Fernie Secondary School's inaugural senior Outdoor Education class just finished an epic cross-country ski journey in the Elk Valley.
Their final goal was Wildcat Cabin in Elkford, but even a change of plans due to unexpected "funky sticky snow" couldn't dampen their spirits or amazing accomplishment.
Our 12.31km cross-country ski adventure took us through majestic mountains and snow-capped peaks. The trail wound through towering trees, their shadows stretching long as we herringboned our way into the mountains. The mountains were HUGE; everyone was stoked to be there and push themselves to the limit. It was awesome to see these seniors having fun, laughing, supporting each other, and even bouncing back from a few falls. Pure energy and teamwork. Huge thanks to Nancy Reed, our incredible chaperone, for all her support and encouragement throughout this amazing trip.
Then came the “funky sticky snow,” it was heavy, wet snow that clung to their skis like glue. This unusual snow condition only occurred where the sun hit the trail directly, leaving shaded areas manageable. As students neared the final stretch to Wildcat Cabin, the trail became a sun-soaked trail of heavy sticky unmanageable snow. With the time left in the day, students had to make the difficult decision of heading to the neighboring Boivin Cabin. It was a hard decision to not make it to their destination, yet their journey was a success.
Prior to this epic Nordic journey in Elkford, students needed to prepare. Students started by developing their skills on the Fernie Nordic Club’s pristinely groomed runs on the golf course trails, just behind the high school. Students were also given the opportunity to scaffold their learning and go to the Elk Valley Nordic Centre (by the Provincial Park) for a mini adventure, where they sharpened their skills on the ups and downs and many of the fast-turning trails (A big thank you to Melanie Wrigglesworth for providing invaluable chaperone support and encouragement on this adventure). This dedicated preparation from students, chaperones, combined with the unwavering support of the Fernie Nordic Society, made all the difference in preparing students for our big adventure in Elkford.
This Nordic journey was a community effort. The Fernie Lions Club provided a stewardship opportunity for students to clear snow for the recent community Fernie Skijoring event, which directly supported funding for this trip. The Elk Valley Thrift Shop and the United Steelworkers generously covered transportation costs as well. The community support, combined with the students' hard work and unwavering determination, made this adventure unforgettable.
This wasn't just about the destination, it was about the journey itself. These students learned about preparation, teamwork, resilience, and the beauty of the natural world in the heart of the Elk Valley. They faced unexpected challenges with laughter and determination, and strengthened relationships and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Nice hustle everyone!
Andrew Gulyas
