Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) has two annual upcoming events this weekend, the Kinky Rail Jam on Jan. 9 and Community Day on Jan. 10.
Skiers and snowboarders will compete at FAR’s Restory of the Candian Rockies rail park for the Kinky Rail Jam. Participants will session rails by sliding in style and top competitors are awarded with prizes.
“There will be a number of different rail and line choices that competitors can take. Rail features vary in skill level from beginner, low on the snow boxes, to advanced longer rails to cater to different levels and ages,” said Matt Mosteller, senior vice president, marketing, sales and resort experience. “Format is ‘Jam Format’ so competitors are given a set amount of time and have to put together the ‘best line’ they can in the rail park.”
Pre-registration for the competition closes Friday but there will be day-of registration, at the Day Lodge from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The competition is open to all ages and regularly sees a 20-year age gap between competitors.
“The youngest is usually around eight or nine years old. The oldest is mid-30s. But competition is open to all ages,” said Mosteller.
Community Appreciation day gives a free day of skiing to members of the Elk Valley and is a way for FAR to give back to the community.
“We want all locals to take part and join us for this opportunity to discover skiing or snowboarding for the first time or return if it has been a while to enjoy mountain time with friends and family,” said Mosteller. “We are so proud to be part of this community and it is so important for us to provide a chance for everyone in our community to experience what we do. It would be so wonderful if everyone can come out - that would make our team so happy.”
To get a free day of skiing or riding participants must prove residency of Fernie, Elko, Elkford, Jaffray, Sparwood or any community inside of the Elk Valley with a drivers license, pay stub, etc. that proves the skier or snowboarder lives in the community.
Fernie Alpine Resort expects a lot of new skiers and snowboarders during the day. The resort encourages people looking for lessons to register early to ensure a spot.
“We only have so many instructors and our team hopes to be able to teach all that would like to learn to ski and snowboard. Our ski and snowboard professionals are the best in the business and are stoked to share their care and knowledge. They get booked up quickly and we only have so much space,” said Mosteller.