Bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts lined up, six feet apart, at the bottom of the Elk Chair on June 27 for Fernie Alpine Resort’s (FAR) opening day for summer operations.
For those familiar with FAR’s usual summer set up, you’ll notice a few things changed this season. Two metre marks are painted on the ground in the plaza, ticket lines and lift lines. Greeters and lifties are wearing masks and face shields and new social distancing measures are in place for the Elk Chair. Riders either go up solo or with other people from their household, with at least one chair spaced between the riders, their bikes, and the next set of riders.
Despite the changes to increase safety, the stoke was high as the first bikers of the season boarded the chair lift. A steady stream of people made their way to the lift throughout the morning to celebrate the opening, ready to hike or bike their way around the mountain.
Although some events at FAR this year will undoubtedly be affected by the pandemic, they will still be hosting their Thursday Night Race Series from July 2 until September 3. FAR will also host The North Face Trail Race Series starting on July 7.
The mountain will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays for race night.
Aside from the chairlift, several other amenities at FAR are also open for summer including the rental shop, the retail shop, guest services, Legends Mountain Eatery, Cirque Restaurant and Bar and the Mountain Pantry.
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