Elk Valley Snow Shepherds

We continue to be blown away by this 'little' event we started 9 years ago. Thank you to the Fernie Snowmobile Association and everyone who continues to be a part of this incredible day of brining our riding community together! Much love!

Ladies — we’ve got 3 spots left in our Intermediate Women’s Clinic in Fernie, BC this Sunday Jan 11th, 2026! 👀 If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign to squeeze in.

👉 Register online: https://elkvalleysnowshepherds.com/ridingclinics

We blinked… and December flew by.
What a strong finish to the month teaching Avalanche Skills Training programs to so many dedicated sledders here in Fernie, BC!

Here’s the part worth talking about:

Last season, 7 avalanche fatalities were recorded across Canada — one involving a snowmobiler, well below the 10-year average of 10.8. But zoom out, and the pattern still matters. Since 2016, snowmobilers account for 38.7% of avalanche incidents — the highest of any user group.

And yet… of the 9,500 people who took an AST course last winter, only 8% were snowmobilers.

So first — a genuine thank you to everyone who chose education so far this season. You’re investing in better decisions, stronger confidence, and more good days in the mountains.

Second — we’re curious:
Why do you think fewer riders are taking avalanche courses?
Cost? Time? Access? Perception? Something else?

Let’s talk about it.

Snow’s falling in .
Are you thinking about the layers it’s falling on?

We enjoyed some great pow turns and clear, high-pressure weather over the holidays with our AST courses and clinics, but it also resulted in widespread surface hoar in the Elk Valley.

With this storm cycle that started today, you can bet we’re paying attention to how that fresh snow is reacting on this layer interface as things continue to load.

📷 Jan 2, 2026

Another year around the sun — and what a good one it was.

To everyone who joined us this season: thank you for the trust, the questions, the commitment, and the willingness to be challenged.

We took you places.
We taught you things.
We asked you to think differently about terrain, snow, and decision-making.

And in return, you showed up ready to learn and ride with intention.

Grateful for the mountains, the moments, and the community we continue to build here in Fernie, BC and beyond!

~Justin & Team

This time of year always brings a mix of excitement and anticipation.
You start thinking about the days ahead, the places you’ll ride, and how to make the most of another winter in the mountains.

And if you’re lucky, you also think about who’s watching you, learning from you, and growing into this sport. Passing on a love for the mountains — and the respect they deserve — is one of the best parts of the season.

What's the number one lesson your role-models taught you about riding? Share it in the comments below.

Good riding partners don’t just show up with a full tank and lunch.
They show up with skills.

Knowing how to travel smart, manage terrain, make decisions as a group, and carry out a rescue if needed — that’s what makes a crew solid in the backcountry.

If you want to be that kind of partner, start with avalanche training and keep sharpening your skills. We’ll help you get there.

Next AST Level 1 course: Dec 13-14th, 2025 | elkvalleysnowshepherds.com

Power doesn’t make progression. Technique does.

Our riding clinics are built for sledders who want to level up their control, balance, and confidence in real mountain terrain. Turns that felt out of reach start to click. Steep feels less intimidating. Everything feels more intentional.

If you’re ready to grow your skillset — not just “hang on and hope” — come ride with us.

👉 See our clinic lineup: elkvalleysnowshepherds.com

Riding with a certified snowmobile guide isn’t about having someone show you around — it’s about unlocking the best version of the day.

Local knowledge, snowpack insight, smart route-finding, and a plan that matches your crew. You get more terrain, more learning, and fewer “wish we hadn’t gone that way” moments.

If you want the day to feel smooth, safe, and stacked with good decisions, ride with us.

👉 Learn more: elkvalleysnowshepherds.com

If you spend time in the backcountry, there’s a moment when you realize the mountains aren’t just scenery — they’re a series of choices. An AST 1 is where that shift begins.

This course teaches you to spot the hazards hiding in plain sight, use the tools that help you plan smarter days, and build a decision-making process that holds up when it matters. And if things go sideways, you’ll know how to handle a companion rescue.

If you’re ready to ride with more intention and less guesswork, this is your starting point.

Fernie, BC Course Dates:
December 13-14, 2025
Jan 3-4, 2026
Feb 21-22, 2026

👉 elkvalleysnowshepherds.com