Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Issue 3 Winter 2016 | Page 14

shop & ski school office was renovated as the new Bear ’ s Den , a welcoming mid-mountain retreat . Others were starting to take notice and see the potential — construction on Timberline Village provided the first on-mountain residences ; Timberline Condominiums and the Griz Inn opened up the mountain to holidaymakers and vacation home owners . The first Griz competition held in 1978 was a huge success , followed by the Powder-Pedal- Paddle Relay Race in 1982 and Dummy Downhill in 1987 . All three events are still held to this day .
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COMMUNITY BUILDS
A huge number of locals contributed to the early success of Fernie Snow Valley . In 1969 , financial support from Kaiser Coal and a public sale of shares enabled the installation of the Bear T-bar , extending the terrain high into the Lizard Bowl and providing access into Cedar Bowl . Early enthusiasts of the “ old side ” still defend their side of the mountain in bar-room debates and proudly affirm their allegiance on T-shirts from Giv ’ er Shirtworks . In 1970 , Guy Guideau added the first ski-in-ski-out accommodations in the Rockies to the burgeoning resort ; a modest 2-Season , 20-room motel that stood on the current site of the Griz Inn until it burned down in 1974 .
Around the valley , keen entrepreneurs set their sights on alternatives to lift-accessed skiing . Following the construction of the Bear Lodge , Island
Lake Mountain Tours opened the valley ’ s first independent snowcatskiing operation in 1988 , later rebranding as Island Lake Catskiing and developing a range of luxury experiences . On Morrissey Ridge , Kim Sedrovic started Fernie Wilderness Adventures Catskiing in the early 1990 ’ s . Both operations continue to attract visitors from around the world , providing extended access to exceptional terrain .
GOING GLOBAL
As the ‘ 90s rolled around and Fernie Snow Valley consolidated its appeal with the addition of the Deer Chair , expanded terrain , and exciting new runs , including Stag Leap and Sky Dive , Fernie embraced a new era of enthusiasm for the ski industry . The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club were incorporated in 1991 and secured a permit for Thunder Meadows Hut . A 50-year Crown Land lease was signed with the Province of BC to enable the construction of new chairlifts offering access to Currie , Timber and Siberia Bowls – the “ new side ” – plus a lodge at the top of the Timber Express Chair . Catskiing was offered in the bowls prior to the construction of the chairlifts . Deciding not to take on the massive financial undertaking and construction of the expansion , Heiko and Linda sold Fernie Snow Valley to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies ( RCR ) in 1997 , and expansion swiftly took hold on the renamed Fernie Alpine Resort .
New resort-style hotels and luxury log homes met the demands of the booming ski travel market and new terrain provided the excitement and fresh lines many had only dreamed about . Combined with non-existent lift lines , fun dining options , and the low Canadian dollar , RCR ’ s international marketing machine had guests flocking in from the USA , UK , Germany , Australia , and New Zealand . In town , hoteliers were forming their