specials this here at the Park Place Lodge.
Book Online or give us a call at 1-888-381-7275 to book your action-packed vacation to Fernie this spring or summer!
