Elk Valley Ultra

A high-vert, technically challenging 50k trail race, encompassing some of Fernie’s best single track trails and jaw dropping views.

Course Route

Course starts and finishes in Fernie and is 50km (ish) and 2,700m of elevation gain. Get ready for Fernie’s best single track and a whole lot of jaw dropping views

Course GPX

Leg 1 is the longest and has the most vertical, going from town, up and over Mt. Fernie, and continuing down to the bottom of the Old Growth Trail. It’s the most rugged Leg with exposed rocky sections but gives the chance to explore Fernie’s backcountry.

Vertical climb: 1,500m
Distance: 23.5km

Leg 2 has some challenging climbing, more great views and some fast, flowy single track in the shaded Provincial Park.

Vertical Climb: 300m
Distance 12km

Leg 3 is a final grunt to the end. There is another big climb that at this point in the race seems endless. You will backtrack a short section (give high fives to fellow runners!), meander up the power line road and connect to P9 for the persistent climb to the top of Moccasin. Once you’re here, it’s mostly all downhill.

Vertical Climb: 900m
Distance: 18km

Race Weekend Schedule

Friday July 23 – Downtown Fernie

4-7PM: Mandatory Racer Check-in, Location TBD

Saturday July 24 – Fernie (Start/Finish)

5AM: Couldn’t make it Friday? You must pick up bib and sign waiver IN PERSON, by 5.30AM.
5-5.30AM: Place Drop Bags in respective TA1 and TA2 vehicles.
6AM: Race Start!
10 AM - 5PM Late Registration for Headwall Hustle at the Start/finish Area of the Elk Valley Ultra
12PM: Leg 1 (TA1) cutoff (6hrs).
3PM: Leg 2 (TA2) cutoff (9hrs).
1-7PM: Post-Race Dinner
4PM: Awards and Draw Prizes at the Finish Line
6PM: Course Closes. Leg 3 (Finish Line) cutoff (12hrs).

Sunday July 25 - Fernie Alpine Resort Plaza

7-7:30AM: Final Call for Bib Pickup
8AM: Race Start!
11AM: Awards
1PM: Course Closes

FAQs

What is the course like?

1

This course is not for the faint of heart! The first leg brings you up Mt. Fernie and into the alpine. You wind through rocky, steep single track in Fernie’s backcountry before making your way into the Provincial Park. There are stream crossings and even more climbing along some downhill biking trails. There will be around 2,700m of elevation gain over the 50km(ish) route!

What gear do I need to race?

2

We recommend carrying a minimum of 2L on each leg of the race. This time of year is usually quite hot and many folks wish they’d have brought more with them. Additionally, we recommend fuel, electrolytes, an emergency blanket and a lightweight jacket. Bear spray is highly recommended as you will find yourself moving in the alpine at dawn and in very remote areas of Fernie. Poles would be most useful on Leg 1.

Where should I stay?

3

July is a very busy time in Fernie and accommodations tend to book up very quickly. There are a collection of hotels, AirBnbs and camping options all within a 5 min drive to the start line. Hotels include: The Best Western, Park Place Lodge and the Fernie Fox. Camping includes Mount Fernie Provincial Park, Coal Creek Camping, and Fernie RV Resort