MARCH 2015 | ISSUE 99
IN THIS ISSUE: FEATURE ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHER OLIVIER GOSSELIN | ANGIE ABDOU FEATURES JOHN VAILLANT'S THE JAGUAR'S CHILDREN | FEATURE RESIDENT TYLER STEEN AND THE FERNIE SKI PATROL TOM GIBSON ON WHAT SNOW MEANS TO US | KRISSI HYLAND EXPLAINS RE-WILDING FERNIEFIX.COM
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GRIZ DAYS
MARCH 2015 ISSUE 99
February 27 - March 1
EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS | 7 Getting to Work - Volunteering by Amy Boeckner Business News/New Business
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 12 Feature Artist – Olivier Gosselin Abdou’s LitPicks – The Jaguar’s Children by John Vaillant by Angie Abdou Rental Fix – Justified by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes – Live Free and Play Music by Carolyn Nikodym
2015
COMMUNITY & EVENTS | 20 Feature Resident – Tyler Steen by Krista Turcasso FernieFix.com Events Calendar / March at the Arts Station
Griz Days events happening all weekend long including live music, the Griz Days parade, fireworks and so much more!
Visit www.ferniechamber.com for more details, or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/GrizDays
OUTDOOR LIFE | 22 Never Have I Ever – Fatbiking by Jesse Bell In The Tracks – A Guide to Nordic Skiing: Offset Technique by Jeff Williams Hitting the Trails with the Fernie Trails Alliance – Snow by Tom Gibson Women of the Mountains by Hannah Griffin – Sarah Heuniken A Day in the Life of a Lifty by Mike Cotton – Traditional Fernie
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 37 Fit to Play – Get Up Offa That Thing! by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist Health Naturally by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M. - Is There Value in Doing a Spring Cleanse? Nourish Through Nature by Krissi Hyland, RHN - Re-wilding Tales From An Unexpected Yogi – Action for the Sake of Action by Heather Ivany Around the World with Rebecca Hall – Frozen Landscapes You’ve Got Male: Over the Hill by Adam K. MacDonald
BITS AND BYTES | 51 The Answer Guy – Internet Radio by Kevin McIsaac Monthly Horoscopes by Claire Simmons
FERNIE FUN | 54 Fix Trivia
COVER: Island Lake is a supporter of the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation. Every year they donate catski seats that are auctioned off at the annual EBYF Golf Tournament. Here's Emily enjoying some well deserved powder turns with the winners of the catski seats. Photo by Mike McPhee THIS PAGE: Rick and Brenda putting in a high alpine boot pack up at Island Lake. Photo by Matt Kuhn, www.mkuhnphoto.com Images Jeff Topham / Tourism Fernie
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Editor’s Fix “DESPITE ALL I HAVE SEEN and experienced, I still get the same simple thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow in a high mountain gully and feel the same urge to climb toward it.” – Edmund Hillary Living in Fernie, we can spend up to eight months of the year with snow. Sometimes more, if you include the lingering patches atop the mountains that surround us. And while many of us tire of it by late spring, we are just as excited each fall when the first snowflakes accumulate beneath our feet. There is just something about fresh snow falling from the sky, blanketing the world around us. The silence and serenity that accompany many Fernie snowfalls create memories that stay with us a lifetime. I remember, dressed head to toe in winter
gear, at the summit of the snow bank outside our house illuminated by the street light, catching snowflakes on my tongue. The only sounds are coming from my snowsuit shifting in the snow, or the vehicles moving in the distance… until I finally jump into that deep, soft abundance of powder in the yard beneath me. Thirty years later, I still find myself in this state of wonder, running through snow-covered trails as snow falls around me or skiing an untouched powder run at Fernie Alpine Resort, with only the sound of my breath filling my ears. Just moments before embarking, while still at the bottom of the trail or top of the ski run, I pause and listen, catching myself in the moment before taking that plunge into the powder beneath my feet. March is here, a month notorious for snowfall. We have experienced mild
seasons in past, but one thing we have all learned living or spending time in Fernie, is that the snow always comes. As we may have been gravitating towards spring with the mild start to the year, I anticipate we will feel the same urge Hillary describes above when the Griz graces us with Fernie’s legendary powder. Because it’s in our nature. Krista Turcasso, Editor FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 841 7th Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
Contributors You’ll find AMY BOECKNER working alongside the excellent team at EK Employment Elk Valley (WorkBC). Whether you are looking for work or looking to hire, they are your one-stop shop for all your employment related needs (www. ekemployment.org)! ANGIE ABDOU is a local writer. She recently published her fourth book, Between – a novel about Filipino nannies. As of March 1, Angie is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Athabasca University. Learn more at www.abdou.ca. ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the wet coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting. CAROLYN NIKODYM wants to invite the Griz to come out and dance – just one more dance, you crazy, hairy snow god! SARAH INGRAM, kinesiologist, is channeling James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing” to help motivate you to play in the snow. If you need help with your motivation, call 250-423-9167 or visit www.sarahsactiverehab.com.
MIKE COTTON is a writer and photographer from England. You can find more of his work at www.nomadsontheroad.com. JEFF WILLIAMS moved to Fernie ten years ago for downhill skiing but was lured to Nordic skiing for its lack of crowds and great fitness. He has been coaching with the Fernie Nordic Society for three years and is the head coach for the Fernie Nordic Racers. When the snow is gone he can be found running on the Fernie trails or playing golf. KRISSI HYLAND is a holistic nutritionist and whole food chef stoked to be writing for the Fix and inspiring the community to eat not only healthy but tasty foods. Visit NourishThroughNature.com or call 250531-3553 for a nutritional consult or cooking class. Snow is great, but when there isn't much floating around JESSE BELL has to find alternative options to enjoying this mild winter; fatbiking! HANNAH GRIFFIN is excited to come back to Fernie and looking forward to a winter full of snow and good times.
DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching gorgeous babies, and is slowly inching her way back to Fernie. This month HEATHER IVANY takes on the action for the sake of action. Learn more about Heather and her yoga practice at www.heatherivanyyoga.com REBECCA HALL loves to hear and write about the places that Fernieites travel to. If you’d like to share your travel story, write to her at hall.rebecca.j@gmail.com. ADAM K. MACDONALD loves the wide variety of cross-country skiing trails and options that Fernie has to offer.! KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material. CLAIRE SIMMONS is an intuitive Reiki Master living on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia who spent last winter in Fernie. Stay tuned for a link to her blog where she’ll be writing about the intuitive process and posting tips.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Business
2nd Annual - July 5, 2015
Out of the Box:
DUMPSTER ART PROJECT Applications available at City Hall, the Arts Station or online at www.fernie.ca and www.theartsstation.com. Deadline for submissions: April 10, 2pm. For more details contact The Arts Station: 250-423-4842
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Volunteering AMY BOECKNER
I KNOW VOLUNTEERING may not come first to mind when discussing employment or that you may very well feel too busy to do anything more. Winter in my household feels like a busy time of year. One side is working in the world of snow from dawn to dusk, taking his schedule from nature (and skiers). For me, life feels just as busy with a bustling office full of people getting back into work, and some extra chores on my plate until the spring thaw brings equilibrium back to our household. Discussing volunteering and work in the same breath could even feel wrong. Isn’t the purpose of a job to get paid and volunteering to pay back? Sure, both hold some truth, but with many charities and non-profits increasingly relying on a fewer number of volunteers to do the same if not more, maybe we need to rethink why people volunteer. Maybe we aren’t too busy.
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GETTING TO WORK
Volunteer to meet people you never would have met. Volunteering offers an opportunity to connect with others. The isolation of winter (or unemployment) can melt away. Meeting new people means that you are simultaneously developing your support system and giving towards another’s. You are forming contacts and friendships that are there when we all need a hand. You are building your reputation and network. Why have a network? To stay connected to the latest opportunities and information. Volunteer to gain perspective. Working alongside others and getting out of your own “world” can be refreshing and illuminating. Perspective has an amazing ability to show you things you previously could not see or thought possible. Trying new things and new ways of doing things in a volunteer environment is generally a risk-free way to explore your options.
V. CROOME PHOTO
Resident Feature Name: Nels Amundsen Business: Amundsen Electric – Electrical Contracting What was your first job in the Valley? Technically my first job in the Valley was peeling logs for my dad when he was building our home. I was twelve years old. My first job on payroll was snowmaking at the ski hill back when it was called Fernie Snow Valley. Why is Fernie a great place to work? It is a luxury to be able to live and work in an town where you can participate in so many world class outdoor activities within ten minutes of your door step. Not having to plan a long drive to the mountains after a week Volunteer to learn. Building your skills and developing work experience is probably what first came to mind at the start of this article. Looking for work? Employers do look positively on volunteer work and consider it relevant experience. Have a job? Life-long learning contributes to not only greater job satisfaction but development and growth. If you don’t have the opportunity at work to utilize your “creative” skills, then find an opportunity through volunteering. Have a hole in your resumé? Fill it through volunteering.
of work is a great part of our Fernie lifestyle. What is it about your job that you love? I enjoy the interaction with the Elk Valley residents, and developing good relationships with customers. I also enjoy working with my crew, we make a good team. The great thing about electrical is the scope of work is diverse, so there is rarely a time that it gets dull or boring. Every job is different and so are the needs of our clients. If you could relay one piece of advice to someone working toward their "dream" job, what would that be? If you put energy into something and keep an open mind, anything is possible. Volunteer to have fun and feel better. Whether you are looking for work or simply busy with work, over time the chores of the everyday can be tiring. We can get into patterns that wear us down rather than pump us up. It may seem illogical, but the act of giving toward another has a positive impact on our wellbeing. Next month is host to Canada’s National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize, thank and celebrate those who make a difference. Maybe volunteering can work for you. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Business
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THE CANADA REVENUE AGENCY hosts a volunteer income tax program to help families with an income under $40,000 and individuals with an income under $30,000 file their 2014 income tax. Volunteers will be available at the Fernie Heritage Library Saturdays from 1-4pm, and at the Seniors Drop in Centre Tuesdays from 1-4pm and Wednesdays 11am-2pm this March and April. All you need to bring is your 2013 T-1 and 2014 information slips. For more information call Terry at 250423-4905 or Bill at 250-423-4758.
BUSINESS NEWS
Fernie Childcare Society www.fccs.ca THE FERNIE CHILD CARE SOCIETY (FCCS) is excited to announce that the Fernie Child Care Centre is relocating to the Max Turyk Building in March. This move will enhance the long-term sustainability of the FCCS within our community. In addition, the FCCS is looking forward to being co-located with other childcare programs, having access to a gymnasium, along with increased outdoor and green space. Special thanks to Columbia Basin Trust, along with all the local businesses and organizations, who have donated time and financial support to assist with this project. The FCCS would like to extend the invitation (children included) to the upcoming Open House and AGM on Tuesday, March 31 from 5-7pm. All are encouraged to check out the new space, meet with staff/Board members and enjoy some refreshments! Please visit www.fccs.ca for more information on programs.
Fernie Museum www.ferniemuseum.com HOW MUCH WORK DOES IT TAKE to get to the Olympics? Canada’s Beckie Scott started when she was 7 years old. The Fernie Museum and the Fernie Nordic Society invite you to an evening with Beckie Scott Saturday, March 7. This event, held at the museum, will be an opportunity to glimpse into Scott’s Olympic journey and share her ideas on volunteerism, grass roots support and the importance of access for all athletes, young and old, competitive or recreational. Tickets $30 are available online at www.eventbrite.com Fernie and at the Fernie Museum.
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Scott will also be spending the day with SUBMITTED IMAGE the skiers of the Fernie Nordic Society offering coaching clinics and helping the club officially open their Nordic trails. 792 3rd Ave. Fernie, BC 250.531.0323 astahl@telus.net
The Fernie Museum exhibit Olympic Spirit: Canada’s Sport Heroes, on display until March 28, features 12 portraits of Canadian Olympians, including Beckie Scott, who have led Canadian sports culture through the years. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Business
BUSINESS NEWS
Lizard Creek Lodge Spa www.lizardcreek.com 250-423-2057 THE SPA @ LIZARD CREEK LODGE had its Grand Opening at the beginning of December. The Spa offers a full range of spa treatments from deluxe pedicures, sports and hot stone massage, and they are proud to partner with Eminence Organic, handmade organic skincare from Hungary.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Shall and her team take a holistic and natural approach to every aspect of beauty. Originally from Wanaka, New Zealand, Shall studied to become an esthetician before moving to Australia where she graduated as a sports therapist and managed a five-star day spa. Situated at the bottom of the Elk Chair at Fernie Alpine Resort, The Spa @ Lizard Creek Lodge is the perfect way to unwind! For the month of March enjoy 20% off all Eminence Facials or a free 15 minute upgrade on a massage. To make a booking, phone 250-423-2057 or email thespa@lizardcreek.com
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www.fernietearsandgears.com THE FOURTH ANNUAL WINTER EVENT held by popular event organizer Fernie Tears and Gears is taking place this March 8 at the Fernie Provincial Park! In collaboration with the Fernie Nordic Centre, this event includes the traditional snowshoe and Nordic Ski legs, tackled either solo or on a team, alongside Nordic races for youth and a Racing Rocks event for the wee Nordic skiers.
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A fun event for the whole family, enjoy snacks and refreshments, amazing prizes by Tears & Gears generous sponsors, warm by the fire or in the recently finished Fernie Nordic Society warming hut, and take in the spectacular views of the Elk Valley while enjoying winter activities! For those not keen in taking part, there are volunteer opportunities available and of course opportunities to cheer. Register at www. zone4.ca - they hope to see you there.
HENRY GEORGI PHOTO/MONTANE
Parastone Developments www.parastone.ca PARASTONE DEVELOPMENTS has launched Stage Two of its masterplanned community, Montane, Fernie. Now available for sale are eight home sites located one kilometre from Fernie’s historic downtown. Prices start at $149,000 and sizes of lots vary between approximately 0.13 acres and 0.5 acres. All home sites optimize views of the spectacular mountain scenery. “We’re thrilled to have released Stage Two,” says Simon Howse, general manager of Parastone and investor in Montane, Fernie. “The positive feedback we received from Stage One is an indication buyers appreciate the active mountain lifestyle we’re offering. Living a five minute walk from downtown and having an extensive trail network on your doorstep is hard to beat.” “We’re anticipating equally strong sales with our Stage Two release so if you’re interested in becoming part of an active mountain community, we recommend acting quickly.”
RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO
Interested parties can register at www. montanefernie.ca to receive information on the upcoming sales events. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
F E AT U R E A R T I S T
up my van with my girlfriend last summer and head down to the Nevada desert for a music and arts festival called Burning Man. All of the different characters and artworks made it easy for me to capture the true beauty of this festival!
OLIVIER GOSSELIN I was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and started getting into photography in my teens, but it wasn’t until I was 23 that I decided to pursue it as a career. I went to Collège Marsan in Montreal in 2010, and spent the next year and a half learning as much as I could about the art of photography. After I had finished school, I decided it was time to head west, to Revelstoke, BC, to see the other side of the country and all the different landscapes. I started off by taking photos at events at local bars and of my friends snowboarding and sledding. After a few months of trying to put my name out there and getting my photographs seen, I landed a job on the media team for the Freeride World Tour at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Working on the Freeride World Tour was an amazing experience for me, and it expanded my horizons and the styles of photography that I could get into.
After my first winter, I decided to try my luck at landing a job at Shambhala Music Festival, in Salmo, BC on the media team and I was lucky enough to get it! My photos began being published by various artists and by the festival itself in different magazines and websites around the country. Three years on and I’m still happily a part of this media team. After two seasons in Revelstoke, I felt it was time for a change, and after becoming friends with a bunch of people from Fernie, I thought it was time to check it out myself! But moving to a new town also means starting all over again, building up your name and getting heard. Like I had in Revelstoke, I put ads up on the Internet, worked at events in bars etc. Luckily, I am a driven photographer and spend every spare minute of my time taking photos and trying out different styles such
as landscape, sports, street photography etc. So after handing out resumes to various places I landed a photography job with Fernie Wilderness Adventures, my dream job – snowboarding and photography. Fernie Wilderness Adventures is a great place to work as there is so much untouched terrain and so many amazing photo opportunities with glimpses of the sun rising and setting over the mountains of Fernie! From here it progressed to an interest in film photography. I bought myself an old Hasselblad camera from the late ‘50s to try and get a better perspective of the origin of photography. I started working on and developing my own film with the company of other photography enthusiasts in Fernie. Although my love for the mountains is strong, I have to say my favourite style of photography is street art. I decided to pack
In the summer, I photograph weddings and portraits in my spare time. Living and working in Fernie, as a photographer, is a great opportunity as there are so many beautiful places and people to photograph, that it makes it so enjoyable to do. I also spend as much time as I can outdoors, taking photos while camping with friends, capturing the night skies and the sunsets off of Koocanusa Lake! After this winter it will be time for me to expand my career even further as I will be moving to Europe to spend a few months taking street photography, and adventuring around different cities and mountain ranges. Thankfully, everywhere you go there are always people and memories of Fernie! So if you enjoy my photos, and you see me around Fernie don’t be shy, say hello! www.oliviergosselin.com info@oliviergosselin.com www.facebook.com/OlivierGosselinPhotograph FERNIEFIX.COM
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Booked!
This March at 1602 7th Ave. Fernie - 250.423.2634
Everyday is Special When
Fernie Writers’ Series 2015
You’ve Got Specials Everyday MONDAY Wing Night $7 Starter, $14 Double TUESDAY Pasta Tuesday starting at $7.99 WEDNESDAY $7 off a Large Gourmet Pizza THURSDAY Just Say Olé! - $3 off Tacos FRIDAY Ribrageous full rack pork ribs $19.95 SATURDAY Any Large Gourmet Pizza for the Price of a Medium SUNDAY $4.99 Kids Meals Daily specials above are dine-in only.
Presented by the Fernie Heritage Library
JOHN VAILLANT
THE JAGUAR’S CHILDREN
2 2 2 2 2
Friday March 27th, 7:00 pm
At the Fernie Heritage Library
Celebrity Server Nights
Award-winning author of The Golden Spruce and The Tiger
Every Wednesday night in March the Junior Ghostriders Novice will be joining us from 5 - 8pm. A percentage of food sales between these hours will go directly to Fernie Minor Hockey. You can also show your support with our 50/50 Draw!
UFC March Fight
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Arts and Entertainment
The Jaguar’s Children by John Vaillant ANGIE ABDOU
Available at Polar Peek Books and Treasures in downtown Fernie. I THINK I’M NOT EXAGGERATING when I say: John Vaillant has won all of the Canadian nonfiction awards there are to win. His first book, The Golden Spruce, won the Governor General’s Award and The Writer’s Trust Nonfiction Prize. His next book, The Tiger, won British Columbia's National Award for Canadian NonFiction and The Globe and Mail Best Book for Science. Internationally, The Tiger also received widespread recognition, including the Windham–Campbell Literature Prize in Nonfiction (valued at a whopping $150,000). Both The Golden Spruce and The Tiger were national bestsellers. In other words, John Vaillant is a big deal. And – guess what?! – he is coming to Fernie. He’ll be the fifth speaker in this year’s BOOKED! series at the Fernie Heritage Library on March 27.
IN FICTION AS IN NONFICTION, JOHN VAILLANT IS A POWERFUL STORYTELLER WHO REFUSES TO SHY AWAY FROM THE TOUGH STORIES. Well, John Vaillant has definitely risen to the challenge. The Jaguar’s Children is a breath-taking, harrowing read. It will leave you simultaneously gutted and inspired. In fiction as in nonfiction, John Vaillant is a powerful storyteller who refuses to shy away from the tough stories.
Let me set the scene of The Jaguar’s Children: the narrator Hector is attempting to escape Mexico for a better life in the But he’s not bringing nonfiction. To change U.S. He and his friend Cesar (a biotech things up a bit, he’s coming with his brand researcher hoping to expose the country’s new novel, The Jaguar’s Children. manufacturer of genetically modified corn) have paid every cent they can gather While soaking in the Moose Jaw hot to be smuggled across the border inside springs, I had the opportunity to ask John an empty water tank packed with illegal why he’d decided to make the move to immigrants. The unscrupulous “coyotes” fiction. The Jaguar’s Children was only in take these desperate people’s money, and progress at that point, but he read a snippet then abandon the water tank in the desert, from the novel at the Saskatchewan Festival leaving everyone to die. of Words, and it came as a surprise to me. “You’re so successful at nonfiction,” I said. Imagine feces. Imagine vomit. Imagine “Why would you switch genres?” people drinking their own urine to survive. Imagine the suffocating heat. Imagine the He replied: “Exactly.” smell of those who do not survive. Maybe that’s not precisely how our “We were like a bucket of crabs with the conversation went, but I took him to lid on and no place to go,” says Hector into mean that he moved to fiction for a new his cellphone. Vaillant paints a terrifying challenge. portrait of humanity at its most vulnerable.
ABDOU’S LITPICKS
Throughout the ordeal, Hector continues to narrate his story, the story of his past and the story of his people. He speaks obsessively into Cesar’s cellphone while people go mad and die around him. But it is in this telling that readers find strength and hope. In giving voice to his story, Hector asserts his own personhood. He says: my story matters. He forces readers to look hard at his reality and to empathize with him and with those like him. The Jaguar’s Children is a hard book. It challenges readers to acknowledge the brutalities of contemporary life. But The Jaguar’s Children is also a celebration – a celebration of the human spirit, a celebration of what people can survive, and a celebration of the power of story. Come hear John Vaillant at the Fernie Heritage Library on March 27. Let him challenge and inspire you in person. Doors open at 7pm.
An Independent Book Store A unique selection of books, gifts, award-winning toys, guide books & maps, stationery and special treasures.
Open Everyday 592 2nd Ave., Fernie • 250-423-3736 polarpeekbooks@telus.net www.polarpeekbooks.ca
Contact us to place a special order
Arts and Entertainment
Justified
It’s ok to drool
ANDREW VALLANCE
Go ahead… we have a wonderful collection to drool over. We carry flooring made from environmentally mindful technology, they’re super at resisting stains, odour, moisture (and drool). Visit our showroom where you will find stylish flooring designed as a work of art with a dash of real world sensibility. We make flooring a beautiful experience™
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AMERICA HAS ALWAYS HAD A love affair with vigilantes. Who doesn't remember private detectives like Sam Spade who operated outside of the law to solve cases, or frustrated cops like Harry Calahan in Dirty Harry. Movie buffs may also remember Charles Bronson when he played Paul Kersey many years ago in Death Wish. More recently, Dwayne Johnson played the main character in a remake of Walking Tall, and more recently still, Denzel Washington was quite memorable in a movie adaptation of the 1980s TV show The Equalizer, which was reviewed by yours truly. All of these men are cheered on by readers and audiences, as they break the laws meant to protect the common good while hunting for immoral psychopaths. Audiences aren't meant to question how psychotic the heroes of these stories and films actually are. The latest love letter to the morally flexible American lawman is Justified. Based on the Elmore Leonard short story “Fire in the Hole,” Justified tells the story of Raylan Givins, a handsome, cocky, gun-toting U.S. Marshal who, while based in Miami shoots a prominent drug dealer and ends up getting sent back to his home state of Kentucky. There, he finds himself dealing out rough justice in his home region of Harlan County, dealing with Appalachian mob bosses, small-time hoodlums and cruel skinheads in one of the most wretched, poverty stricken parts of the United States. After achieving fame in the HBO TV series Deadwood, and then adequate supporting roles in the movie Catch and Release and the series Damages, Timothy Olyphant stars as this television show's protagonist. Walton Goggins (Predators) plays the show's main villain, the entertaining and unstable Boyd Crowder, a man who is part preacher and part
gangster, and who, it has to be said, is the most entertaining part of a show that tends to be short on character development and imaginative plot lines. Joelle Carter is also featured in this series. Her filmography includes previous roles in High Fidelity and American Pie 2. In Justified she is cast as Ava Crowder, Boyd's girlfriend and Raylan's former love interest. Nick Searcy (Cast Away, The Ugly Truth, Moneyball) plays an excellent role as Art Mullen, Raylan's long-suffering boss. An entertaining addition to the cast is Jacob Pitts (Across the Universe and Eurotrip) who plays Raylan's handsome, sharpshooting colleague. This critic has a problem with the way in which the character of Raylan Givins has been drawn. He is violent, underhanded and arrogant, and he consistently thumbs his nose at the laws he is paid to enforce. At a time when police violence and vigilantism are very much in the news, the last thing we need is another show celebrating a black-and-white view of law enforcement. I used to be a big fan of this show, but no longer. After viewing the episodes from Season 5, I am no longer impressed with the quality of the program. A very good show about the complex relationship between law enforcers and criminal is Home Box Office's fine police drama The Wire. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Homesites starting at $149,000
Arts and Entertainment
MUSICAL NOTES
Live Free and Play Music CAROLYN NIKODYM
STAGE TWO ON SALE NOW MODERN. MOUNTAIN. LIVING.
Now is the time to secure your home at Montane. STAGE TWO PRICING The Terraces, Montane
LOT
Sq/Ft
Sq/Mt
Acre
PRICE
Lot 21
10764
1000 SOLD 0.25
$259,000
Lot 22
10764
1000 SOLD 0.25
$249,000
Lot 23
10764
1000 SOLD 0.25
$249,000
Lot 24
24757
2300
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5500
511
0.13
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Lot 26
5630
523
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5888
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For purchasing information, please contact: 250-423-4136 or email info@montanefernie.com www.montanefernie.com
To learn more about Montane: VISIT: www.montanefernie.com OR CALL: Dan McSkimming Remax Elk Valley Realty Ltd. 1 (250) 423 1921
IF YOU NEED INSPIRATION to work hard at what you love, to stay true to yourself, you don’t really have to look much further than Big Sugar. Although the band took a bit of a break through much of the century’s first decade, it has been almost 30 years since it began an unapologetic and ardently independent career. “I only work on stuff that sounds good to me,” says frontman Gordie Johnson. “I don’t make any … I’ve never made any ‘career moves’ – I only make moves that are based on inspiration and musical satisfaction. I mean, that’s the only reason to do it.” Musical satisfaction is exactly the driving force behind the band’s last album. The acoustic Yardstyle, released last spring, and its supporting tours weren’t part of some master career plan: “This is a reason to go out and play the music, which is amazing to us, and very satisfying to us.” It is a special kind of genius, however. The album is an intimate glimpse into how the members of Big Sugar, and their musician friends, interact with each other. Banjo and hand drums form the hammock for the voice of a languidly singing Johnson. The album’s mood is so informal, it isn’t hard to imagine these guys jamming around a firepit on a moonlit beach. Even though Yardstyle doesn’t display the big sound of Big Sugar’s reggae-infused rock ‘n’ roll, the album isn’t really a departure. “That’s what Big Sugar sounds like if you take away our electricity,” Johnson says. “That’s what we sound like when we’re rehearsing, when we’re practicing for a recording, or we go to a radio station, anything like that.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
It was while doing promo on the tour for Revolution per Minute in 2011, which saw the band playing radio shows and breakfast television almost daily, that the idea for doing an acoustic album started to form. They were having so much fun playing unplugged every day that it really wasn’t a hard sell to put together an album. For several days, the guys sat around in a circle, mics positioned in the middle, and jammed out old stuff, new stuff and even stuff from Grady, one of Johnson’s other projects. Yardstyle is so laden with percussion that is addictive – it’s difficult not to want to join in, to not want to be a part of the magic that is happening between the musicians. “No one was wearing headphones,” he explains. “We didn’t have any speakers, monitors, anything like that. We just had 12 guys in the room, just vibing on songs. And if a song didn’t come together really quickly, we just put it down and moved on to another one.”
Not getting stuck on something that isn’t working seems to be the band’s motto. And it seems to be working – there are few bands that can boast Big Sugar’s longevity. “Keep moving forward,” Johnson says. “We approach every day and every endeavour like it’s the one, the most important one. And I’m proud of everything that’s gone on before. I mean, I don’t have any embarrassing haircuts or records that I don’t want people to hear – which is good. But that’s all a byproduct of sticking to your guns, you know. We never had to apologize for anything … so that also inspires us to keep moving forward the way that we are.” The byproduct for the audience is watching a band that is so natural with each other, it feels like old friends. Big Sugar performs acoustically at the Northern Bar & Stage March 5.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Community & Events
F E AT U R E R E S I D E N T
you outside, it can be helpful with the remainder of your ski season. “When the snow comes, it’s good to know what’s beneath your feet,” says Tyler.
Tyler Steen KRISTA TURCASSO
Recently, photos of the 2004/5 season, a season similar to this year's, were being shared by the head forecaster, showing patrollers walking on grass in Curry Bowl late January, followed by patrollers with snow flying over their head mid February. The snow will fly, and when it does it will help to have a good understanding of the prior conditions.
THERE IS A STRONG COHORT of ski bums still living in Fernie that arrived in the early ‘90s, whom proudly call Fernie their home and are a great example of active residents in our community. From business owners to outdoor enthusiasts to involved citizens, they have become an integral part of this town, just as the ski bums before them, those that came after and those on their way.
Tyler has every intention of continuing the happy balance between his summer and winter jobs. “It’s funny, we were just talking about longevity as a ski patroller, and looking at ways to lighten the load to make it easier. I want to do this for another 20 years, I enjoy the seasonal work. Just when I’m ready to take the tool belt off, I get to put on my ski boots. And when my bone spurs start acting up, I get to put on the tool belt.”
Tyler Steen, Assistant Patrol Director, is one of these individuals. While attending Mount Royal College in Calgary, “attempting to get a post secondary education,” he realized that it wasn’t going very well since he was skipping a lot of school to go skiing. After discussing the idea of taking six months off with his dad, he was Fernie bound for the season that never ended. Tyler’s dad provided him with a contact, Doug MacDonald of MacDonald Ranch, who put him in touch with owner of Fernie Snow Valley, Heiko Socher. Heiko said, “Well I have two jobs available. Do you want to be a janitor or a lifty?” And as a lifty, Tyler’s career at Fernie’s ski hill began. Being the early days at Fernie Snow Valley meant Tyler was able to experience many aspects of the ski hill. From driving cat to working in maintenance, bartending at the Griz Pub to helping people on lifts, Tyler wore many hats at the hill prior to settling on ski patrol. The College of the Rockies had introduced a brand new program, MAST (Mountain Adventure Skills Training) and Tyler came on board. With this education and experience, he became a raft guide for Blair at Canyon Raft by summer, and a ski patrol by winter. After six years as a raft guide, Tyler had the opportunity of building his own home. He hired his friend Brian for the job, who taught him everything he knew as he built
1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here? The skiing definitely brought me here, and it was the season of ‘92/’93. 2. Where did you first live in town? I lived right next to the funeral home, a little blue house on 4th Ave tucked into the corner of the lot. V. CROOME PHOTO
the house. Through this experience, Tyler realized he actually enjoyed the work and eventually went out on his own, with Steen Corp. As a builder, Tyler still arranges his work schedule to accommodate his true passion as a ski patroller. “The longer you are there, the more experience you have. I had the ability to learn how the whole resort works, and love that everyday is 100% different. Days flow by, and at 3pm I realize I haven’t had lunch! But obviously, the best part about the job is the skiing. We do have the luxury of skiing some very good snow!”
There are also challenges with his position. With 51 paid patrollers, 42 of whom are full time, Tyler admits juggling schedules can be challenging. The geographical location of Fernie’s hill is also challenging, with ski terrain located below massive headwalls, 85-90% of the terrain in a 100- to 200-year-avalanche path, and hard to predict weather patterns. “Every day we are trying to give people as much terrain as possible,” he says. “Right now, the conditions are challenging and it’s a challenge to get people up here to ski, but once here they realize it’s not as bad as they thought.” Not only will skiing get
3. What was your first impression? That it snows more here than it does anywhere else. The snow banks were massive, we had a metre dump in November and the snow had to be plowed into the middle of the streets – I had never seen that. Also, that Fernie is a combination of ski bums and rednecks, and as a country boy I fit right in between – it felt really comfortable. 4. What keeps you in Fernie? Well my job, I love it. But I would say friends for sure.
5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory? It was a gloomy morning and we were going up to the avalanche patrol the day we opened Polar Chair. We busted through the clouds and it was the flattest inversion we’ve ever seen. We were trying to do avalanche control while doing photo shoots. It looked like you could walk across the valley, with the sun rising. 6. What is your favourite time of the year in Fernie and why? Four years ago I would definitely have said the winter, but now that I’m back into mountain biking it’s really hard. I would say every month between January and December… 7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years? I hope it stays small, and has that small community feel. I think we’ll start seeing the Calgarians coming every weekend, moving here and commuting to Calgary. We are going to see more bodies in those empty houses with more people calling Fernie home. I also, in the future, see another elementary school. When I moved here, there were three elementary schools! Young people are sticking around, having families and calling Fernie their home. 8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals? It’s definitely coffee first thing, and usually I wake up in the dark so I find the lights, stoke the fire again for Sally, and check the mountain weather on the Internet. 9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you. Right now, people find it funny that I own running shoes and that I actually use them. 10. Quote to live by: Never leave powder for powder.
.co Be a part of the Fernie Fix’s 100th Issue - a special Collector’s Edition coming out this April Be a part of this special edition, fill out our questionnaire available at Freshies, Big Bang Bagels, Mug Shots and online at FernieFix.com or email krista@clarismedia.com to learn ways advertisers can get involved.
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Outdoor Life
N E V E R H AV E I E V E R We are both wearing full-face helmets because you never know when things will get crazy, and I’m laughing so hard at her I can hardly breathe. She slides further down the trail and I’m keeled over and hysterical.
Fatbiking JESSE BELL
THE THING ABOUT SNOW is that when there isn’t any and it’s the middle of February I’m not sure what to do.
The laughing alone has made fatbiking in the rain worth it. We bike a little while longer over rushing streams and snowy puddles before deciding that maybe today is not the best of days to try fatbiking. Soaking wet and craving hot coffees we head back into town.
So, at the risk of spending yet another afternoon in front of my television watching Law & Order on Netflix and sulking about the dust gathering on my ski pass, I suggest to my friend Kristina that we take up fatbiking.
Upon returning to the Guides Hut, Mark asks us how it was.
We head to the Guides Hut where owners Mark and Beth have agreed to provide us with bikes for our mid-winter adventure. They set us up and, in the pouring rain, we venture out onto the trails.
“We just couldn’t steer, break or pedal,” says Kristina. “We’d go straight and then it was great.”
What is a fatbike? Basically, it’s a bicycle with over-sized tires designed to get through snow. I imagine it’s quite fun, actually, when it hasn’t been raining for six days.
“I thought you guys were going to bail,” he replies.
He tells me about a Facebook group called Fernie Fatbike, spearheaded by fatbiker Martin Spencer. We talk on the phone and Martin tells me that in the last few years he’s seen an increase in the number of fatbikers on the trails.
“In the right conditions it’s definitely worth trying out,” he says. “Coming down you are riding your old familiar summer trails, but in a new way.” Kristina and I drink lattes and snuggle into a coffee shop for the afternoon. It feels good to feel tired from being outside in the rain. And the thing about snow is when there isn’t any and it’s the middle of February there is always, always something else to do. Fatbikes are available for rent or buy at the Guides Hut, Straight Line Bike and Ski and Gear Hub in Fernie.
We welcome Libby Olson from Smartscape Kimberley bringing 12 years experience of landscape design and construction to our team
Ideal. It’s absolutely beautiful, glistening diamonds. We begin biking up the trail and quickly realize that this trail is, to put it plainly, horrific for biking. I should have brought an ice axe.
We head towards the groomed trails by the Coal Creek barn and take a small
“We never bail,” I tell him, and mostly it’s true. Staying at home and watching a crime drama has nothing on fatbiking in the rain with a friend. And it’s my belief that every once in a while you need to try something new, especially at the worst of times.
When the conditions are good it’s a whole lot of fun, and he says he’s glad for the workout in the middle of winter.
250.423.1665 Info@MowAndSnow.ca
We head to Cemetery Bypass, the gateway for most of the Ridgemont bike-trail system. The trail is covered in a sheet of ice that is, in turn, covered in a layer of water.
Kristina lets out a yelp as she nearly crashes into a tree and her bike slides sideways on the trail. We spend less than 10 minutes slipping around like women in a pool full of Jell-O at a wet t-shirt contest – except we are wearing our rain gear and hiking boots – before deciding to find an alternate location.
...IT’S MY BELIEF THAT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE YOU NEED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW, ESPECIALLY AT THE WORST OF TIMES.
MARK GALLUP PHOTO
detour down a snowy hill. Kristina goes flying into the snow and lands on her back. I laugh at her expense like any true friend would. We manage to make it along Coal Creek Rd. and then bike through the forest. There are puddles everywhere, mixed with slushy snow and schmooey ground and rain on top of ice. There’s that, too.
We switch between pushing our bikes and pedalling steadily before reaching an ice-covered hill. To avoiding giving up we make our way up the hill in search of a snowier trail. Kristina, her fat bike in hand, begins sliding backwards on the trail in a slow and out-of-control motion. She can’t get a grip.
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Outdoor Life
Celebrating 25 years
IN THE TRACKS
H O T S AW INDIA BROWN ALE AVAILABLE IN 650ML AND ON TAP IN OUR TASTING ROOM
Snow Creek H OM E S
The “Penthouse” location of properties at Fernie Alpine Resort. Unbeatable ski access and hand-crafted quality. PREVIEW WEEKEND Saturday, April 4, 2015 2 to 4pm
JEFF DISPLAYING OFFSET. BOTH ARMS ARE BENT AT 90 DEGREES WHILE POLES AND THE LEAD SIDE SKI HIT THE SNOW AT THE SAME TIME | NAOMI LENTZ PHOTO
Offset Technique JEFF WILLIAMS
Six remaining two bedroom homes, appliances, furnished, Resort location. Two top floor premium units with magnificent views.
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WINTER OPENING HOURS.
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AS I WRITE THIS SUBMISSION for the March edition it feels more like spring outside than winter. I am going to ignore the fact that ski trails are closed, bike trails have streams running down them and flocks of birds are acting like it is May. This month I will focus on the offset technique. Offset is the first gear in the skating transmission and is used for climbing hills. As a skier becomes stronger and more efficient, it is primarily reserved for very steep up hills. It is one of the easier techniques to learn as it places less demand on a skier’s balance; however, it is one of the more difficult techniques to fully master. The offset technique is described in terms of the lead side and hang arm. Most skiers
will have a particular side that they feel more comfortable and powerful poling on and this will be the lead side. If your lead side is on the right your right arm is the hang arm and should be bent at 90 degrees. As you initiate poling, the right hand should be positioned at head height and a bit ahead of the body. The left hand, in this case, is lower and generally in front of the left shoulder at the initiation of the poling motion, but be careful that this hand does not creep too far across your body. The timing of offset is notably different from other skate-ski techniques as it relies on the poles being planted at the same time that the lead side ski hits the snow. When you first try this technique it is helpful to say “bam” as you plant your poles and ski on the snow. It is important to push side to side equally from each leg. Many skiers forget to push from their non-lead side leg and end up falling over to the lead side with little power. Once on FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health is freedom... Live well, Be happy!
Kristen Miller
BC Registered Massage Therapist
250-430-7244 Thursday Trivia Sunday Funday
• Therapeutic • Sports • Wellness massage 571B 2nd Ave, Fernie BC www.summitmassagefernie.com
Loralee Thomas Your Fernie Realtor. Working with you, for you. Helping you make your dreams come true!
250-423-3002 | 301 Hwy 3 Late Breakfast, Lunch Dinner, Dessert and Drinks
A Fresh New Winter Menu Just one selection from our Full Lunch & Dinner Menu
THE HIPS ARE FORWARD AND WHILE LEANING INTO THE HILL. | NAOMI LENTZ PHOTO
Enjoy Happy Hour Mon. - Fri. 4 - 6 pm, Drinks $4.50 (incl tax)
Caesars on Special All Day Sunday
Wednesday Night Special: 1/4 Rotisserie Chicken and Beer/Wine/Highball - $15
T-SHIRTS
Your One-Stop Shop for: 4 Gifts & Souvenirs 4 Books & Magazines 4 Postcards & Cards 4 Puzzles, Games & Toys 4 Lottery Ticket Centre 4 Full-Service Pharmacy 441- 2nd Ave. Downtown Fernie Tel: 250.423.4511
STICKERS
anywhere in the Elk Valley
250.430.1070 BALL CAPS
Remax Elk Valley Realty 1241 7th Ave, Fernie BC | 250.423.4444 Independently Owned & Operated
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Looking for a great caterer to host your wedding or other special event? From 40 - 1200 guests, we have you covered. 250.423.7367 - events@enjoyfernie.com
the lead-side ski, the upper body engages the poling motion and the lead side leg pushes simultaneously to transfer your weight to the non-poling side. As soon as your weight is shifted onto the non-poling side the arms begin to swing back up and forward as you begin the push-skate back onto the poling side. When your weight transfers back to the poling side the poles and ski meet the snow simultaneously – “bam.” Positioning of the hips is vital in mastering this technique. The hips should be forward and in a “high” position where the bodyweight is supported by the femur and not the leg muscles. If the hips are behind the body and low, like you are sitting in a chair, you will not get a powerful push off and you will end up using your quads to support most of your weight. Your legs will begin to feel the burn in no time. A good way to practice getting your hips high is to drop your poles and find a section of trail that has an uphill grade. Start by putting your skis in a V with the tails close together and then sit back like you are in a chair. Place your hands on your hips in order to gain a better feel of the proper positioning. From this poor position you can press forward with your knees bringing
your hips forward over your feet. As you move your hips into the forward position you will begin to fall forward from the ankles and your skis will begin to glide up hill. This is the proper body position that will allow you to climb hills efficiently. Skiing hills without poles is a good drill to help practice getting equal push from each leg. Be sure to get your hips forward and push from side to side equally off each leg. Your hips should face down the trail and slide from side to side rather than twisting to face your ski tips. Once you feel that you have equal push from each leg add the poles. Remember to slow your movements down and focus on the timing and equal push off each leg. You are now ready to dominate the Fernie ski trails that are known for having many steep and long climbs. Next month I will discuss ski care and storage for the offseason as well as some ski specific dry land training options to get you ready for next season. Fernie has some great nordic events happening in March, such as the Winter Wheezer, so check the FernieNordic.com calendar for upcoming events. FERNIEFIX.COM
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March 2015 Monthly Events
CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT WWW.FERNIEFIX.COM
SUNDAY 1.3.2015
FrancoFest @ The Arts Station, 6-8pm. Admission $10 adults, $5 children 6-17yrs, family price $25. Francophone music show.
MONDAY 2.3.2015
International Women’s Day @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm. Join the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre for a night of music to celebrate International Women’s Day. Artists include Ocean Whelan, Sandra Bay, Susan Carson and the Hark Raving Sirens. RSVP at FWRCreservations@hotmail.com , entrance by donation.
Indie Films Fernie presents Whiplash @ Vogue Theatre, 7pm
TUESDAY 10.3.2015
TUESDAY 3.3.2015
Learn to Crochet Level 2 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
German Sparkle Party @ The Royal Learn to Crochet Level 3 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
WEDNESDAY 11.3.2015
Raging Elk Dummy Downhill @ Fernie Alpine Resort Live Music: The Testers @ The Griz Bar
WEDNESDAY 4.3.2015 Crafterspace @ The Fernie Library 1-3pm Daytime Adult Programming.
THURSDAY 5.3.2015 Big Sugar Live @ The Northern, playing two acoustic sets. Tickets are $40, doors open at 8pm. Show starts at 10pm. Pretty Faces: The Story of a Skier Girl @ Fernie Arts Station, 7pm. Kick off International Women’s Day weekend with this movie, celebrating women who thrive in snow. Tickets available at www.goddessrisingfernie.blogspot.ca Learn to Knit Part 1 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
FRIDAY 6.3.2015 First Friday – Art, Food & Wine Showcase @ Parkplace Lodge, 4:30-6:30pm. Blackberry Wood @ The Royal, live alternative Gypsy foot stomp circus.
SATURDAY 7.3.2015 Fernie Nordic Winterfest @ Elk Valley Nordic Centre, 11:30am2pm. Join the FNS and Beckie Scott to celebrate the grand opening of the Elk Valley Nordic Centre in the Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Enjoy lunch, refreshments, bonfires and an opening ceremony with Beckie. The Road to the Olympics @ The Fernie Museum, with Beckie Scott. Enjoy wine and cheese and socializing with Olympian Beckie Scott. Limited tickets available for $30. www.ferniemuseum.com Goddess Rising @ Fernie Community Centre, in celebration of International Women’s Day. 9am-4:30pm by donation. Sign up for workshops at www.goddessrisingfernie.blogspot.ca Days for Girls Sew-a-thon @ Fernie Community Centre. Take part in the 8th sew-a-thon held by the Elk Valley Chapter, as part of International Women’s Day. Live Music: Jay Burns @ The Griz Bar Night Skiing @ The Mighty Moose, Fernie Alpine Resort, 4-9pm. Brickhaus @ The Royal, electronic DJ from Calgary
SUNDAY 8.3.2015 Fernie Tears & Gears Winter Wheezer @ Fernie Nordic Centre. Enjoy the fourth annual event on snowshoes and Nordic skis, fun for all levels! This year includes the Fernie Nordic Society’s Racing Rocks for ages under ten, along with options for older kids. www.fernietearsandgears.com Live Music: Jay Burns @ The Griz Bar Carrie Day Live @ Infinitea, 6-8pm
THE ARTS STATION
www.theartsstation.com info@theartsstation.com | 250.423.4842
Gallery Nick George. Exhibition continues until Monday March 23rd You’ll enjoy the range of Nick's work, from detailed working models of machines and vehicles to skillfully executed static reproductions. Also on display will be a beautiful wooden sculpture of a deer. Concerts Jazz-Turboprop. Tuesday, March 17th at 8pm. Members: Adult $15 youth $10 / Non-members: Adult $20 Youth $14. www. ernestocervini.com. Indie Films Fernie Indie Films Fernie Presents Whiplash (2014). Monday March 2nd. 7pm at The Vogue Theatre.
Ducks Unlimited Fundraising Banquet @ Parkplace Lodge, 6-9pm including raffles, live and silent auctions, and a fun evening in support of Ducks Unlimited Canada conservation. $25 SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs) @ Rocky Mountain Village. 1:00-1:45 Senior Story time. Songs and stories for old and young. All are welcome. Book Display @ The Senior's Center. 12:15-12:45pm.
SATURDAY 21.3.2015 Night Skiing @ The Mighty Moose, Fernie Alpine Resort, 4-9pm. Kokanee Retro Weekend @ Fernie Alpine Resort. Ski in your best 70s, 80s, or 90s ski gear and then celebrate in the Plaza with a live DJ and beer gardens, followed by the Hot Tub Time Machine party at the Griz later that night. The Runs @ The Royal, local punk rock band
TUESDAY 24.3.2015 Cooking Class @ Infinitea, 6pm Mr. Royal @ The Royal, girls only before 12pm Learn to Crochet Level 1 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
WEDNESDAY 25.3.2015
THURSDAY 12.3.2015
Book Display @ The Senior's Center. 12:15-12:45pm.
FRIDAY 13.3.2015
THURSDAY 26.3.2015
Ben Wilinson of NZ @ Infinitea, live at 8pm Robots vs. Aliens DJ Party @ The Royal Delhi 2 Dublin @ The Northern, back in Fernie with their new album “Turn Up The Stereo.” Kids Learn to Knit @ Heaven Boutique, 1-3pm
FRIDAY 27.3.2015
SATURDAY 14.3.2015 Griz Kidz Winter Carnival @ Fernie Alpine Resort Plaza. Enjoy activities, games and entertainments for the family, for free! Night Skiing @ The Mighty Moose, Fernie Alpine Resort, 4-9pm. St. Patrick’s Party with Oak Republic @ Parkplace Pub 7 Inches of Pleasure with Mat the Alien @ The Northern The Rumble @ The Royal, live blues rock
SATURDAY 14-3-2015 – SUNDAY 15.3.2015 Burton Women’s Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort. Learn in a fun, relaxed and all female snowboard environment!
MONDAY 16.3.2015 Kids Flowers & Pom Poms @ Heaven Boutique, 1-3pm
TUESDAY 17.3.2015 St. Paddy’s Day Party with The Runs @ The Fernie. St. Paddy's Commit House Party @ The Royal
WEDNESDAY 18.3.2015 SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs) @ Tom Uphill Manor. 1-1:45 Senior Story time. Songs and stories for old and young. All are welcome. Crafterspace @ The Fernie Library 1-3pm Daytime Adult Programming.
THURSDAY 19.3.2015 Learn to Knit in the Round @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
FRIDAY 20.3.2015 DUBnDUB Show @ The Royal, DJs from Calgary Workshops Get Your Craft On! Wire Wrapped Pendant. Saturday March 14th. 11am-2pm. Ages 12-16. $35 supplies included. Kate will show you how to make your own wire wrapped pendant using found objects! Register early at The College of the Rockies to avoid disappointment 250-423-4691 Special Events Pretty Faces. Goddess Rising in partnership with Unicorn Picnic & sponsored by FAR Summit Fund is proud to present a Goddess Rising pre-event premier screening. Thursday March 5th 2015 @ 7pm. The Fernie Arts Station. $10 ages 5 & under free. Pretty Faces is the story of a skier girl. A film that celebrates women who thrive in the snow and are committed to taking the path less traveled to accomplish their dreams. Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton. Friday March 27th at 8pm. Saturday March 28th at 7pm. At The Arts Station. Tickets: Available at
Red Cedar Book Club @ The Fernie Library. Grades 4-6 Learn to Cable Knit Part 1 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm
Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This is Stones Throw Records @ The Arts Station, 8pm with film director Jeff Broadway from Los Angeles attending screenings. Shane Phillip @ The Royal, live tribal one man band Booked! Fernie Writers' Series with John Vallant: The Jaguar's Children @ Fernie Heritage Library, 7pm. Kids Learn to Crochet @ Heaven Boutique, 1-3pm Tea and Talk Book Club @ The Fernie Library. 1:30pm
SATURDAY 28.3.2015 Developing a Home Practice @ Essential Yoga Studio, 12-3pm. Suitable for everyone, learn how to take your practice with you anywhere. Email Claire at celewis22@gmail.com to register. Night Skiing @ The Mighty Moose, Fernie Alpine Resort, 4-9pm. Art Exhibit Opening with Patti Emmerson: In My Own Words @ Inside Out Fernie Wellness, 4-9pm. Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This is Stones Throw Records @ The Arts Station, 7pm with film director Jeff Broadway from Los Angeles attending screenings. Reggae Party with DJ Cellie @ The Royal Stoke Folk The Party @ The Fernie Community Centre, featuring Shred Kelly, Lauren Mann & The Fairly Odd Folk, Party All the Time Machines, and the Hark Raving Sirens. Tickets available at Freyja and shredkelly.com.
MONDAY 30.3.2015 Learn to Cable Knit Part 2 @ Heaven Boutique. 7-9pm
TUESDAY 31.3.2015 A.Skillz with Cona @ The Northern Fernie Childcare Society AGM and Open House @ Max Turyk, 5-7pm. Everyone welcome. Learn to Crochet Level 4 @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm the door and online. Members: $9/adult; $8/youth. Standard: $10/adult; $9/youth. Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton is a feature-length documentary about avant-garde Los Angeles-based record label Stones Throw Records. The film weaves together rare concert footage, never-before-seen archival material, inner-circle home video and photographs and in-depth interviews with the artists who put Stones Throw Records on the map. Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton gives an exclusive look into the label’s left-of-center artists, history, culture, and global following. The film features exclusive interviews with Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Common, Questlove, Talib Kweli, Mike D (The Beastie Boys), Tyler the Creator, and many more. Director, Jeff Broadway will be at both screenings for a Question & Answer session after the movie. http://ourvinylweighsaton.com/ Visit www.theartsstation.com for complete information on these and other great events.
CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!
DINING, NIGHTLIFE & SPECIALS MONDAYS Wings Night @ Boston Pizza Fernie Jugs of Beer on Special @ The Brickhouse Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Pitcher and Poutine for $20 @ The Fernie Free Movie and Popcorn Night @ Infinitea, 7pm with $6 meals Mix and Match Pasta @ Pub Bar & Grill Karaoke with Topo & Special Guest @ The Royal Mani Monday Special @ Spa 901 Mussel Mondays @ The Livery with $6 glass of Proseco Pitchers and Wings on Special @ Lizard Creek Lodge Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Locals Day @ Rusty Edge, $10 Beer and Burger Massage Mondays @ Trillium Day Spa, $60 for 60 min, $90 for 90 min Ladies Night: $4 House Red or White Wine, $5 Pints of Cider, $10 Appies @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge TUESDAYS Feature Pasta and Wine Night @ Boston Pizza and Sports Bar Kokanee Bottle on Special @ The Brickhouse Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Wing Night @ The Pub Bar & Grill Date Night @ Lizard Creek Lodge, Three-course meal for two with wine for $85. Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Wing Day @ Rusty Edge, $10 Pound of Wings and Jugs of FBC on special Want to throw a Party? @ The Royal, contact jcomete@hotmail.com $12 Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Two for Tuesdays @ Trillium Day Spa, 2 pedicures for $100, 2 manicures for $70, 2 facials for $130, all
March 2015 Weekly Events
three for $275 $10 Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern WEDNESDAYS $7 Off Large Pizzas @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Rotisserie Chicken and Drink for $15 @ Bridge Bistro Night Bright with Riley J and Friends @ The Central Karaoke Night @ The Fernie Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge 1lb of Mussels @ Lizard Creek Lodge for $14.99 Wine Wednesday @ Max Restaurant with 50% off Select Wines Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Rib Day @ Rusty Edge, $10 Pound of Ribs and Domestic Bottles on Special Featured Pub Burgers on Special @ The Pub Bar & Grill Locals Night @ Loaf, 5-9pm Spoken Word/Crochet Club/Tarot @ Infinitea, 7pm Crochet Collective & Sweater Club Knitting @ Infinitea, 7-9pm Wine Wednesday @ The Livery Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam wax with any other hair removal $8 Wings, Beat the Clock Draft & Highballs and Karaoke @ The Northern THURSDAYS $3 Off Tacos @ Boston Pizza Acoustic Jam @ The Brickhouse Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Spiced Rum Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Braised Beef Poutine for $12 @ Lizard Creek Lodge Rib Night @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Bar & Grill
Free Samples @ Sweet Shop with any purchase over $5. $2 Off Appies @ The Fernie, 6-9pm 2 Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe RileyJ+Ash / Flatspin+Friends @ The Royal Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Ladies Day @ Rusty Edge, $6 House Wine or $8 for Two Ounces Hula Hoop workshops or Beautea Night with Trillium and Tarot @ Infinitea Choice of Pizza or Pasta with Wine or Beer for $15 @ Loaf Bakery and Restaurant Spring Clean Spa Day Special @ Spa 901 Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Bar & Grill House Gun Doubles $7, $5 Fernie Pints, $3 Sliders @ The Northern FRIDAYS Full Rack of Ribs for $19.95 @ Boston Pizza Brewery Tour @ Fernie Brewing Co. 3pm Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Tastings at The Tipple @ The Tipple. 1st Friday of the month only. Live Local Music @ Infinitea, 7pm TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge Welcome Night with Fresh Shucked Oysters and Bubbly @ Lizard Creek Lodge Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Prime Rib and Corona Buckets @ The Pub Bar & Grill $10 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live Bands & DJs @ The Royal, check facebook page for details Date Night Special @ Spa 901 Domestic Bottles $5 and $12 Fish and Chips @ The Northern
OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS •Dominoes @ The Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Mahjong @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Special Olympics Athletes Bowling @ Sparwood. 4pm •Duplicate Bridge Game @ The Seniors Drop-in Centre •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Swimming Lessons @ Aquatic Centre, kids under 3 from 10:30-11am •Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church, 7pm, open to everyone •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Community Climb Night @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 7pm •Ladies Night Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40/ day. charlottecwillis@me.com •Parent and Tot Fun Times @ Knox United Church, 9:30-12pm. Free program for kids age 0-6. TUESDAYS •Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre. $6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D •Crib/Whist @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Storytime @ Library, 11:15-12pm for ages 3–5. •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6:30pm •Public Drop in Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-9pm •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Knits and Knots @ Fernie Library, age 8+, drop in, 3:30-4:45pm •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Public Skating @ Fernie Arena, 10:30am – 11:15am (Free) •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Gentle Fit @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •Born to Sing and Dance @ Fernie Arts Station •Drop-in Climbing @ College of the Rockies Climbing Wall, 7-9pm •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm
Skate WEDNESDAYS •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am - noon Ages 6 months-2 years •Crib @ Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Drop in Workshop @ Clawhammer Press. 6-9pm, $30 •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre. All levels welcome, drop in for $5 •Introduction to Letterpress Printing Workshop @ Clawhammer Press, $30 6-9pm •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •Womens Drop in Climbing @ COTR, 7-9pm •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Paper, Rock, Scissors @ Fernie Heritage Library, age 10+ 3:30-4:45pm •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40 per day. charlottecwillis@me.com •Skate & Shoot @ Fernie Arena, 1:15-2:30pm •Water Flow Yoga & Tea @ Infinitea, 10:30am •Adult Programming: Crafterspace @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:303:30pm. Enjoy company while you craft during the winter months. •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm THURSDAYS •Better Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre. 1pm-3pm, every 2nd week. •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre. From 7-9pm come enjoy indoor flying and practice •Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School, 8:30-10:30pm •Mixed Boxing Competitive @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6pm •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Gentle Fit @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm
SATURDAYS Large Gourmet Pizza for Medium Price @ Boston Pizza Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Tequila Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Pizza Night @ Loaf Bakery, 5pm – close. Porketta Lunch and Prime Rib Dinner @ Lizard Creek Lodge Prime Rib Special @ Max Restaurant & Pub Bar & Grill $5 Glass of House Wine, $5 Off Bottles of Wine @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live Bands & DJs @ The Royal Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Apres Ski with Mickeys Beer and Homemade Meat Pie @ Infinitea, $12 Domestic Bottles $5, Jager Bombs $6, Steak Sandwich $12 @ The Northern SUNDAYS Kids Eat for $4.99 @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 4-6pm $4.50 drinks Brunch @ The Livery Restaurant, 9am – 2pm Brunch @ Nevados, 10am – 2pm Caesars and Homemade Pizza @ Lizard Creek Lodge Fish & Chips plus Caesars and Pints on Special @ The Pub Bar & Grill Happy Hour @ Rusty Edge, 3:30-5:30pm Men’s Day @ Rusty Edge, FBC Pints for $5 Steak & Eggs & Build Your Own Caesar Bar @ The Fernie $10 Roast Dinner @ Infinitea Orphan Night: $3.50 highballs and draft, warm dinner and ski/snow boarding videos @ The Northern Big Bender with Goffles @ The Royal
Swim
Library Program
Other
•MOMs Group @ Fernie Heritage Library, 9:30-11:30am •Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday. •Lego Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm, age 7+ registration required •Red Cedar Book Club Grades 4-6 @ Fernie Heritage Library, 6:30pm – Last Thursday of the Month •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm. •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Public Skating @ Fernie Arena, 10:30am – 11:15am (Free) FRIDAYS •Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion, 7:30pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am ages 0-2 •Lunch Bag Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, 12:15-1:30pm, age 7+ •Storytime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2-2:45pm ages 3-5 years •No School Fridays Kids Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 9:30-11am *registration required •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 7-8:15pm and 2:15-4pm on No School Fridays •Youth Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 10:45-11:45am on No School Fridays •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40/ day. charlottecwillis@me.com •Women’s Writing Group @ Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, 2-4pm. SATURDAYS •Family French Fun @ The Arts Station, 10:30-11:30am. $12/person or $5 per family member (maximum $20/family). •Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 2-3:45pm and 6:45-8:15pm SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am. •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •First Sunday of the Month Family Climb Time @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 2-4pm •Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 2:15-4pm
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Outdoor Life
HITTING THE TRAILS WITH THE FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE hibernation. He loads up his musket, aims for the sky, and to our delightful surprise we awake to a blanket of white. All frustrations are forgotten. The familiar sound of skis being waxed and scraped fills the air, snowshoes are dusted off and there is a buzz in the town as friendships are rekindled. The snow has given us a lift, a lift of hope and excitement.
MIKE MCPHEE PHOTO
Snow TOM GIBSON
SNOW HAS THE AMAZING ABILITY to affect not only our mood but also our lifestyle. It can provide us with the most euphoric feelings, leave us feeling frustrated or contemplating on winters past. Our love of the outdoors is driven by the freedom to go anywhere we want and snow allows us to experience things that we may not have previously understood. It’s the untold joy of sliding around Island Lake’s winter wonderland on our crosscountry skis or cutting fresh trail whilst we snowshoe on scenic Mt Fernie. It could be
watching our kids climb the ever-growing snow banks on the streets, or laying beside log fires, watching the flakes fall. As the first signs of winter flutter down from the sky, we feel that familiar crisp chill in the air. As snow starts to settle on the ground our inner child is released. We spend the whole night turning the deck light on, in the hope of seeing snow continuing, wondering what magical landscape awaits us when the sun rises again. Dinnertime conversations change, reminiscing about those special days when the snow just kept on falling – Champagne Tuesday anyone?
our hearts feel heavy at the mere thought of it. We are left wondering and waiting, frustrated at long days spent watching the forecast with nothing but sunny skies and the whispers of “it’ll come” and “it’s still early” from the more hopeful among us. Winter plays peak-a-boo, teasing us with the familiar taste of what we dreamt of, only to hide away again, leaving us wanting more. We stop waking up and looking skywards to see if our luck has changed, stop believing the snowflake symbol on the forecast. We carry on biking pretending we’re not bothered, even stop believing that old valley tale we once heard.
Then there is the day when those memories of fresh snow are so distant, that
When we fear that all hope is lost, suddenly the Griz awakes from his
Nothing beats the familiar early morning alarm of the Fernie Ski Patrol dropping avalanche bombs on the hill. It doesn’t take a local to know it’s been another “Fernie Factor” storm. The sense of anticipation is felt in the lift lines, strangers become friends, people create bucket lists for their day. They might not know it yet, but they are all about to create life long memories that will be spoken about for years to come. “Woops” and “holas” are heard all over the mountain as friends do what all skiers were made to do, draw fresh tracks through blankets of untouched snow! As the lifts fall silent and the hill slowly empties, tales of endless joy, face shots and new tricks are shared in homes and bars all over town. Another day in Fernie that will be remembered for years to come. Stories to be passed down from generation to generation, stories that are a credit to Fernie, the town of Legendary Powder. As the days become longer, warm temperatures melt away the snow and the bright new life of spring peaks around the corner. The short December days spent huddled around the fire at Christmas, the ice cold January mornings, the powder days of February and March and the Griz Day celebrations are fast becoming distant memories. The air is filled once more with the excitement and anticipation of a new Fernie season. Tires are pumped up and hiking boots are dug out from the basement. The next stage of the cycle starts, winter will be back before we know it, but for now… spring is here.
TRAIL OF THE MONTH Island Lake Nordic Trails Trail continues to follow the road until linking up with the lake trail 5kms away 180m vertical gain
Old Growth Trailhead 3.4km
2.7km
High Traffic Road Crossing Watch for snowmobiles & snow cat 1.9 km
YIELD RIGHT OF WAY
1.45 km
1 km
Legend Trail Trail on road Road P
Lodge Guest Parking Only
P
Employee / Public Parking
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Public Parking Information
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Island Lake Lodge Gate Winter Closure
P P
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PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL WHERE INDICATED
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TRAIL TO ISLAND LAKE LODGE FERNIE NORDIC SOCIETY MAP
We have so many amazing trails to choose from in any season but my personal highlight must be the amazing winter wonderland trails to and at Island Lake Lodge. Take some time out of your day to cross country ski, either skate or classic, and take in the mountain lake and the Old Growth trees of Fernie. The trails are groomed often; however, watch out for other traffic, snowmobiles and cats from the Lodge. To reach the site, head west from Fernie on Highway 3 and turn right at the Island Lake sign, about 3 km. Follow this road for 7 km through the Mount Fernie Provincial Park until you reach the Island Lake Lodge parking lot. The road to the Lodge is closed to cars during the winter. There is no fee for parking, but it often gets busy on Sundays. There are also numerous trails available at the Lodge, including routes around the lake. After your workout head up to the Tamarack Lodge and treat yourself to some afternoon lunch with a view. Happy Trails and pray for snow!
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Outdoor Life
W O M E N O F T H E M O U N TA I N S it helps me focus on their needs, which is important. It’s important to love climbing, but it is more important to love sharing it with people. My biggest challenge in the career was pacing myself. I would invest a lot of unnecessary stress prior to a day out, worrying about conditions and things I couldn't control all the way to stressing about running a perfect day throughout the day, that I would get home pretty exhausted with little room for other things or people in my life. It’s taken some time to find that balance so that my job still leaves me with some personal energy. Do you have any strategies or routines that help you stay motivated during times when your energy is low?
SUBMITTED IMAGE
Sarah Heuniken HANNAH GRIFFIN
ALPINE GUIDE SARAH HUENIKEN has had an impressive career in the mountains, but this past January she accomplished something especially exciting: completing the first ever successful ice climb up Niagara Falls, along with Will Gadd. On January 27, the two adventurers climbed up a 9-metrewide strip of frozen spray up the left side of Horseshoe Falls, the biggest and most powerful section of Niagara Falls. Getting permission for this feat took the team many months of planning and efforts with the NY Parks Service, and the result was a historic and visually stunning first ascent.
ON JANUARY 27, [SARAH HUENIKEN AND WILL GADD] CLIMBED UP A 9-METRE-WIDE STRIP OF FROZEN SPRAY UP THE LEFT SIDE OF HORSESHOE FALLS, THE BIGGEST AND MOST POWERFUL SECTION OF NIAGARA FALLS. Raised not far away from the famous falls she climbed, Sarah took an Outward Bound course as a teenager, and loved living each day outside. She felt really rewarded and able to live in the moment. The experience led her to work at canoetripping camps, Outward Bound schools,
and later as an instructor for NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Sarah enjoyed the intensity of working hard on long trips balanced with time off afterwards. Sarah currently lives in Canmore and is one of only ten women in Canada to have ACMG rock and alpine certifications. She runs a variety of courses, including women’s winter ice climbing courses, and also does private rock, alpine and ice guiding. What aspects of your personality do you think make you well suited as a guide? Are there any traits that you feel were important for you to develop throughout your career? I genuinely want my participants to have a good/rewarding day and to leave feeling like they are psyched and proud of themselves. With that as the overall goal,
I used to try and fight through low energy, but I think I've gotten smarter with age. Nowadays, I still get frustrated when my energy levels are low, but I've learned to listen to them and be okay with a day or two in a row of doing nothing physical and just try to let it be. Fighting low energy days usually results in more low energy days! You have made some really impressive first ascents. Were Schacun, Perseverance and La Vagane goals of yours for a while? I was fortunate enough on both those trips, to be asked to join. I didn't have my sights on these until I knew I was going there. As much as I'd like to say these are things I have dreamt about and worked hard to get to and organize, the reality is, I'm a bit of an opportunivore. What is the process of preparing for a first ascent like compared to preparing for a route that many others have done before? The preparation is the same, but the mentality is different. As a first ascent on something, you aren't ever sure of the outcome, or what you are getting yourself into. You have to be a bit more malleable
A little behind in your cleaning?
and determined because there will likely be more stumbling blocks and unknowns that will slow the process down. You also have to trust your abilityfor to the handle those Company coming holidays? unknown factors that come your way and that usually comes with experience. Fernie’s #1 How did you and Will physically prepare for that route? Are there any ice climbs in your area that Fernie's mimic that climb on#1a smaller professional scale?
cleaning
Will and I had company spent last winter putting up nowpitch in Helmcken a 7-pitch M12 is multi Falls with Johnoffering Freeman and Katie Bono residential – an area that Will had spent a bunch of cleaning time in and was sort of the first area where services climbers explored Spray Ice. Niagara Falls was similar to this place in terms of the ice quality and also the landscape of climbing so near to a big spraying waterfall. We also both spend a fair amount of time hanging on our tools in the gym and ice guiding, so physically the climb felt well within our ability.
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What is your mental state like after a hugely demanding climb, like Niagara Falls? It was a powerful place, and there was a fair amount of pressure to see the day through safely. That was probably the most exhausting part. Knowing that we had the first legal permit and there were a lot of people watching and needing the day to run safely. There is amazing climbing potential down in the gorge there, and we knew that the success of our day would either help or hinder the chances of that area getting opened up down the road. What did you do the day after you scaled Niagara Falls? The day after we climbed Niagara, I flew home. I was really excited about a climbing day I had planned with some friends to climb Nophobia... a 5-pitch M10+ route that I wanted to get done. It was worth going back for! FERNIEFIX.COM
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Fernie Fix Summer Guide 2015!
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Contact us today for more details on the 2015 Fernie Fix - Summer Guide email: krista@clarismedia.com or call: 250-423-4062 for more information or visit www.ferniefix.com
Outdoor Life
A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F A L I F T Y
Traditional Fernie MIKE COTTON
LAST MONTH’S COLUMN focused on what it’s like for a lifty to be working on one of Fernie’s epic powder days. This month I fully intended to focus on what it’s like for lifties to be working on a powder day when the hill is at its quietest, but as the conditions this season have been challenging to say the least, I wanted to touch on what Fernie is “traditionally” like during the months of February and March. After Christmas, Fernie heads into a relatively stable pattern of quiet midweek shredding and steady weekends (with a couple of exceptions, including BC and Alberta Family Day Weekends) but for the most part the ski hill ticks over steadily but by no means busily. Everyone has their own definition of busy, but, for me, I simply compare Fernie to my two seasons in Keystone, Colorado – a busy day at high altitude meant 20,0000 people on the hill and a two-hour wait to get on the first chair. The longest I’ve ever waited for a chair in Fernie, on a Cedar Bowl/Snake Ridge powder day, is about 15 minutes. Fernie, on average, receives up to 11 feet of snow, some years we see more snow, others less. This year it seems to be less, admittedly much less. Looking at some snow stats from previous seasons confirms this. Check out Craig Morris’ webpage www.redtree.com for Fernie Alpine Resort’s average snowfall with month-bymonth breakdowns. As spring inches its way ever closer, a lifty’s daily routine doesn’t alter too much, there is always work to be done, digging out a maintenance chair, working on the ramp, bumping chairs and hopefully shovelling lots of snow. However, one major difference is lifties will soon be skiing to work at sunrise as the days start earlier and earlier – the dark days of December and January are a fading memory.
What does this “slow-down” mean for the working lifties? It’s hard to say what Fernie is like during certain months of the season, it varies so much. One year may see a slow start followed by non-stop snow from February. While other years see snow from early December and a day or two break in between, but consistent snowfall. Fernie, more than any other ski hill I’ve worked at or ridden is at the mercy of the weather Gods. One thing that doesn’t change though, is the need for lifties and the work they do. For the lifties this quieter period offers a chance to take advantage of one of the major perks of the job. A perk that is earned and one that every lifty will grab with both hands when offered – a ride break. A ride break is the chance for a liftie to strap into their board or skis and join the general public for a lap. As the season progresses lifties develop a routine on their laps, some go for a long lap while others will maximize where the snow will be the deepest. This perk allows lifties to share in the same euphoric joy everyone feels on a powder in Fernie. Lifties have to endure a lot, the early starts, the cold weather, the backbreaking work, and last month the Pineapple Express. They do so because a ski season in Fernie is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
SKIRCR PHOTO
This is the final month in the Life of a Lifty column. Thanks for reading. I hope you’ve discovered a little of what a day in the life of a lifty is like. See you on the hill next season and remember to smile at your lifty.
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Health and Lifestyle
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SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST
Toll Free: 1-877-423-8650
Elk Valley Realty Ltd 1241 7th Ave. Fernie, BC Office: 250-423-4444 Independently owned and operated
marilyn@marilynbrock.com
www.marilynbrock.com
e s tat e s
F I T T O P L AY
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Below Assessed Value! DCC’s Paid by Developer!
SOLD
Lot 2 .17 acres $139,900 Lot 3 .15 acres $134,900 Lot 8 .25 acres $199,900
SOLD
Rocky Fudge
BEFORE YOU BEGIN READING, you may want to download James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing” and hit play because this is all about how to get up and get moving! Following the current ParticipACTION health model of being more active, more of the time, here are some helpful strategies.
At Work • Change up your position from sitting to standing as much as possible. This can include standing while talking on the phone, taking a stretch break every hour (set an alarm!) or walking over to give a message rather than emailing. A stand up desk is ideal. • Try to have more active meetings, go for a walk if you are meeting a small group, and encourage standing or stretching during meetings. Heck, feel free to have a quick push-up contest mid meeting.
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perfection!
• Plan active lunch breaks; have a quick meal and then walk it off. During the day, keep your eyes on any smokers and take the same break as them only walk around the building instead of smoking.
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• Drink water. This may also get you going to the bathroom more, which means getting up offa that thing!
Travelling/Commuting
Buy 1 full slice of fudge and get a 1/4 slice free!
• Whenever possible, park at the far end of the lot so you have to walk farther.
Expires March 31, 2015
• Stretch or fidget while you are sitting to increase movement of your body.
581A 2nd Ave., Downtown Fernie • 250.423.2680 • OPEN DAILY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED. BUSINESS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, CALL 250-423-8650
TAKE A MINUTE AND STRETCH | V. CROOME PHOTO
• After you have arrived somewhere, take 1-2 minutes and stretch at your car.
Hanging Out • Limit screen time to two hours. Stand up or do some ab exercises during commercials. Try standing and stretching while watching your show. • Wii Fit or JUST DANCE. These games rule as they are hilarious and active! Note: when playing Wii, use your strap… I once destroyed a brand new flat screen TV Wii bowling with the remote! • Get a pedometer and set a daily goal. This may mean you have to do an après dinner walk to meet your distance.
• Plan. The more activities you plan, the more active you will be! Try a ski date, a hike through the snow or go tobogganing with friends. • If you are meeting someone for dinner, walk or ride your bike there or plan to do an activity with your friends after or before your meal. (ie. Snowshoe up to Island Lake.) • Shovel rather than snowblow. Hopefully March will be filled with snow and you can have all sorts of snowy adventures that will get you up offa that thing, trying to release that pressure!
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Health and Lifestyle
Is There Value in Doing a Spring Cleanse?
provide encouragement when needed. Eliminate: coffee, sugar (and sweeteners), dairy, any grains other than brown rice or quinoa, soy, fruit (except lemon), alcohol, meat, eggs, and anything that you suspect you might have a sensitivity to (if it hasn't already been listed).
DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.
THERE ARE TOXINS ALL AROUND US – in the air, in our water, in the food that we eat – and our bodies have an elaborate detoxification and elimination system that helps to neutralize these toxins, and clear them out of our bodies to prevent them from doing harm to us. Unfortunately, like everything in our body, the organs that support this detoxification and elimination don’t always work optimally. The idea behind a cleanse or a “detox” is to support these organs to allow your body to clear out its toxins the way it should. Like most things that exist within the realm of natural medicine, cleanses are not well studied. RCT’s (randomized controlled trials) are costly and it would be difficult to design a study to determine the benefits of doing a cleanse or detoxification. The research will come, but in the meantime, we know that a lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that something is untrue, and it is up to you to determine whether or not your perceived benefits of doing a cleanse bring value to the process. Until relatively recently, there was resistance around the idea that nutrition was even relevant, despite the fact that nutrition is biochemistry, a science, and there is much research to support the importance of certain nutrients that exist in our food. Simply put, food is medicine, in as much as you can improve upon or diminish your health merely by adjusting what you put into your body as fuel. Doing a cleanse is simply improving upon what you eat, in an effort to enhance an already pretty great process within your body, and to support the organs that promote that process. You don’t need a
H E A LT H , N AT U R A L LY
V. CROOME PHOTO
GO SHOPPING BEFORE YOU START SO THAT YOU HAVE YOUR FRIDGE STOCKED FULL OF “YES” FOODS. box of supplements, or a book to tell you what to do. Do a food-based cleanse, and juice if you like. If you cleanse in a foodbased manner, you are much more likely to carry on some of your cleansing habits into your regular diet because truthfully, a cleanse is just a really clean, healthy diet. Every time I cleanse, I carry something forward with me. The first time I did a two week cleanse, I came away from it without that little sweet tooth I had. I had completely lost my taste for it. Here are the bare bones to my basic, food-based cleanse. I suggest doing it for a minimum of seven days, and use the time to nurture yourself. Stick to mild exercise, like walking or yoga, and if you have ever thought of incorporating some meditation into your life, this is the time. Go shopping before you start so that you have your fridge stocked full of “yes” foods. If you have a busy week, prepare some meals in advance so you don’t go hungry and if you can, find a cleanse-ing partner so you can prepare and share meals, or even just check in with each other over the phone to
Eat: fresh vegetables, quinoa, brown rice, olive oil, lemon water, nuts and seeds. Eat your vegetables raw, or lightly cooked, and organic if possible. Start your day with a protein shake, but find a protein powder that is unsweetened or lightly sweetened, and ideally find one that provides you with your basic vitamins and minerals. Mix with ice/water, and berries if needed. Stay hydrated, and ensure that you are eliminating regularly. If you are not, add in a fibre supplement to keep things moving on through. If you feel like your liver could use an extra boost, then feel free to add in some liver supporting herbs, such as milk thistle. Find one that is the standardized extract, and ideally from a reputable company. Thorne Research Inc. is an example of a supplement company whose emphasis is on doing research on their products, and ensuring the quality and efficacy of everything that they sell. There is no harm in doing a cleanse, particularly a food-based cleanse that is not designed to deprive you or leave you feeling depleted. Doing a cleanse like this every few months will actually just encourage you to check in with your diet and see where you can clean things up a bit. Starting out with a cleanse will actually make it easier to incorporate your changes long term. I do not recommend doing a cleanse during pregnancy, and be very cautious if you are on medications. A cleanse (even if you are eating regular meals) will change your metabolism, which may impact your medication’s efficacy. Please let your doctor know before you start a cleansing program. Eat your way to a healthier you this spring! FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health and Lifestyle
N O U R I S H T H R O U G H N AT U R E
Re-wilding
Cauliflower Rice
KRISSI HYLAND, RHN
1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped (discard the core)
FERNIE’S GRIZ REMINDS ME of a more wild, rugged version of ourselves. This month’s recipe is inspired by the Griz for its snow-like appearance and wild concept: cauliflower rice.
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil ½ cup onions, chopped small
¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped (optional but so good) Sea salt and black pepper to taste. - Place cauliflower in a food processor and pulse until it has a grain-like consistency, do not add too much at a time. Important note: depending on the size of your food processor you will need to do this in batches. You can also use a blender. Place the cauliflower in the blender and add water to just cover. Turn on high for a few seconds, or until desired consistency (check often). Pour into a fine strainer and drain thoroughly
1. Get outside in the wild often, away from the electro magnetic frequency of your cell phones and Internet and connect with nature.
3. Drink living spring water that comes out of the aquifers just below our feet. (Learn more at findaspring.com.) Another point I found interesting is that the introduction of agriculture influenced a diet high in grains. Now, I’m not hating on grains, because there are some great benefits to eating whole grains – especially wild rice – but I do believe that convenience foods and our grocery stores are overly abundant in refined grains. Our bodies respond better when the bulk of our carbohydrates are from vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fruit because these foods are naturally occurring in the wild
all winter long
2 cloves garlic, minced
Want to ignite your inner Griz? I have been reading a lot about the re-wilding movement and would love to share some interesting points that I have taken into my own lifestyle. The re-wilding idea is that we are now a domesticated species and need to begin reconnecting with our wild being and eating in a more natural way. Connecting and educating ourselves about our surroundings is very empowering, and something that most of us have lost touch with. This re-wilding idea truly personifies and motivates a holistic lifestyle. Ways you can start re-wilding today:
2. Eat a variety of foods in their whole form. They are more nutrient dense and easier on our digestive system. Focus on local and wild foods. Try making a meal with zero refined foods.
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KRISSI HYLAND PHOTO
OUR BODIES RESPOND BETTER WHEN THE BULK OF OUR CARBOHYDRATES ARE FROM VEGETABLES, SWEET POTATOES, AND FRUIT BECAUSE THESE FOODS ARE NATURALLY OCCURRING IN THE WILD IN THEIR WHOLE FORM. in their whole form. You can do this by replacing the grain in you dinner with more vegetables! I have never heard someone say, “Man, I ate too many vegetables today.” This recipe changed my relationship with cauliflower. My lovely father Bruce (the iron chef of bottled sauces, overcooked
chicken and instant rice) used to boil every vegetable until everything vegetable about it was gone, meaning no matter the shape, they all tasted the exact same to me – gross. (Side note: love you Dad, thanks for putting food on the table.) Now you can understand why I love raw vegetables so much. This recipe is light, filling and can pretty much replace grain in any dish. One of its best attributes is that you can make a big batch and freeze for future use! Although cauliflower is a cultivated species of Brassica oleracea, re-wilding believes you should eat from as many species as possible to seek genetic diversity in your diet. Plain and simple: eat a variety of different colours of vegetables and fruits. Take what you want from this re-wilding idea, in the end it’s all about learning and trying new things. Enjoy and go try something new!
Downtown Fernie www.givershirts.com
- In a large pan heat up coconut oil, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. - Add the garlic and cauliflower rice and sauté for 6-8 minutes. - Remove from heat and season with sea sat, black pepper and the fresh cilantro. - Serve hot. Large batch freezing tip: This does not have to be cooked before freezing. Just place straight into a Ziplock bag. Make sure there is little to no air in the bag before freezing. To prepare, thaw on the counter and follow heating instructions above.
Dreaming of a warm getaway this winter? Unwind in comfort and style with a pair of prescription sunglasses!
FERNIE 250-423-4467 BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 ELKFORD 250-865-2022 FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health and Lifestyle
TA L E S F R O M A N U N E X P E C T E D Y O G I
Action for the Sake of Action
way into the body, the experience is just beginning to crack open. Lying just beneath the physical body is Pranamaya kosha – the breath or lifeforce. The breath is described as the gateway to the soul. It links the manifested plane with the un-manifested plane. Once the body has the form of the pose we then receive the breath with awareness to explore the attics and basements of our body.
HEATHER IVANY
SHUTTLE & CHARTERS FERNIE, B.C.
UNTAIN HIGH O M
SHUTTLE & CHARTERS Calgary Airport Shuttle: 3 times each week guaranteed Cranbrook Airport Ski Resort Transfers Custom: Corporate, Weddings, Staff Events Powder Chaser Ski Shuttle: Fernie's local transportation. See full schedule online.
STEPHEN MITCHELL’S RENDITION of the Bhagavad Gita contains this excerpt: “Act with no thought of results, open to success or failure. This equanimity is yoga.” Ah, if only. I have a longing for this state when I read this passage. I love how it begins with the word act. Not sit back, chill out and don’t care about life. It’s a calling to act for the sake of action. To give full ambition, attuned focus, and be open to success or failure. Imagine the possibilities if we conducted ourselves without being motivated by the potential positive outcome. If we no longer prevented action because we were inhibited by the fear of loss or negativity. This is not a state of nirvana specific to priestesses and monks. It’s happening every moment in nature. Take for example something as random as snowflakes. Snowflakes are fleeting and temporary. They are symmetrical but they are not perfect. Their awesomeness is revealed when we peek up close and study their crystallized formation. Every random branch of a snowflake is unique and tells its history of that singular journey, travelling from the sky down to earth. They arise from the nothingness and dissolve back into it only to be reborn in another shape and size. There is no clinging to the cold or disappointment if they melt the instant they reach the asphalt. Nature provides a beautiful illustration for us to absorb the wisdom that is whispered on the everyday. Transmuting the cyclical lessons of nature and its ability to act for action alone into our yoga can transform our practice. Begin by setting the mind to practice for the sake of practice… with no other means. Then add to your tool kit the layers outlined below and begin to witness the potential shift in perspective.
Becoming more subtle is Manomaya kosha – the mental body. Chemistry released through brain invokes certain feeling tones and emotions. Attention to this layer allows for residual tension to be moved through the body creating space for a more expansive mind and body.
LESLIE PRENTICE PHOTO
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES IF WE CONDUCTED OURSELVES WITHOUT BEING MOTIVATED BY THE POTENTIAL POSITIVE OUTCOME. IF WE NO LONGER PREVENTED ACTION BECAUSE WE WERE INHIBITED BY THE FEAR OF LOSS OR NEGATIVITY. In Eastern anatomy the layers of the body are referred to as the Koshas. Like Russian dolls, each metaphorical “body” is contained within the next moving from periphery to core. They are a benevolent reminder that the experience of yoga is like a lattice that goes up and down, in and out, side to side. The first layer of the body is Annamaya kosha – the physical body. It is here that a pose is aligned through safety and direction. Yet once a pose winnows its
The charting continues to entrain into the subtler fields of Vijanamaya kosha – the wisdom body. As the first three layers begin to syncopate in your yoga practice, a different feeling arises as your wisdom body comes alive. All of a sudden you are not just trying to survive or breathe in a pose, but a shift inside you occurs, as if the spirit of the pose starts to emerge. Anandamaya kosha – the bliss body is the fifth layer in the body. There is a feeling of wholeness and integration, even if you are only there for a moment. This is the radiant core where unconditional love and communion with life arises. The beauty of this body system is that it is a network of communication in relationship with itself with no hierarchy. We may need to ground into our physicality so that we can cope with life circumstances. We may need to get out of our own way and allow the freedom of expansion to enter. There is no climbing of the ladder or eternal destination, only the present moment awareness. To practice for the experience of practice. To then act for the sake of action and maybe eventually we can love with no strings attached. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health and Lifestyle
BLUETOQUE
open daily: 9am - 3pm closed: tuesday + wed.
250 423 4637 - 601 1st Ave
AROUND THE WORLD
LOOKING FORWARD TO GIVING YOU A NEW SPRING STYLE AND COLOUR! PLUS waxing, lash extensions, gel nails, manicures and pedicures.
MIRROR IMAGES HAIR STUDIO 250-423-7615 • 991 7th Avenue
• COLD BEER • WINE • LIQUOR
Fernie Massage for your wellbeing
• deep tissue, sports, relaxation and hot stone massage
Come in and pick up your cold beverages for Griz Days!
• healing shiatsu • now offering lymph drainage therapy
Karen Scott
Ask us about our Rewards Points! Earn points and redeem for merchandise.
250-423-6522 / 1641 7th Avenue Conveniently located on Highway 3, beside Boston Pizza
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
9am-11pm, including holidays
250.423.0155 601C - 2nd Avenue Downtown Fernie, BC
Book online
www.FernieMassage.ca
REBECCA HALL PHOTO
Frozen Landscapes REBECCA HALL
I DON’T MAKE A LOT OF LISTS, but I do keep a running tally of my favourite frozen places as I visit them. There are a few that have been bumped off the list and many still to discover, but here’s my top five right now:
Meribél, France I grew up in Scotland and rode the chairlifts at Aviemore in the summer but I
didn’t learn to ski until I was 23, and then it was in France. A week of events led me to pack everything I owned into a £200 Volvo and drive to the spectacular French Alps to become a chalet girl. I learned to ski, busted my knee and fell in love with winter. Founded in 1938 by a Scottish Colonel, Meribél is arguably one of the prettiest ski resorts in the world thanks to regulations that require exclusive use of natural, local stone and wood building practices; and with over 180 lifts serving 600 marked runs covering 400 sq. km, the Trois Vallées is the largest interconnected ski area in the world. It was an incredible place to start the journey that led me to Fernie. Les 3 Vallées should be on your bucket list.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, USA After being unceremoniously dumped off an Alaskan ferry at 2am, two friends and I drove to a campground near Juneau and set up camp. Not favouring the hard gravel pad, we stumbled into the gnarled forest and pitched our tents on soft moss in the dark. When morning came, I poked my head out of the tent to the most incredible view. Icebergs floated past just a few metres away on Mendenhall Lake, which lapped at the shore just feet from our tents. In the distance, the glacier rose straight out of the lake. If you ever have the chance to drink your morning coffee next to a glacier, I highly recommend it. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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the mountain is my dog park
Health and Lifestyle
MARCH
but the effort is worth it for the incredible stalactites, frozen waterfalls, lakes and icy walkways. I loved discovering this strange place in one of my favourite countries.
Events & Activities March 1 - Raging Elk Dummy Downhill March 14 - Griz Kidz Winter Carnival March 14 & 15 - Burton presents: "Weekend at Fernie's" Women's Snowboard Camp March 21 - Kokanee Retro Weekend
Noddy Bay, Canada
Spring Registration Fair
MARCH SPECIAL 20% off all Eminence facials Call 250-423-2057 (ext. 1014)
Open Daily 8:30am - 4:30pm Get your gear here!
Stratton PLUMBING, HEATING AND SHEET METAL
Thredbo, Australia
Don’t miss the Fernie Leisure Services Spring Registration Fair taking place at the Fernie Community Centre this April 1st and 2nd from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. You will find opportunities to sign-up for community programs, sport groups and more! Contact sharon.switzer@fernie.ca to book your FREE table.
Industrial • Commercial • Residential
250.423.4778
• Custom Duct Work • New Installation and Remodelling • Furnaces & Hot Water Tanks • All Plumbing Fixtures • Radiant Heating Systems • Gas Fireplaces • Full Sheet Metal Shop & Installations • Quality First certified • Licensed and Bonded
Six hours south of Sydney lies Australia’s snowy mountains. While not as large as nearby Perisher, Thredbo offers the highest lift-served point in Australia, the longest ski run at 5.9km, a total of 50 runs and 14 lifts. Cosy, slopeside accommodations and a lively yet casual atmosphere make a Fernieite feel right at home, and after wading out of a gully full of twisty snowgums, you’ll never complain about alders again. Three feet of fresh powder kept me happy for several days, but it was the wombat under my chairlift who stole the show. Moose are cool, but it’s hard to beat a wombat dancing in the snow.
Eisriesenwelt, Austria
1502 10th Avenue, Fernie BC V0B 1M0 Fax: 250.423.4771
791-2nd Ave 250-423-4332
I’ve covered this place in a previous column, so it’s enough to say that it was worth travelling 6000km to the northern tip of Newfoundland to visit the spectacular icebergs that arrive each summer. This beautiful, unspoiled corner of Canada is full of fascinating geology (including the Gros Morne Tablelands), history (start with L’Anse aux Meadows) and scenic hiking (everywhere); the icebergs really are just the tip of it.
the SPA at Lizard Creek Book your spa treatment today!
AROUND THE WORLD
Fernie Aquatic Centre 250.423.4466 Facility Inquiries 250.423.2245 www.fernie.ca
High in Hochkogel Mountain, about 40km south of Salzburg, is a hidden wonderland of ice and limestone. The “World of the Ice Giants” is accessed by a steep track and a cablecar leading up from the valley floor to the mouth of the cave. Once inside the 42km cave, the ice is beneath your feet, over your head and everywhere else, rising and twisting in beautiful formations. Only about the first kilometre can be explored by visitors
I hope this little compilation is enough for Griz to know that while I might have a list of favourite snowy, icy and frozen places, Fernie’s the one that stuck – so bring on the snow!
250-423-0007 Take-out or Delivery!
Exciting menu additions as well as your old favourites Delicious vegetarian offerings and healthy options 10 flavours of hand-tossed chicken wings Call or go online for new & returning Daily Specials
Order online using our website or App
Our new App offers online ordering, a loyalty program, full menu, regular giveaways and awesome spur of the moment specials!
Follow us on Facebook & check out our brand new website:
ElkValleyPizza.com FERNIEFIX.COM
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Health and Lifestyle
Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
SKI RENTALS & SALES
YOU’VE GOT MALE
Over the Hill ADAM K. MACDONALD
FREE GIFT
For all new patients receiving their braces for the first time!
SKI SNOWBOARD WINTER BIKES X-COUNTRY
ERLEND HAUGEN PHOTO
SNOWSHOES
Inquire at the clinic for further details.
Dr. Karl Peach LOCATED AT SNOW CREEK LODGE ON THE SKI HILL 5258 Highline Drive • 250-423-9252 • www.fernieskirentals.com Open Daily 8:30am - 4:30pm
691 1st Ave. 250-423-6444
St. Paddy’s Day Tuesday, March 17th The Runs playing from 9:30pm... No cover!
Tons of Giveaways! St. Paddy’s Day Drink Specials all day and all night Happy Hour: 8 - 10pm
292 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC
250-423-6838
dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Wing Night!
1/2 price Appys
Entree Special
Burgers & Beer
$7 lbs of wings all day long! House prepared in a crispy gluten free coating.
Enjoy our Appetizers at 1/2 price every Tues. from 5 - 10pm.
Buy 1 entree & get your 2nd entree for 1/2 off! Wine by the glass - $5.
$10 Burger & a Beer $4.75 Pints of Fernie
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
WEEKDAYS
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
$10 Fish & Chips
Lunch Special
$10 Fish Tacos
Breakfast & Pasta Specials
Members meat draw and jackpot draw every Friday! Ask your server.
$8.99 Lunch Special Monday - Friday 12 - 2pm
$10 Fish Tacos and Quesadillas. $12 Jugs of Cariboo.
$10 All Day Breakfast & $10 All You Can Eat Pasta from 5 - 10pm
FERNIE IS A SKI TOWN and it is filled with talented skiers and snowboarders. I am neither. I can ski and I can snowboard. But I am hesitant to say I am either because it might give the false impression that I can do anything more than get down the hill in one piece. I enjoy downhill skiing, but I have a confession to make… I prefer cross-country skiing (gasp!). One might think this preference is due to age, but I have always felt a stronger draw to the sport of crosscountry skiing. I love Fernie powder, but not for the same reasons as most Fernie residents. I love breaking my own cross-country trail and having all the snow to myself while so many others flock to the ski hill. I feel like I’m in on a secret. I love that my powder doesn’t get tracked out nearly as fast. Then there’s the cost and the accessibility. I can just throw my long skinny skis on and hit the local trail. No line-ups, no lift tickets, I don’t even have to get in the car if I don’t want to. I can go any time of day or night. Even the gear is comparatively inexpensive. While out cross-country skiing, I feel closer to nature. I feel solitude and I feel peace in knowing that my environmental ski-print is a light one. I can go for an easy glide and pay attention to the sights and sounds of nature, or I can push hard and lose myself in the physical exertion. Perhaps even more than alpine skiing, cross-country skiing can be as relaxed or as challenging as I make it. I have never been cut off by another cross-country skier. I have never been stuck on a chairlift cross-country skiing. I have never forgotten where I put my cross-country skis in a rack full of hundreds of other skis.
NORDIC TRACK AT THE FERNIE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB | V. CROOME PHOTO
Also, (other than groomed tracks) I can bring my whole family cross-country skiing, including my one-year old. My wife and I can chat without having to stop moving. I can even bring my lovable Lab and watch her enjoy the snow. That might seem like a small one, but it is one of my favourite advantages of cross-country skiing. Adrenaline is not my thing (though there can be plenty if I point my narrow crosscountry skis down any steep terrain!). I enjoy leisure and I feel good about exercise, but I rarely feel the need to leave the ground or to go super fast. I still enjoy the occasional day of alpine skiing. However, as I get older I feel more and more “over the hill” (pardon the pun) and okay about confessing my preference for the cross-country trails.
Y A M A G O Y A FERNIEFIX.COM
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Bits and Bytes
Internet Radio Oil Change
get lubed in Fernie 250 - 423 - 0748 easyoilchange.ca 4th annual
winter wheezer
tears & gears fernie, bc Sunday March 8, 2015 Open to adults and kids. Great prizes!
Taking place at the Mount Fernie Provincial Park, utilizing the amazing trail network for the snowshoe portion and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre for the Nordic Ski. This is a non-profit event supporting the Fernie Trails Alliance and Fernie Nordic Centre.
Visit www.fernietearsandgears.com
KEVIN MCISAAC
I'M A FAN OF RADIO. I know, radio seems archaic in the age of “I've got a million songs on my iPhone,” but I like it. I like that I can just turn it on and listen while I do other things. It's a pleasant distraction from other distractions. Of course, living in the Elk Valley, means there's a limited palette of radio. I enjoy the stations we get here, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something else. When I am, I turn to the Internet, of course, where radio is experiencing a boom like no other since Guglielmo Marconni was a household name. Virtually every over-the-air radio station is also broadcasting on the Internet too. They can do this, because the technology for broadcasting a streaming audio signal is not only mature, but inexpensive, and easy to set up. There are also literally thousands of Internet-only radio stations. These only broadcast on the internet. Internet-only stations tend to be extremely specialized, but a few are more like the usual general broadcast stations. There are plenty of ways to get Internet radio. My preferred way is with Radio Sure. Radio Sure is free, but available for Windows only. There is a pro version as well, if you want to support a great product. It comes with a large database of radio stations that is updated regularly. As of today, it has 28,488 stations listed. It's easy to search. It makes it easy to save favourites. You can “skin it,” meaning you can change its look and feel. It even supports recording of stations. With 28K stations, it's almost a certainty that there are a few stations here you will love. If you're only interested in Canadian radio stations, then it's worth taking a look at www.canadianwebradio.com. It lists over 600 radio stations in Canada
I LIKE THAT I CAN JUST TURN [THE RADIO] ON AND LISTEN WHILE I DO OTHER THINGS. IT'S A PLEASANT DISTRACTION FROM OTHER DISTRACTIONS. that are broadcasting on the Internet. It's broken down by genre and province. The only shortcoming with this site is that while it has done a great job of compiling all the stations, actually listening to them is a bit trickier. In many cases, another program that supports Internet streaming is needed. If this is true of the station you'd like to listen to, I recommend either FooBar2000 or MediaMonkey, but VLC will also do in a pinch. MediaMonkey in particular has a bunch of stations from IceCast built in. Speaking of IceCast, you can find plenty of radio stations to listen to at dir.xiph. org. If you're really keen to start your own station, IceCast has software to do that too. An alternative to IceCast, if you're interested in starting a station is ShoutCast. www.shoutcast.com is more limited than IceCast, but easier for beginners to get started. Back to listening. If you're a CBC fan like I am, then you'll love the fact that not only does CBC stream all their stations online, they also stream all the timezones and almost all their shows independently. It's truly an amazing resource. If you're an early riser like me you'll enjoy the Radio Australia, BBC and Ireland's RTE. Or, my favourite, tuning into CBC St. John's morning show. A few other good spots on the internet for radio: tunein.com. This site supports broadcast and boasts of 100K radio stations. It does require you to create an account first; slacker.com has a limited palette of stations, but it boasts human
THE ANSWER GUY
created playlists instead of computer created. It has paid versions as well, if you want to skip ads; songza.com is huge right now, thanks to their excellent iPhone app. Songza will suggest playlists based on the time of day and your activity. I find it's occasionally awesome, but more often misses the beat I'm looking for; spotify. com is also very popular. Its free version has ads, but plenty of content. You can pay a bit and skip the ads and listen to music offline. If you just want to click on a web page and listen to a well-made Internet radio station I highly recommend radioparadise. com. It is a donation-run site with great music. Happy Computing. www.radiosure.com www.foobar2000.org www.mediamonkey.com www.videolan.org ELK VALLEY’S PREMIERE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE & SUPPORT COMPANY
• Wired & Wireless Networking • Onsite or Service Center Support • Web Design & Hosting Service • Business Solutions & Support • 24-hour Emergency Service • Full service RICOH dealer (Copier Sales & Installation)
• Axis IP Cameras Sales & Installation • Computer Sales & Support (Servers, ETC) • Full service Allworx Dealer (Telecommunications & VOIP) • Control 4 Certified Dealer and Installer
992 8th ave (entrance on 10th St), Fernie BC Email: info@isosceles.ca Phone: 250.423.1037 Fax: 250.423.5558 www.isosceles.ca
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March Horoscope CLAIRE SIMMONS
Aries (March 21 - April 29) Physical Strength
Your body is craving to be used to its full potential! Give your body the attention it desires and focus on strength training. You do not have to begin an arduous work out routine. Instead, tune into your body and listen for the appropriate way forward for you.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Surrender and Release
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Let go, so that what you release can be replaced by something better or be returned to you healed. When you hold on tightly to a part of your life that's not working, it has no room to change. Whether you're unhappy with your love life, finances, career, home or health, let go. If you're willing to open your hands and allow the situation to be freed, one of two situations will occur: either it will be replaced by something better or it will heal in a miraculous way.
n Conversational Spanish
Mar 2
n HSRC Mining Supervisor Safety
Mar 13
n Haul Truck Operator
Mar 2
n Forklift Certification
Mar 14
n MS Powerpoint 2013
Mar 2
n Microsoft Onenote
Mar 16
n Introduction to Quickbooks
Mar 3
n WHMIS
Mar 17
n Wordpress
Mar 3
n St John Standard for Industry
Mar 18
n Canadian Red Cross CPR A
Mar 4
n TDG
Mar 19
n CORE Hunter Training
Mar 6
n Hoisting and Rigging Safety
Mar 21
n FOODSAFE Level 1
Mar 7
n Vermicomposting
Mar 21
n Avalanche Skills Training 1
Mar 9
n Occupational First Aid-Level 3
Mar 23
You're deeply connected to the earth and so when the earth is going through changes, you feel it too. If you feel a bit off lately, it's okay. Know that you're just sensing the earth's evolution.
n Outlook for Time Management
Mar 9
n Presentation Skills
Mar 23
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Focus
n Confined Space Awareness
Mar 11
n Airbrakes
Mar 27
Think about what you want, not what you don't want. Guard your thoughts carefully because they create your experiences. Sometimes it seems that our thoughts choose us, but this is never the case. We always choose our thoughts - every moment. Our thoughts have an effect, and there are no neutral thoughts. One-half second before you hold a thought, you decide to hold it. So, with practice, you can learn to monitor and alter your thoughts.
n Occupational First Aid-Level 1 n H2S Alive Mar 13 Would you like to Teach for us? Then we want to hear from you! We are always looking for new instructors and new classes. Tell us about yourself in an email to fernie@cotr.bc.ca
For full information on upcoming courses or to register: Phone: 250.423.4691 or Visit: www.cotr.bc.ca/Fernie
Mar 28
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Connection
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Guide Be a guide for others this month. You have an innate ability to recognize where people are coming from and where they are going. Help them stay on a path that's true to themselves and you will be helping all of humanity.
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Visionary This month you are being asked to expand your vision of the future. Use your imagination to create different possibilities for yourself - even fantasy futures that don't seem possible at the time. By exploring the potential available to you, you will see new paths on the horizon that were once hidden from view.
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Dreams Coming True Your heart's desires are manifesting into reality. At this moment, you may be seeing glimmers of your dreams coming true. These dreams are in transition, and are solidifying into material form. Know that you deserve this new abundance and that with it will come much joy to you and those in your life.
M O N T H LY H O R O S C O P E S Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Passion Passionately bring to life your vision. Unleash yourself in activities that bring you alive. Dive headfirst into all of your endeavours this month and fuel up with outdoor adventures along the way. Find a friend to team up with and get inspired!
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Satisfaction Time to reap the rewards of your effort. Recognize your achievements in the past year and feel the satisfaction that comes from dedication and hard work. Take time out and have fun this month!
Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Magic Your life is enchanted. There's magic everywhere if you're open to experiencing it. Take time this month to connect with what's magical for you - whether it’s fun with friends, time in nature, spending time with kids, or that yoga class you love... Discover the magic of the everyday.
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Clarity This month, expect to have a spark of insight that will bring clarity to a problem that you've recently spent a lot of time thinking about. With this newfound clarity, you'll start to see the world with fresh eyes and the truth will be revealed in unexpected ways.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Support You have a large support team surrounding you. There are the obvious ones that you draw upon regularly but there are so many more secondary ones that you may be taking for granted. For instance, your barista or the farmer that grows your food. Be mindful of all the people it takes for your day to run smoothly.
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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE There are seven differences between these two pictures. See if you can find them. MARCH WORD SCRAMBLE
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FIND THE
2015
Somewhere in this issue is a little Griz pin. Can you find it?
FEBRUARY WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS heart, love, hug, smile, friend, nice, pink
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