FERNIE’S AVALANCHE AWARENESS AND DEMO DAYS RETURNS FOR IT’S 9TH SEASON!

Jan 10

Each January, something special happens in Fernie. Riders, families, dealerships, volunteers, and safety professionals come together in the mountains — not just to ride, but to learn, connect, and strengthen a culture that defines snowmobiling in British Columbia.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026 the Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA) will host its 9th Annual Avalanche Awareness & Snowmobile Demo Days, a signature winter event that has become one of the most respected gatherings of its kind in the BC snowmobile community.

Held at the Coal Creek Rolling Hills Cabin, this free, family-friendly event offers a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of snowmobiling culture in one place. Riders can demo the latest machines from all three major manufacturers — Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Arctic Cat — making it one of the only events in BC where all three brands are available to ride side by side. It’s a chance to test new technology, ask questions, and get a feel for different sleds in real riding conditions.

Just as important, Avalanche Awareness & Demo Days puts education front and centre. Local safety partners including Fernie Search and Rescue, Avalanche Canada, and Elk Valley Snow Shepherds will be on site throughout the day. Through hands-on demonstrations, gear displays, and transceiver practice, riders can sharpen essential skills and better understand current snowpack conditions in the South Rockies.

Avalanche safety carries particular meaning in Fernie. In December 2008, an avalanche incident in the Harvey Pass area claimed the lives of eight riders from nearby Sparwood. In the years that followed, a provincial Coroners Review called for a stronger, more collective approach to avalanche education within the snowmobiling community. That moment became a turning point — helping shape BC’s modern avalanche safety framework and leading to initiatives like Avalanche Canada’s Field Teams, who now play a critical role in snowpack and weather data collection as well as public outreach across the province.

Avalanche Awareness & Demo Days reflects that legacy. Over nine seasons, the event has raised thousands of dollars in support of Avalanche Canada, while fostering a welcoming space where learning and stoke go hand in hand.

More than anything, this event celebrates community — the volunteers who groom trails and build shelters, the professionals who support rider safety, and the families who keep the next generation connected to winter in the mountains.

If you’re looking for a winter experience that captures the heart of snowmobiling in BC, Fernie’s Avalanche Awareness & Demo Days is it.