Dec 18, 2025 FSA Grooming Report
CONDITIONS:
This morning temperatures are -4.8°C, snowing, with light winds.
Fernie has experienced a significant weather event over the past week, including periods of unusually high rainfall and strong winds from valley bottom to ridgetop at times. Snowfall totals include 12 cm in the past 24 hours and 55 cm over the past 7 days, with total snowpack measuring approximately 130 cm at cabin elevation.
A highly variable freezing line has resulted in little to no snow below approximately 1,500 m. Of concern are elevated streamflows, with numerous open creeks, fast-moving water, and localized flooding present across the area.
Today: Cloudy with a few flurries during the morning, snow during the afternoon. Accumulation from 3 to 6 cm. Windy. High near -2.
Tonight: Snow and a few snow showers, possibly heavy at times, easing to a 40% chance of flurries overnight. Moderate to heavy accumulation, possible 10 to 20 cm. Windy, strong at times. Low near -5.
GROOMING:
Our anticipated operational start-up was scheduled for December 20. This week, the grooming team has made multiple attempts to begin road building; however, localized flooding and road damage have prevented safe travel up the mountain at this time.
Our immediate priority is allowing water levels to recede, which will require cooler temperatures and sufficient time for drainage across the landscape. Once conditions stabilize, we will be able begin grooming operations.
The good news is that cooler temperatures and additional snowfall are in the forecast. That said, a few more days will be needed for conditions to fully settle before safe and effective grooming can begin.
As noted above, the grooming team is mobilized and ready to press go as soon as conditions allow. Trailhead staff will be on site starting December 20 to provide rider education and support; however, trail fees will not be collected at this time. Watch for further updates.
Please see the notes below for area-specific conditions and updates.
Corbin: We have been grooming since last week from staging area to Rain Gauge but the trail is now in variable condition throughout. We will have more data later today. Open creeks past Rain Gauge have not been passible or snowbridge-able by snowcat.
Coal Creek: Strongly not recommended. High streamflow - not passable.
Morrissey: If you are really pushing to get out and ride, the Morrissey trail is your best access at this time. Best staging is at the quarry (just up trail from the kiosk before the first bridge) - DO NOT DRIVE OR PARK higher up as you will block both the FSA snowcat and the cat ski operation. Snowline during the storm was above the cat ski operation gate but there is approximately 6 inches of snow on the road between the quarry and the top of the canyon.
Hartley: Tentative first groom is Dec 28th.
Ram: Open. No grooming. Note that there is significant damage to the Lodgepole FSR at 31km as well as the Ram FSR around km 40 due to flooding. Repairs underway.
