Dec 20, 2025 FSA Grooming Report
CONDITIONS:
This morning temperatures are -4.3°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 8cm new snow overnight and 81 cm over the past 7 days, with total snowpack measuring approximately 147 cm at cabin elevation.
A highly variable freezing line has resulted in very shallow snow below approximately 1,500 m (think Graffiti Rock or Paige’s draw elevation). Of concern are elevated stream flows, with numerous open creeks, fast-moving water, and localized flooding present across the area.
Today: Cloudy with a few morning flurries and possible sunny breaks. Minor to low end light accumulation, possible 1 to 3 cm. Windy at times. High near -3.
Tonight: Cloudy with a few flurries or occasional snow. Minor to low end light accumulation. Windy 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 hindered safe travel up the mountain until Friday.
Our immediate priority has been to allow water levels to recede, which require cooler temperatures and sufficient time for drainage across the landscape. Once conditions stabilize, we will be able begin full grooming operations. On Friday the crew cleared 38 windthrow trees blocking the trail up Coal Creek and Morrissey to highlight the extent of the storm damage and what we are dealing with out there.
Please see the notes below for area-specific conditions and updates.
Corbin: Groomed from the staging area to the Rain Gauge on Friday. Large open water past Rain Gauge is preventing further road building and grooming at this time. Trail has good coverage from the staging area. Trailhead attendant on site. Please be prepared to show membership or purchase day pass.
Coal Creek: Not recommended - marginal snow on lower trail and open water. The crews made it up to the Rolling Hills Cabin, pushed in the Doug Dean and Summit trail on Friday with additional widening and road building Saturday night. 38 windthrow tress from this week’s storm cycle were removed from across trail. Trailhead kiosk attendant on site to help answer questions but we are not collecting trail fees this weekend at Coal Creek.
Morrissey: If you are really pushing to get out and ride, Morrissey is your best option at this time. There is approximately 12 inches of snow on the trail between the kiosk and the top of the canyon. Conditions above the canyon are quite good. Last night the grooming team was able to road build all the way to the Notch peak via the direct route - bypass trails are not in yet. FWA Cat Skiing is now in operation so NO UPPER STAGING IS PERMITTED! Trailhead attendant on site - please have your membership or day pass fees available.
Hartley: Tentative first groom is Dec 28th. We are moving the Hartley snowcat from the shop to the trailhead today. Watch for transport and pilot trucks on road.
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.
Huge thanks to our entire FSA team — and especially the grooming crew. Terry has been working his magic behind the sticks at Corbin, laying down some beautiful corduroy. Over at Coal Creek and Morrissey, Tristan and Dave have put in some very big days of problem-solving and straight-up physical labour, cleaning up after the storm to deliver the best product possible for riders right now.
The crew also installed the new Pacesetter POW CAM stake on Friday. The brush came up just short of reaching the Starlink to clear the ice buildup after being down a few days, so we’ll be back at it ASAP!
