Best Fernie Mountain Bike Trails for All Abilities • A Local’s Guide

Fernie’s endless mountain bike trails are one of the main reasons we moved here over two years ago (and another reason why we still call Fernie home). But with so many trails, picking the right ones for your ability can be quite confusing.

There are six distinct areas for mountain biking in Fernie in addition to the Fernie Alpine Resort, and each one of them is quite different from the next.

While we use the standard Green/Blue/Black grading system here, I’ve found that these grades can have a huge range of difficulties, especially for beginner/intermediate mountain bikers.

In this post, I have given a short explanation about each of the different areas, plus broken down the best mountain bike trails around town for beginners, low intermediate, high intermediate and advanced riders.

That being said, many of the trails have plenty of fun features for all abilities so I’ve marked the trails that are just as good for higher skill levels with an asterisk.

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Quick Summary

Here is a link to the full summer trail map for Fernie where you will find all of our mountain biking and hiking trails and below is a quick table with my top picks of the best Fernie mountain bike trails for each skill level listed from easiest to hardest. I’ll go into all the details with plenty of trail recommendations throughout the rest of the post so make sure to keep reading!

Each of the different mountain areas is labelled on the map below, but to see a full explanation of what you can expect from each one, make sure to scroll down and read the next section in this post.

NOTE: Most mountain biking trails in Fernie are shared use which means you may encounter hikers, however not all hiking trails are suitable for biking.

Fernie Mountain Bike Areas

Montane & Castle Mountain

The Montane area is a great starting point for anyone visiting Fernie for the first time. The lower trails are all fairly moderate with easy green and blue trails of varying difficulties. Most of the trails lead to the Montane hut where you can sit and enjoy the incredible view (pit toilet and tables are available here).

The trails get progressively more difficult as you move up from the hut towards the Castle Mountain area with Hyperextention being a popular black trail for more experienced mountain bikers.

Note that all the trails in this area are shared use and it’s not uncommon to find hikers along the way. Just make sure to yell out every so often so you don’t come face to face!

Ridgemont / Fernie Ridge

If you’re looking to get in some quick but fun laps, Ridgemont is the area for you. This area of town is quite a lot quieter than Montane but the trails are just as good, especially for lower-intermediate riders.

The lower section of this area (Ridgemont) is mostly located in a forest with winding, techy trails that have enough flow to make everyone happy.

Once you get up to the Fernie Ridge area (not to be confused with Mount Fernie which is on the other side of the valley), the trees open up and you’re rewarded with some great views and more difficult trails.

Morrissey Ridge / Microwave Towers

IMPORTANT: This area is currently closed due to logging work. Please check Trailforks for updates.

While most of Fernie is geared towards the enduro/trail style of riding, Morrissey Ridge is where you will find our main shuttle trails.

Unfortunately, the Microwave Towers (very top of this area) are no longer accessible by car due to the 2021 floods, however, the lower section is usually accessible for shuttling from Cokato Road.

Everything on Morrissey Ridge is best for upper-intermediate/experienced mountain bikers.

Mount Fernie Provincial Park

Mountain biking in Mount Fernie Provincial Park is again, another totally unique experience. Here you will ride amongst super tall trees that are hundreds of years old with plenty of undergrowth to soften any falls.

There’s something magical about the Provincial Park as it’s almost always completely silent with no car noises to be heard. The trails here are mostly intermediate and a mix of tech and flow.

You may notice that I have split this area into Mount Fernie Provincial Park and Mount Fernie (either side of the road). This is because the two areas are quite different when it comes to mountain biking.

Something to note about riding in the Provincial Park is that some of these trails are quite old and as they are not the most popular, may not be maintained as frequently.

Mount Fernie

What I have labelled as Mount Fernie is the area north of the Island Lake/Mt Fernie Road, opposite the Provincial Park.

This side of the park is a lot steeper and consists almost entirely of black/advanced mountain bike trails.

This area is a local’s favourite spot where you can expect some steep lines, big features and plenty of tech.

Proctor

There are a handful of mountain bike trails at the base of Mount Proctor, all of which are suitable for high intermediate to advanced riders.

Access to most of these trails is via “Swine Climb” which is quite a difficult up with lots of tight, steep switchbacks. This accent is why many of the trails in the area are rated as black trails, despite being more like dark blue descents. That being said, Swine Flu is one of the most popular trails in Fernie!

NOTE: This is the only area in Fernie where you cannot bring dogs due to the area being used for cattle farming.

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1. Best Mountain Bike Trails for Beginners in Fernie

*= Still fun for more experienced riders

Coal Creek Heritage Trail

While this one is not really a mountain biking trail, I decided to include it in the beginner’s list as it will still be interesting to some of you.

The Coal Creek Heritage Trail is mostly flat and wide with some occasional hills as it meanders in and out of the forest. Along the way, interpretive signs share snippets of Fernie’s history, adding a unique educational twist to this scenic ride. If you can get a ride to the far end, you could even enjoy a mostly downhill flow back to town.

Easy Beaver

Families, beginners, and scaredy cats (like me), this is the first proper mountain bike trail you should try in Fernie. It wasn’t my first trail but I wish it was as it is super wide, has a very gradual incline, big corners and a nice gravel surface.

You’ll get a nice mix of forest and trees as you ascend and will be rewarded with an epic view from the Montane Hut. From here you can return the same way for a fun and smooth downhill, or pick another trail for a more challenging descent (the one I recommend is the upper section of Montane Blue).

In winter, it turns into a groomed multi-use trail, so it’s a solid option year-round regardless of whether you’re mountain biking or fat biking.

Lower Eco Terrorist

For something a little more technically challenging but still not too steep, head over to the Ridgemont area and try out Lower Eco Terrorist. For the first try, turn off to the left before Queen V starts and just do the lower section (there’s also a bench here if you need a rest after the up).

Once you’ve mastered that, cycle back up and continue to the top of Queen V (a little more challenging of an up) and have a go at the rest of Lower Eco-Terrorist (turn left at the branch).

Kiddy Down*

A great quick lap if you’re riding with kids, Kiddy Down is a fun flowy trail with some solid berms, a few jumps and some sidehills that will help develop your balance. It’s a good one to build into longer loops around the area if you’re looking for a fun ride.

Montane Blue*

Montane Blue is a classic loop that highlights everything the Montane area has to offer. This 11 km singletrack ride is full of small, avoidable features like berms, bridges, and gentle jumps, making it a fun one for all abilities, weaving in and out of the trees for a beautiful day out.

I recommend riding it clockwise starting from Easy Beaver and stopping halfway for a break at the Montane hut.

If you continue on with the full loop, know that there will be some uphill in the last part as the trail actually dips down and then comes back up in elevation. If you prefer to avoid the up, go back the way you came from the hut. There will be a short up at the beginning then it’s all downhill.

New Roots*

When you’re ready for a little more of a challenge, try out New Roots. Despite the name, there isn’t a crazy amount of roots on this trail but there are some bigger ones to pay attention to.

Mostly, this trail has a pretty consistent gradient with a handful of switchbacks that will test your progression. When you reach the intersection with Hyper Vent, turn around and ride down the same way you came before moving onto the Old Roots section as an alternative down (listed under lower-intermediate trails).

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2. Fernie Mountain Bike Trails for Low Intermediate Riders

*= Still fun for more experienced riders

Roxy Roller

Roxy Roller is mostly used as a fun connection from Eric’s Trail to the top of Space Unicorn but with its variety of wooden features and side hits, I thought it deserved its own spot on the list. I always see it as a fun break between being scared on Eric’s Trail and before tackling the Space Unicorn corners as everything is rollable or has a ride-around.

Old Roots*

Old Roots is a classic trail that’s been part of Fernie’s mountain biking history for years. While its name hints at a rough ride, it’s not as root-heavy as you might think

As a downhill, it’s an absolute blast with flowy ups and downs and not much to be scared of. I like to skip the lower section and connect to the upper portion of Montane Blue for a full descent back to the trailhead.

Sidewinder*

Sidewinder is one of my favourite techy mountain bike trails in Fernie at the moment as I feel it has a good level of challenge and fun for my abilities.

The trail winds through the forest with the occasional root drop, tight switchback and narrow single track to keep it interesting. Towards the bottom, you’ll pass through an old cut block which gives you some great views and flowy turns before spitting you out on Ridgemont Avenue.

Uprooted*

Once you’ve got a handle on riding over roots, Uprooted should be your next challenge! I wouldn’t recommend using this as an up as it is quite a lot steeper and root-ier than New Roots but it sure makes for a fun down.

From the Roots/Hyper Ventilation intersection, continue climbing on Hypervent a couple hundred meters until you see Uprooted peal off to the left. Don’t worry, even though Hypervent is a black trail, this first section is actually easier than some of what you’ve already ridden on Roots.

Space Unicorn*

Another Fernie Favourite, Space Unicorn is definitely a fun one for all abilities, especially if you love berms! Seriously, this trail is full of them!

There are a few steep, tight corners (something I struggle with) which is why it’s on the higher end of this list, but these shouldn’t be a problem for kids on smaller bikes.

The best feature of the trail is definitely the wooden loop-de-loop as I like to call it. The first time you see it, it may look way scarier than it is but it’s simply a big left turn that takes you underneath your own path!

Eric’s Trail*

When you’re ready for a challenge, Eric’s Trail is a good step up from everything I’ve recommended before now. The top of the downhill section is quite steep and loose with one particularly prominent root which creates a little drop that can be terrifying to nervous riders like me. But that being said, every time I ride it I always have to remember it’s not as bad as it looks and once you’re past this short stretch the rest of the trail is super fun!

I like to connect it with Roxy Roller and Space Unicorn which makes the entire ride a flowy lap with optional jumps and other man-made features.

Lazy Lizard*

Lazy Lizard is easily one of Fernie’s absolute must-do trails for everyone!

It is important to note that this is both an up and a down trail, with a high volume of traffic, so take extra care and call out regularly to alert other trail users of your presence.

Winding through an old-growth cedar forest, this smooth, machine-built trail has a bit of everything; bridges, berms, scenic lookouts, and the amazing Island Lake Lodge as a treat at the top.

The reason I don’t call this a beginner trail is that it’s long (17 km round trip and 600 meters of elevation gain)! The first time I rode Lazy Lizard, I was so tired from the up that I didn’t really get to enjoy the down. The next time I was much more prepared and loved every second of it.

TOP TIP: I highly recommend the ice cream sandwich at the lodge!

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3. Top Trails for High Intermediate Riders in Fernie

*= Still fun for more experienced riders

Trail Dogs*

This is undoubtedly the best flow/jump trail in Fernie and nearly anyone will have fun here. While I’ve put it in the higher intermediate category due to some of the berms being quite steep, it’s also super doable for low intermediate as all the jumps are rollable. While they may be a little intimidating, the berms are super well-built.

It’s designed to be accessible for all skill levels, but advanced mountain bikers will appreciate the chance to push their limits on all of the tabletop jumps. Just make sure to take a moment to scout the trail—it’s built for fun, but the speed can sneak up on you.

NOTE: This trail can be shuttled via Rifle Range Road but this access road has a gate at the bottom which is only open in summer.

Oh Dear

If you’re enjoying the techy/flow of the Ridgemont area, Oh Dear is a great progression for intermediate mountain bikers. Head up Deadfall but take the turn off to Oh Dear instead of continuing to the top.

This downhill single track has a few steep drops and rooty sections that will keep you on your toes and generally the farther you go, the better it gets. There are plenty of spots to enjoy some speed, balanced with technical sections that add just the right amount of challenge.

Y’Eddy

Y’Eddy is a great introduction to Swine Flu (next on the list) and I highly recommend trying this one first if you’re a newer mountain biker. It shares an up track with Swine Flue (Swine Climb) which is quite the challenge (even for more experienced riders) thanks to its endless tight, rooty switchbacks.

Thankfully, Y’Eddy turns off about halfway up (via Mad Cow), so you can save some of your energy for the fun flowy descent. It’s packed with swooping berms, smooth turns, and a few steeper spots to keep things interesting.

Swine Flu*

Once you’ve mastered Y’Eddy, you will know exactly what you’re in for with Swine Flu. The first half of the up (which you will have done on Y’Eddy) is the majority of the difficult switchbacks but the climb continues for another few steep kilometres to the top for an epic view. Make sure to snap a picture with the pig if you’re doing the Trail to Ale challenge!

But the descent is the reason this is one of the most popular mountain bike trails in Fernie. Similar to Y’Eddy (but better), Swine Flu is a high-speed, flowy ride filled with berms, small root drops, and endless twists and turns. The descent is more of a dark blue rating but the trail as a whole is rated as a black due to the tricky ascent.

Eric’s Trip

Not to be confused with “Eric’s Trail” from earlier in the article, Eric’s Trip is a challenging black single track with a bit of everything. This makes it great for higher intermediates wanting to push their skills.

You’ll find a few steep techy bits and plenty of man-made features like jumps, drops, and wooden structures. Don’t worry, they all have ride-arounds if you want to scope it out first. Beware that there are a couple of sneaky ups and a pretty flat ride out at the end but all of this is worth it for the flowy, fun ride.

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Megahurtz – Old Goat – Happy Gilmar*

This is the most common route for mountain bikers wanting to ride back to town from the Fernie Alpine Resort and can be a fun lap if you have someone to shuttle you up there. If not, access is via the Gorby trail in the provincial park which will climb up and join View Trail in the resort.

The descent starts off with the steep, root-filled challenge of Megahurtz and as you drop through the shadowy forest, you’ll find some tight, technical sections. As you head onto Old Goat, the trail opens up slightly with more manageable roots and switchbacks leading into Happy Gilmar, where freshly reworked berms and dirt jumps create a playful, fast-paced finish. This full descent is perfect for riders who love a bit of everything.

(For more of a challenge take New Goat, filled with typical Fernie fall line steep fun)

P9 (Project 9)

Project 9 (also known as P9) is another one of the Trail to Ale trifecta making it super popular amongst locals. The climb is a tough grind, but the descent makes it all worthwhile.

You’ll find two trails at the start of the down. The right trail is more techy and leads into the trees, the left trail is a big straight steep section into a catch burm. You can pick whichever one suits your style but the left is generally easier, just more intimidating.

From here the trail gets more flowy as you descend and includes a roller-coaster-like section with short flats followed by fun drops. Towards the end, most people like to join up with Lazy Lizard for the ride out, just make sure to check your speed as this is a beginner trail.

Brokeback

While you can connect Brokeback with the top of S-Bomb (Slunt) for a longer ride, the top section of S-Bomb is pretty steep and loose, making it not worth its while for most people.

But the ride up Hedonism which joins to Brokeback via a short section of S-Bomb is a great loop if you’re looking for some big jumps and a solid trail. While I’ve marked it as a techy trail, you’ll still find plenty of bermed switchbacks and fun smooth sections to get your speed up.

Red Sonja*

The up trail to get to Red Sonja really lives up to its name. Phat Bastard is a hard techy climb but the fun flowy descent makes it all worthwhile. From Phat Bastard, head across Powerline Road toward Mushroom Head and you’ll find the entrance just to your right.

Now get ready to enjoy a fun trail with plenty of packed berms and wooden features. There are a few standouts like a wooden bridge over an old car and a big gap for the brave.

NOTE: Everything on Morrissey Ridge is Upper-Intermediate/Experienced but there’s currently no access due to logging.

4. Advanced Mountain Bike Trails in Fernie, BC

Hyperventilation / Hyperextension

The final ride in the Trail to Ale, Hypervent & Hyperextension are crowd favourites here in Fernie. This is another one that would be okay for high-intermediate mountain bikers but requires a lot of stamina for both up and down.

NOTE: This loop is usually known as Hypervent but in reality, Hyperventilation is the up and Hyperextension is the down.

The trail starts with a mix of roots, twists, and steep sections that will take all of your focus, before easing into smoother terrain and a fun final stretch through Roots Extension. The ridge-top views at the start are stunning, but once you drop in, it’s all about the ride. The descent is fast, technical, and packed with variety, making it one of Fernie’s best mountain bike trails.

Slunt/S-Bomb to Brokeback

Great views and a long descent are your motivation to endure the tough slog to the top of Slunt (officially named S-Bomb). But once you are ready to head down, all of this will be thoughts of the past as you get ready for a long, flowy, rooty joy of a trail.

While it’s marked as a flow trail, I hope you have your suspension dialled because it’s a BC forest and big roots are bound to make plenty of appearances. Other than that, this long, fast, swooping trail carves its way down with tight berms and buffed single track that will leave you grinning.

Verboten

Verboten is a technical challenge right from the start, with rocky terrain, roots, and small drops to keep you sharp. But once past the tricky opening, the trail mellows into a long, enjoyable descent that eventually connects to Gorby.

You can access the trail from the Fernie Alpine Resort or via the Provincial Park by taking Gorby all the way to the bottom of Cedar Bowl You’ll find a right turn here (Red Tree Road) which will bring you to the top of Verboten.

Contra

If you’ve already ridden Trail Dogs and are looking for a similarly well-built trail, Contra weaves in and out of the same area with even more speed and bigger jumps.

Packed with berms, tabletops, and smooth turns, the stunning views along the way are just the icing on the cake. But before you go full throttle, take a moment to scout the features, some of them are bigger than they look!

NOTE: This trail can be shuttled via Rifle Range Road but this access road has a gate at the bottom which is only open in summer.

Dirt Diggler (CURRENTLY CLOSED)

IMPORTANT: This trail is currently closed due to logging work in the area. Please check Trailforks for updates.

Now we’re getting to the big guns of Fernie. Dirt Diggler starts all the way at the microwave towers and has nearly 1,000 meters of descent over just 5 km. In other words, it’s steep!

In the past, there was a shuttle road all the way to the top via Coal Creek and Matheson Creek Roads. Unfortunately due to a bridge being washed out in the floods a few years ago, there is no longer vehicle access and the only way up is an incredibly long slog by pedal power. This also means that help is nowhere near if anything goes wrong so this is not the trail to show off on.

But for those of you who put in the effort to tick off this Fernie classic, you’re in for breathtaking views and a wild, unforgettable ride. The upper section features loose, rocky terrain with limited traction, while lower sections offer better grip and banked, natural corners that add to the thrill. Near the bottom, riders are rewarded with a stretch of continuous jumps that are perfect for catching air.

Big Money

To end the list with a bang, many people say Big Money is the best trail in town. Whether you agree or not, it’s certainly going to be a trail you never forget. Be prepared for a super long, hard climb and steep techy down. Big Money is a trail that demands effort but delivers in spades.

For the ascent, you can either tackle the brutal Bear Chutes or take a longer route via Riffle Range Road, both of which require a lot of stamina. But then starting from a ridge viewpoint, the decent trail begins with narrow traverses and loose switchbacks that hint at the challenge ahead. Once the real descent begins it’s a steep, loose ride from one loamy corner to the next, no stopping here!

For those who crave technical, fast, and loose terrain, Big Money is worth every ounce of effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Bike Trails in Fernie

Well, I hope you’re feeling inspired to hit the mountain bike trails in Fernie. I only got into mountain biking properly since living in Fernie but I can tell you that there’s a reason this town attracts so many visitors during the summer!

I’ve created this list with the help of many more experienced mountain bikers of Fernie, so if you have any suggestions of what I should add to the list, feel free to leave a comment below!

As always, if you’re planning a trip here, also make sure to check out my other Fernie articles for more local secrets!

Have fun!
Kate

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