Elk Valley Ultra 2021 – Route Info

Tomorrow, July 24th was set to be EVU 2021 race day. And while the 2021 race wasn’t to be, there are many runners keen to test out the new route over coming weeks. This is great to hear, but also comes with a few important messages surrounding both land use and safety.

If you are planning on running the EVU 2021 (new) route, tomorrow or in coming months, please read the below in full. To ensure you have purchased the necessary Trails Passes to support/access these trails, and know the Route.

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TRAILS PASSES

There are TWO passes which you need, to run this route!

Firstly, your Fernie Trails Pass, from the Fernie Trails Alliance. This pass raises invaluable funds for trail maintenance, and assists in strengthening land owner relationships – as you sign your digital waiver when you purchase your pass. Yep, there are Day Use and weekend passes available on top of Annual options – so works for all types of trail user and visitor.

Please purchase a pass, before you hit the trails, via the below link.

Secondly, as you’re on Fernie Alpine Resort Trails, you need a multi-use trails pass. This pass needs to be purchased, and a waiver signed IN PERSON at FAR Guest Services. So, if you are running Leg 2 or 3, please head to the Ski Hill and purchase this $5 pass before you hit the trails – then you’re good to go. This pass covers you for a whole year.

Read all about this new pass, at the below link, then head to Guest Services to purchase.

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THE ROUTE

The 2021 route is similar to our previous route for Leg 1, with a very different Leg 2 and 3. Below is a break down of each Leg, with Trailforks link + important notes.

LEG 1:

Start: Annex Park. Finish: Old Growth Parking. Length: 20.5km. Ascent: 1,480m.

Please note: This is the toughest leg of the race, with exposed sections, accessing high alpine and backcountry trails. As with any trail use at this time, the Province of BC is slammed with wildfires, with all helicopters helping in the fight against wildfires. This means, if you need assistance from a helicopter, you are pulling one off a wildfire. PLEASE BE AWARE, STAY SAFE and DO NOT ADVENTURE OUTWITH YOUR COMFORT LEVEL AT THIS TIME.

Please also be aware of road crossings on the busy, dusty Island Lake Lodge road. Race day there are marshals, but until then, please cross with caution.

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LEG 2:

Start: Old Growth Parking. Finish: Fernie Alpine Resort. Length: 17km. Ascent: 556m.

This is the easiest of the three legs, utilizing the rolling, shaded trails of Mt. Fernie Provincial Park.

Please note: This is a new leg, so we aren’t 100% sure of the distance. It may run long, it may run short! We’ll make adjustments pre-race day, but don’t be surprised if it’s a little off from the below Trailforks route!

You are on some busy multi-use trails, popular with bikers. Please be aware and make noise. If you are travelling in a large group, please make it easier for fellow trail users, and hop out the way.

Again, there is a road crossing near the end of the Leg, please be aware.

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LEG 3:

Start: Fernie Alpine Resort. End: Fernie Alpine Resort. Length: 14.2km. Ascent: 815m.

Please note: This leg is all on Fernie Alpine Resort’s property, utilizing their hiking trails. However, there are lots of bikes at the Ski Hill, moving fast downhill – please be aware of this and look both ways at ALL TIMES!

Please ensure that you follow the below Leg 3 proposed route (yes, it may well change a little for 2022 race day as again, this might run long or shot), and ensure you stay OFF ALL BIKE TRAILS. And ON hiking trails, noted in the below route. Please note the change which brings you down from Megasaurus on BIKE THIEF – to ensure you are on open trails, and not on biking trails.

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BE SAFE + SMART

As mentioned, he Province of BC is slammed with wildfires, with all helicopters helping in the fight against wildfires. This means, if you need assistance from a helicopter, you are pulling one off a wildfire. PLEASE BE AWARE, STAY SAFE and DO NOT ADVENTURE OUTWITH YOUR COMFORT LEVEL AT THIS TIME.

Please also note that you are taking on this run at your own risk, on your own steam. Stag Leap is not responsible or reliable for your actions.

Thanks all! We appreciate you adhering to the above. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. And we look forward to seeing you at our 2022 race.