Fernie’s Thunder Meadows hut is somewhat legendary in its own right. In fact, bringing the idea of the hut to reality is what prompted the formation of the Elk Valley Ski Touring Association, now the Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, groups of ski tourers regularly crisscrossed the area between Island Lake and (then) Snow Valley Ski Resort in the remote areas of the Lizard Range.
This avid recreational use by a large number of locals and visitors
solidified into a plan in the early 1990s to create the current shelter, thereby enhancing the potential for ski touring in the area. Prior to this, about a dozen locals constructed Thunder Meadows’ first hut in 1978, which burnt down in 1980. The second temporary hut was built in 1980 and then decommissioned when the newer structure was built. A secondary but equally important motive for constructing the newer hut was was to provide shelter for those who required it in case of sudden extreme weather changes.
The Elk Valley Ski Touring Association successfully lobbied the provincial government for a Special Use Permit for the Thunder Meadows area. Essentially, this permit granted special usage privileges to the group, and in 1993, EVSTA volunteers built the hut itself. The impetus for applying for the permit, in addition to the construction of the hut, was the recognition on the part of the association that commercial ski operations in the area would gradually expand into traditional public recreation areas.
BOOKING PROCEDURES
Membership is required to book the cabin and at least one member must be present in each user group. Lifetime membership is open to the general public for a fee of $20. Bookings can be made at the Guides Hut (671-2nd Ave, Downtown Fernie, 250 423 3650).
Bookings are not confirmed until paid for. Cancellation due to HIGH Avalanche Hazard results in credit toward next booking.
The cabin is closed during May and June for wildlife protection, to comply with a Ministry of Environment regulation.
PRICING
Cabin Fees are $100 per night for entire hut(maximum 10 people). Summer rates are $50 for the entire hut (July to November).
EQUIPMENT
Thunder Meadows hut is equipped with the following:
- Bunk beds and 8 foamies.
- Wood heater and wood supply. Please try to conserve as wood is flown in at great cost.
- Propane camp stove and lantern (bring your own 1lb propane and carry out please).
- Meltwater pot and greywater pot. Water source is from snowmelt so please keep the snow around the hut clean. Poor hygiene and dogs will contaminate the only water source.
- Outdoor toilet located 30m behind the hut.
- Axe and shovel and fire extinguisher.
Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag, safety equipment and 1lb propane bottles.
Carry everything out that you brought in – no food, garbage, or “gifts” left behind that other members would have to clean up and pack out for you.
Dogs are not permitted at Thunder Meadows Hut in the winter, as they put guests in danger due to contaminated snow which is used for water
consumption.
ACCESS
No motorized access allowed for the cabin. Snowmobile traffic up the Mount Fernie Park Road is not permitted on Island Lake Resort Group private property.
Your chosen route will depend on weather and snow conditions; most routes take four hours under good conditions. All suggested routes require good avalanche evaluation and route finding skills. You are completely on your own and responsible for your own safety and rescue.
1) Fernie Alpine Ski Area
a) Traverse Cedar Bowl, Fish Bowl and 2000-Foot Ridge. Climb up to Liverwurst Pass. Choice of skiing down to Easy Street and then up to the cabin, or climbing up the ridge to Big Steep Mother and skiing down to the cabin. This route traverses steep avalanche terrain across Fish Bowl and 2000 Foot Ridge. FAR Ski Patrol closes this route under high avalanche conditions.
b) Traverse Curry Bowl to Polar Peak Saddle, down Polaris Bowl to Easy Street and up to the cabin. This route crosses numerous slidepaths and can be a deathtrap in higher hazard avalanche conditions. FAR Ski Patrol often closes this route when snow stability is poor.
2) Mount Fernie Park
a) Ski up Mount Fernie Park road for 5km, climb Cabin Ridge and Cabin Bowl to Cabin Pass. In hardpack conditions Thirstquencher Creek (to the immediate north of Cabin Ridge) may be an easier route than Cabin Ridge.
b) Ski up Mount Fernie Park road for 3.5 km to the base of Orca Bowl Trail, climb Orca Bowl and ski down Burnt Slope to the cabin. This route can be very hazardous in higher avalanche conditions.
