The Tunnel Creek Hut
The Tunnel Creek Hut may be basic, but it's home to some of the best tree skiing on the planet.
Just outside Fernie you'll find Tunnel Creek. The hut is easily accessible for people at a range of skill levels and is home to incredible tree skiing.
Vital Info
Capacity: 6 People
Location: 11U 640534E 5467587N
Access: 5km and 750m of elevation gain, mostly on logging roads.
Swank Factor: Medium - There's heat, a two burner propane stove and some pots and pans. Things are well used, but functional. The outhouse (as of January 2017) is in serious need of love though.
Getting There
Drive to Fernie. Once there, head South for about 20km. You'll go through an old Tunnel (hence the name) and then you'll see a pull-out on your right. Park and head past the obvious gate and up the logging road. You'll immediately have to cross a creek. Follow up the logging road (crossing occasional creeks) until a series of switchbacks at about 3.5km up the road. Leave the road at the third switchback and head straight up the drainage to the hut another 1.5km or so to the hut.
The hardest part is finding the actual hut, but tramp around and you'll find it in a large clearing.
What's There
Basic, heated hut. There's a wood burning stove, with wood. The kitchen has a two burner propane stove (and propane) as well as a few pots, pans, cooking tools as well as plates, mugs, etc.
Once You're There
Straight North of the hut are great trees that you can ski on a low vis day. North-West of the hut you'll find Planetary Peak which has a great North-East facing bowl. West of the hut you can follow the drainage to more North and South facing tree lines. Lots of options.
BOOKING THE HUT
Get in touch with the Guide's hut in Fernie. They'll take your money and reservation.
Cost
A pretty reasonable $110 for the full hut (including a $10 booking fee that goes to the Guide's hut for the hassle).