The Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club was incorporated in 1993. The stated purpose of the society is:
"Maintain responsible, non-motorized trail access on Fernie area Crown lands and private lands. Work with outdoor recreation groups, government, private land owners and tourist businesses to enhance and maintain the Fernie area non-motorized recreational trail system."
The association began over three decades ago as the Elk Valley Ski Touring Association (EVSTA), a loosely knit group of ski touring enthusiasts eager to protect and promote public access to recreation in the Fernie area. It has evolved to become a strong advocacy group for public recreation in the region.
The group's first major success was securing a Special Use Permit in 1993 for the purpose of building a permanent shelter in the Thunder Meadows area located between Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Resort Group. That Special Use Permit provided the group with particular access privileges on the crown land located there, and continues to this day to give the Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club tenure in the Thunder Meadows area.
Members of the FT&STC also worked consistently on the development of the Southern Rocky Mountains Management Plan, and have over the course of the past several years contributed significantly to trail development, maintenance and promotion in the region.
In the spring of 2008, the FT&STC and Fernie Mountain Bike Club joined forces to form the Fernie Trails Alliance, an organization dedicated to the joint goals of ensuring that Fernie and area residents maintain their historical access and ability to enjoy the network of non-motorized trails throughout the region.