My response? “No. No one is really asking for them. My enquires seem to favour lifestyle portrait photography”.

Her question got me thinking because I really really REALLY love photographing people doing an activity they are passionate about. And I would like to do more!

That means I need to be better at sharing my work and getting a little more marketing-savvy.

Maybe these pictures can give you a wee nudge to think about what you, your kid, or your family unit loves to do and set up your own Adventure photography shoot.

I’m just an email away leanne@borntoadventure.com

About this Adventure Photography Shoot

When wild ice is ready, it’s ready. Around these parts it might only be in condition for a day before it snows. A quick check of forecasts, schedules and a call to my friend to see if her daughter wanted to come skate for my camera and it was all go!

My lovely subject is a figure skater and this was her first time skating outside on a lake.

Gosh, golly, dang it was fun! We were each in our element – her on ice, me behind my camera.

We had the lake to ourselves for about an hour and then just 4 other people showed up when we were nearly done so it was all-around PERFECTION

If you are looking for more information about Silver Springs and how to get there, check out the link here

If you need a better understanding of ice thickness and safety check here

And lastly, if you want to know a bit more about how an Adventure photography shoot works, check out these two articles:

A Photo Adventure: Going with the Flow

The Photo Adventure Experience

Students graduate in the spring

Some people may think that you must get grad photos taken then or it’s too irrelevant, or detached from the event.

We couldn’t coordinate a good time in the spring. We got a few rushed photos before grad, some at the grad party, and then summer busyness happened.

In the fall we went to Lake Louise for a camping weekend

It rained. It snowed. Sometimes the sun shone. Without a care about the weather, we hiked and canoed. The grad dress was always rolled up in the backpack, just in case.

We got to the Lake Agnes teahouse and it was freezing. The wind whipped us and the sky dropped sleet. We munched on our yummy ‘mountain bars’ purchased from the teahouse as we huddled under a tree. It seemed as though we wouldn’t linger.

I didn’t want to leave so fast though! I got the girls to stand in front of the lake with the stunning mountain vista for a quick few photos, bundled in winter gear and raincoats.

What happened next?

I couldn’t believe it! The storm blew over in an instant, the sun shone warm and that dress needed to be released from the pack!!

A wonderful transformation happened behind a large boulder; from hiker-girl to grad-girl. Who needs a dressing room, mirror, curling iron, or shoes? Even a little sweat doesn’t matter; photos don’t smell. They are pretty forgiving

The whole scene was vibrantly spectacular. It was my dream shoot amongst the larches and mountains. My grad was a good sport, putting up with my ‘it’s so gorgeous exclamations’ and general zealousness for my photography craft. I stopped for her sake. Indeed, being bossed around for an hour and a half is quite enough!

It’s not conventional to have graduation photos in the fall

however, I like to make my own pictures not colour between the lines of someone else’s.

Fall Graduation Photos in Lake Louise?!

Yes please! I’m your photographer gal. If you have an unconventional idea for photos, I would love to help you make it happen.

More Graduation Photos?

Graduation Photos in Fernie: Flower Power

Fernie Grad Photographer: Photos to Mark the End of Childhood

Hiking Trails around Lake Louise

Day hikes in the Lake Louise area

For those hikers that are looking for a pristine alpine lake, Lizard Lake might fall short looking more like a ‘muddy puddle’.

Dont’ stop here though! It’s best to keep following the faint trail up to Liverwurst pass for views back to Lizard Lake, Mt Fernie and the Elk Valley, as well as the Koocanusa drainage to the south.

Fall is the best time to go.

Getting to Lizard Lake

There are two trailheads.

1. From the Lower Island Lake parking lot (Mt Fernie Park Road) head out on the Rail Trail. After about 300m you will veer off the Rail Trail. Hike another 100m approx. and cross Lizard Creek. The creek is unbridged and may require getting your feet wet. Continue on until you meet the Lizard Lake Trail where you turn right. This section is approx 500m altogether.
2. Gorby Trailhead located on Mt Fernie Park Rd. Immediately cross Lizard creek on a bridge. Continue up the marked trail. This way is approx 700m longer than option one but has the advantage of keeping feet dry!

Distance to Lizard Lake: 4km

Elevation Gain: 540m

Trail conditions: The trail starts on easy single track for 1.5km. From there you travel through old growth cedars on a steep trail with little relief and no switchbacks! It is a challenging trail but obvious to follow. Eventually you pop out into the subalpine and Lizard Lake is nestled at the bottom of an alpine bowl.

Check out All Trails for more info.

Getting to Lizard Lake may feel a little anti-climatic. I highly recommend walking around to the south side of the tarn and up the slope a little where these next few photos are taken from.

Hiking to Liverwurst Pass makes this Trail one of the Best Hikes in Fernie

Keep going! Don’t stop at Lizard Lake!

There is a faint trail leading all the way to Liverwurst pass (once you know it’s there it is obvious!). Looking at Lizard Lake, hike on the left side and find a couple of rock cairns. Follow these up through the bushes. The trail could be a little overgrown but you don’t need to bushwhack.

Once you get to the bottom of the headwall, you are looking at rocky steep terrain. You aren’t hiking up there. Look for a larger cairn off to the right in the the grass/trees. This indicates the trail. The next part is more steep and challenging; a combination of looser rock and soil. As you get closer to the pass the trail switch-backs to the left and after another 100m or so, you are in Liverwurst Pass.

Distance from Trailhead #2 to Liverwurst Pass: 5.3km

Elevation gain from Trailhead #2: 830m

More Information for Enjoying other ‘Best Hikes in Fernie’

3 Sisters Hike

Mt Proctor Hike

Lizard Range

For years I was a ‘closet’ runner

I didn’t *feel* like a runner, therefore I didn’t often broadcast the fact that I ran.

When I ran on the rural country roads where I lived, I would dive into the ditch or stop running when a vehicle approached. It seemed like a legitimate way to deal with my self-embarrassment.

As a kid, I dabbled in sprinting and cross-country running. Oftentimes, as I approached a finish line, especially when there were crowds and people cheering, I would start getting lightheaded, my body would go numb and I would feel like I was going to stumble and crash to the ground.

This continued when I started running again in my early 20’s. If I passed a group of construction guys or other people that I thought were judging or criticizing my body, I would get that same woozy I-think-I’m going-to-fall-and-pass-out feeling. So I would simply stop and walk until the pressure was off and the weird body sensations passed.

I’m pretty sure that never happened to ‘real’ runners

Real runners also ran fast without feeling like they were going to die. Real runners went to events and got podium finishes. Real runners also liked tracking times, distances, and their pace. And real runners could most definitely handle running uphill.

I didn’t do any of that stuff

I just liked to run. Without any hoopla but it made me feel like I couldn’t say I was a runner. I would make my “Oh I just really love to run” disclaimer, which also included reference to the fact that I kept it cruisy.

One time I heard a runner exclaiming about how they loved hills and I thought they were taking the runners high a little too far.

I have learned many things about myself over the span of my running journey

Something that allowed me to believe that I could call myself a runner is learning that most runners don’t run up the hills. On the steep ones, it’s more efficient to walk since running uphill takes a lot of strength. Runners usually power-hike them which sounds all fancy, but really, it’s just walking.

That little revelation changed things massively for me. I could be a runner even if I walked sometimes. I could even say I was going for a run when there was elevation gain that I didn’t have the strength or fitness to run. My intention was to move quickly and run the flats and downs. That all still counts as running!!

So my friend, if you are in the same boat,

Don’t be intimidated by running uphill

If you want, train and get stronger to have more power and speed. But you can also get out on some beautiful trails, and have a fabulous time walking uphill and running what you can!

Pick an iconic trail like Crypyt Lake that you might typically hike and add some running! Maybe on the uphill portions too!

Crypt Lake Beta, so you can Run or Hike that Hill too!

Distance: 17km return (8km and 800m elevation gain to Crypt Lake. 1.8km around the lake and then 8.7km back down to boat launch via the waterfall trail)

Elevation Gain: 865m

Check out the AllTrails route description to find out more.

Getting there: A water taxi leaves from the Waterton Township boat launch that will transport you across the lake to the trailhead. It costs $31pp (2022). You can check the schedule here.

Other useful things to know:

There is a section of the trail close to Crypt Lake that involves climbing a ladder, entering into a tunnel that is dark and you have to crouch to fit through. Upon exiting, you are traversing a narrow ledge that is protected with a handline/cable as there is a cliff about 100m high that drops off below the trail (see 5th and 6th pictures above). A quick search online will reveal the whole spectrum of “easy, no big deal” to “so scary, I thought I was going to die”.

What you think will depend on your personal comfort zone. This section isn’t difficult or unsafe in my opinion but can be a mental challenge for some.

This is bear country. Carry spray.

Make sure you board the last water taxi home!

We talked about running uphill, which makes me think you might like these articles too!

Mountain Running in Fernie

Running Every Day for a Month

Trail Running in New Zealand

I am available to travel all over the Elk Valley (and beyond, I love to travel so if you are in Elko, Jaffray, South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, or even the Crowsnest Pass I would be so happy to capture your family memories.

Some benefits of family photography that you may not have thought of

We tell our kids often that we love them. Hugs and kisses are doled out generously. An encouraging word, sympathetic look, shoulder squeeze, or a much-anticipated gift on their birthday. These are things we all aspire to do regularly with our children.

Perhaps an overlooked but important way we tell our kids they matter is the visual reminder of their value in the family. When they see a photo of themselves, nestled in with their loved ones, it gives reassurance and comfort that they belong and are loved.

As a photographer, this is an important part of my work. It matters that each family member can look at their images and know that they are connected.

Just like you, it is hard for me to choose photos to grace our walls. Our pantry door has about 50 photos of our family adventures and our bonds with each other. Our kids are proud of those memories and the photographic evidence of one of our core family values: relationships. They are chuffed to see themselves in our family story.

How Family Portraits Boost Your Child’s Self Esteem

I have been sitting on this article for a long time. This feels like the perfect opportunity to share it

When you have read it, flick me an email at leanne@borntoadventure.com, and let’s get your fall family photo session booked!

Looking for Inspiration?

Lifestyle photo sessions

Adventure photo sessions

More general information

Check out other Fall Family Photos in Fernie

Fall Playtime

Don’t wait for photos!

That poses the question;

HOW DO WE CHOOSE THE BEST ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES FOR OUR FAMILY?

I observe families wallowing around in a whole bunch of trial and error scenarios. Are we skiers? kiteboarders? whitewater rafters? hikers? sailors?

Trial and error is time-consuming and expensive, and even though we might feel we have years with our kids we really don’t. If we narrow the list down, we find our family adventure ‘sweet spot’ faster.

WHAT FAMILY ADVENTURES HAVE WORKED BEST FOR US?

We took our own experiences and the many adventures that we led with groups over the years, analyzed the whole lot and this is what we zeroed in on:

CANOEING & BIKING

Both can be done with babies, teens, and every age in between.

For the purpose of this writing, I’m going to focus on Canoeing.

The pros of canoeing:

1. The kids don’t have to paddle so it’s less likely to feel like a slog for them
2. Gets us into the wilderness easily and is a great way to enjoy multi-day outtrips
3. The gear is in the boat, no heavy loads need to break anyone’s back
4. Young kids nap in the canoe

The cons of canoeing:

1. High start-up cost (canoe, paddles, lifejackets, storage and safety equipment)
2. Skill and experience take time to acquire

What is the process to avoid all this trial and error business?

1. ANALYSE YOUR NATURAL INTERESTS

In our DINK life (Double Income No Kids) we were rock climbers, whitewater kayakers, and general adventure junkies.

After our first daughter was born we found that kayaking and climbing weren’t as simple and family-friendly as we needed. Sure, we could tag-team. One parent watches kid(s) and the other adventures, but we wanted something that was all-in-together so we made a pivot.

Many of us manage micro-adventures with our families quite well, but my desire is to pepper our lives with MIGHTY adventures that are age-appropriate for kids and enjoyable for parents. The kind that takes planning, resources and skill to accomplish and goes beyond throwing rocks in the river or wandering along a trail pointing at ladybugs.

So, grab a pencil and paper and jot down the answers to these questions!

1. What activities do/did you personally enjoy? Put an asterisk beside the ones that you could modify for family adventures.
2. What activities does/did your spouse enjoy? Get them to write their own list.
3. If your kids are old enough write down the activities they enjoy.
4. For each activity write down the pros and cons.
5. Circle the top 2 activities that are clear favourites.

2. HONESTLY EVALUATE YOUR SKILLS

The biggest key to fun AND safety is analyzing your skillset for strengths and weaknesses.

Using our canoeing example, this is what I came up with for our top strengths:

1. Vast skills and experience to draw on for decision making including flatwater and whitewater, ranging from a couple of hours to a few weeks on the water.
2. A knack for having just enough. Not too much and not too little (clothing, food, equipment)
3. Professionally trained in river rescue, wilderness first aid, crisis management, and canoeing technique.

Weaknesses: Fear. My mind can dwell on worst-case scenarios and that’s not very helpful when I stress about the ‘big’ rapid that is around the corner (that is well within our capabilities!) My hubby balances this out with his superpower to analyze real risk over perceived risk.

Social media can be helpful for inspiration or venturing into new locations. Compare your abilities with what the location/activity requires, not your friend who did that epic thing on Instagram.

If you find an adventure that would be great for your family, jump in at the appropriate level

If you have gaps in your skills do these things before diving in with your kids:

1. Take a course
2. Build your technique and experience with friends who are competent
3. Join a club with a great reputation
4. Hire a guide

WHAT GEAR DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Once you have decided that you have the skill set for the chosen family activity, you need the gear. Frugal is our middle name. We live on hand-me-downs and thrift store clothing. We are careful what we buy at the supermarket and we never eat out.

But we do buy gear and adventure clothing. Our kids always have a thermal top and bottom that fits them, as well as a down jacket, raincoat, and fleece jacket and pants. For overnighters, they each have a down sleeping bag rated to -10C and a Thermarest.

Over the years we have accumulated group gear from reputable adventure brands that are engineered for the task and perform to high standards. Things like tents, tarps, stoves, cooking paraphernalia, water filter etc.

We generally don’t buy knock-off brands or department store substitutes.

SOME CAVEATS FOR FAMILY ADVENTURE

1. Family adventure is an ever-evolving process. What our family could do with four kids 5 years old and under is different than what we do now with five kids aged 8-18.
2. The virtues of innovation and creativity will come in very handy as you figure out what will work from week to week and year to year.
3. Some activities will stand the test of time, others won’t. That is a-OK.

IT CAN FEEL DAUNTING

to commit to being a skiing family or a backpacking family. If the goal is making quality relationships with our kids and shared memories to last a lifetime, and we are using outdoor adventure to achieve that, it makes sense to niche down.

THE PHOTOS

White Boar Lake, near(ish) to Kimberley, BC

Getting there

From Kimberley Riverside Campground to White Boar Lake is 46km on an FSR (Forest Service Road).

The final 4km is on a 4×4 track that was pretty gnarly when we visited – large rocks, steep and chunky. We did a little road building and nail-biting (me) but we made it!

A walk-in recreation camping site is at the end of the road and there is a 200m portage to get the canoe to the lake. Well worth it!

When to go

It’s best to visit after the snow has melted off the road and there are still icebergs floating in the lake that have carved off the tiny glacier at the south end. June or early July is great!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

I have a bunch of canoeing articles here and many more to add

Check out some general adventure practical tips for families here!

Those long pre-school days turn into short years that race haphazard through elementary, middle and high school. Before we know it our kids are throwing their grad caps in the air and racing out the door to dive into their own lives.

Let me bring you back to photos

As both a mother and a Fernie Grad Photographer I always come back to photos.

I can’t hold onto ALL the memories because my brain is so full of soccer schedules, who is home for dinner tonight, or which kid is responsible for the stinky socks left in the middle of the floor.

Pictures become my memory for all the beautiful things my brain can’t possibly store.

Judging by the number of times we pull out our cell phones to snap a picture it is a universally agreed-upon value that photos for posterity matter a lot.

Hiring a grad photographer (in Fernie or elsewhere!)

might feel a bit extravagant, but some occasions deserve a splurge. High School Graduation might be one of them.

Fernie is home to many gorgeous locations that are a grad photographer’s dream.

Photos to mark the end of childhood will be a treasure for the graduate in years to come as they show their own kids and grandkids.

As a mom of 2 graduates, those photos are a treasure to me now and every day of the rest of my life.

This beautiful grad

was so fun to photograph. Not only is she stunning, but she also moved so well and was so enthusiastic about the photo session which translated into beautiful photos.

Dr. Seuss sums it up with the best words to send a grad off into the world:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

Dr. Seuss

Wanting more?!

Check out my wedding and graduation portfolio here!

Do you love Liz’ dress? She ordered it online from Prom Girl.

People interpreted that to mean I was going to New Zealand to participate in a mountain running event/race.

Many people don’t run for any other reason than they talked to their friend who did a *crazy* thing and entered a race. They sign up too because their friend was uber persuasive. They spend the next three months punishing their body and their mind.

The race. They have to run because of the race.

But they hate running. They tell themselves they need the event to motivate the running.

LET ME TELL YOU: You don’t have to keep up with the Jones’ of the running world

I really love self-powered adventures.  Standing on a start line thought up by someone else’s vision doesn’t excite me like dreaming of the places I want to run and see for myself. I spend hours looking at maps, cross-checking routes and planning off-beat adventures.

Maybe it’s because I am a middle-of-the-pack runner with no hope of getting on a podium and I’m not really motivated by beating my own personal best.  Making my own mountain running objectives is far more compelling. 

And honestly. I’m cheap.  I don’t want to pay the $175 entry fee!

I train for a running season just like I’m training for an ultra. I still experience all the highs and lows of training.  Days where my legs feel like lead. Or I’m on a 4-hour run when it’s -30 with too-small shoes because of too-thick socks (yes, my big toenails did go black!) And those (not very often) days where you feel so fit and agile that it seems you are running on clouds.

Before you get to thinking that I’m a mountain running machine, let me assure you I’m not

I’m ordinary. I have no remarkable running prowess.

I never won races when I was young. I wasn’t a superstar college athlete.

I have 5 kids.

I struggle to eat right.

I struggle to get out of bed in the morning when I don’t feel like it.

I struggle to make some of my goals happen just like you.

I don’t have youth on my side. I am 45 years old.

I don’t have a lot of time.

Most of the time I don’t even have a lot of energy.

I just have a strong sense of inspiration. I know it is amazing out there. I know that running these mountain trails with beautiful scenery fills my cup.

I love to day-run just like I’d day-hike. I can stop and walk whenever I feel like it. I can snap pictures for 1 minute or 15 minutes or 5 hours if I want. I can leap (errrr, wade gingerly) into that pristine-looking (numbingly cold) mountain lake on a hot day.

I’m talking about mountain running for the pure adventure of it. For fun. For the exhilaration of few people, being with friends, the wind in your hair, the sweat on your brow and the photos of the awesomeness.

Going back to New Zealand to run in the mountains has been a dream I’ve held for years. I had very firm goals in my mind: To run and photograph as many trails as my fitness would allow.

Are you interested in Mountain or Trail Running rather than planned races/events?

Here is how I went about making my New Zealand mountain running plan happen.

1. Decide on a training plan

Where to even start in all the overwhelm of potential resources!

A few years ago I joined a group coaching program led by Jen Segger to prepare for my first ultra.

Following that, I read The Uphill Athlete which expanded on the principles I learned through Jen. 

As a result of that book, I purchased the 3 Day tour training plan, made an excel spreadsheet and meshed together Jenn’s beginner ultra training plan and the 3-day tour plan.  The mixture prepared me well for New Zealand.

If you are new to run training a good plan consists of running (a mix of cruise, speed, hills and long runs), runner-specific strength training, Prehab exercises (to help prevent injury) and cross-training.

2. Come up with a schedule of events

I put all of my ideas in writing. I made a project in Asana, titled ‘Mountain running in New Zealand’ and made two columns. Fastpacking & day runs.  I then added relevant links and information. I grouped my trails around 4 different areas. Central North Island, Glenorchy/Te Anau, Wanaka and Mt Cook.

I knew I was going to have to be flexible because of New Zealand’s fickle weather and the lists served as my contingency plans if the weather beat on me and I needed an alternative.

3. Put the support in place

I was very fortunate on this trip to have a wee support crew with my mum and dad. I communicated my hopes with them. The places I wanted to go, the routes I wanted to run. We travelled in their motorhome for 2 1/2 weeks with a combo of freedom camping and campgrounds.  It was amazing to have them drop me off at a trailhead and then pick me up again at the end of the day.  Bonus: they fed me and found all the laundromats and showers

Of course, my husband and kids were a crucial part of my support.  Their enthusiasm to support my dream and let me jetset halfway around the world during a pandemic for something as frivolous as running was so generous

The weather was amazing and I came close to achieving the top objectives on my list.

I ran 327km (which also involves a lot of walking when you are in the mountains!)

13,523m elevation gain

In the future I will write articles about some of the routes but here is a list of the trails I tackled; some shorter distances, some long.

Central North Island

• Waitawheta
• Tongariro Crossing
• Makakahi
• Old Coach Road

Queenstown/Glenorchy/Te Anau

• Arrowtown
• Earnslaw Burn
• Routeburn Track (Fast Pack)
• Kepler Track
• Pakituhi Hut & Breast Hill  (Fast Pack)

 Mt Cook National Park

• Mt Ollivier (Fast Pack)
• Mt Sebastapol
• Hooker Valley
• Ball Ridge

You can go mountain running in New Zealand (or anywhere else!) by participating in a race.

That would be a great experience too.  But there is a whole other world of adventure out there by figuring it out yourself Don’t forget it!!

If you need further convincing to ditch the race and head for your own mountain run, check out these articles:

START TRAIL RUNNING: 8 MOTIVATING TIPS FOR BUSY MOMS

WHY EVERY MUM SHOULD RUN

with a photographer who is as stoked about the gobs of snow on the trees and the crisp temperatures as you are?! Love bursts no matter the season!

It was more important

to Justin and Caroline to be married than it was to spend loads of time and money on a perfectly curated wedding.

With the help of family and friends, they organized a beautiful wedding day during a 50-day engagement. No small feat while simultaneously working long hours and navigating all the bumps in the road that life brings during a global pandemic and even more restrictive restrictions.

What resulted was a beautiful celebration of their love and commitment to each other with the ones nearest and dearest to them.

And a fun bonus for me as their photographer?!

It was also Kent and I’s anniversary – our 23rd. At a wedding I always find myself evaluating our own marriage journey so it was extra special to mix the two.

Getting Ready

The gal’s day started with hair and make-up – of course! They are both hairstylists at Sparrow Hair in Fernie so watching best friends help each other was so fun.

The boys were doing their own version of primping and polishing down the road

Usually, with short notice weddings, it is a challenge to find the perfect dress. This was the only dress in Cranbrook that would have worked and Caroline looked gorgeous in it

The Ceremony

I love all of those beautiful moments during the ceremony

Yay! They are married, in spite of all the obstacles. Happy day!

Winter Wedding Photos for the brave

It was cold and windy, but the bridal party and family showed courage and resilience!

A Winter Wedding Photographer needs a trick or two up their sleeve

I had packed a whole lot of lights in case we needed to get creative with photos because of the weather and they came in very handy. This set of photos are some of my favourites of the whole day.

The Reception

Decorating isn’t part of my skillset so I’m in awe of how an ugly space can be transformed into a fairytale with some talent. So pretty.

The first dance

followed by a sparkler exit.

Winter Wedding Magic in Fernie

Justin and Caroline wanted maximum enjoyment and low stress for the wedding day, so we decided to do a separate bride and groom shoot. I’m so glad we did! It was fun for them to get dressed up again and enjoy snuggling and creating gorgeous winter wedding photos.

Thank you Justin & Caroline for the enormous privilege of being the Fernie Wedding Photographer that got to document your lovely winter wedding.

Now for your part! Can I ask something of you? I need help marketing and letting people know that I photograph weddings. It is so so challenging to do this when you are a small fish in a big ocean, that is battling algorithms and SEO. If you know someone that is looking for a Fernie Winter Wedding Photographer (or any season!) I would be so grateful if you would throw my name in the ring My photography is mostly based on word of mouth and I’m so grateful for your endorsement of my work!

Check out the Wedding and Graduation gallery here!

Hair: Sparrow Hair

Flowers: The Green Petal

Rings: Element Jewellery Co

Brides Dress: Tara’s Boutique, Alterations by Richelle’s Custom Creations

Grooms Suit: Moores

Tackled as a day trip to Elkford, Boivin Creek is a wonderful cross country ski for families. The kids might get tired on the way up but once you reach Wildcat hut, get a fire crackling in the woodburning stove and devour some gooey marshmallow smores, you have the ingredients for a happy day

The views are gorgeous and it has the feeling of being remote even though the trailhead is on the outskirts of Elkford.

The kids love the downhill ski on the way back to Boivin Hut. Such a blast!

What is the terrain like on the Boivin Creek trail?

Generally speaking, it is uphill to Wildcat Hut and downhill to Boivin Hut and the trailhead, with a few little bumps along the way. The views up the valley to Mt Phillips are stunning.

How far is it to cross country ski?

14.2km round trip and approximately 300m of elevation gain.

Here’s a breakdown for you:

• Trailhead to Lower left intersection: 2.3km, 115m elevation.
• Lower left intersection to upper intersection: 3.3km, 205m elevation
• Upper Intersection to Wildcat Warming Hut: 1.7km, 87m elevation
• Wildcat Warming Hut back to Upper Intersection: 1.7km 87m descent
• Turn left at upper Intersection to Boivin Warming Hut: 1.9km 156m descent
• Boivin Warming Hut to Lower Junction: 1km, 20m elevation, 35m descent
• Lower Junction to Trailhead: 2.3km, 115m descent

Anything I should be aware of?

I recommend taking a left turn at the 1st intersection (about 2.3km from the trailhead). It’s uphill for about 3km so take your time, settle into a manageable pace and enjoy those gorgeous mountains.

After leaving Wildcat hut and doubling back to the Y intersection, you will take a left to Boivin Hut. The trail follows Boivin Creek. It may feel a little steep in a couple of places for newbie cross country skiers. Getting your skis in a wedge just like a pizza slice, with bent knees will control your speed. There is a bridge on a corner- make sure you don’t overshoot it!

What should I take?

For a day trip, I would recommend that everyone has a backpack with extra warm clothes and water. It’s hot uphill work getting to Wildcat Hut and cold work getting back to Boivin Hut and the trailhead as it’s downhill – lots of wind and chilly fingers and faces.

Are the Boivin Creek cross country ski trails groomed?

The Elkford Nordic Ski Club grooms the trail a couple of times a week or after a snowfall and is track set for classic skiing. It is not suitable for skate skiing. You can check their Facebook page for the latest grooming updates.

Where can I rent cross country skis in the Elk Valley?

There is nowhere to rent cross country skis in Elford. Your best bet is at Gearhub Adventure Rentals in Fernie.

Is it easy to find your way?

Yes, take a map and/or have a mapping app on your phone. I like Gaia GPS but Trailforks works too. Alternatively, you could snap a picture of the map at the trailhead (as long as your phone battery has enough juice to last the day).

Could my xx-year-old cross country ski the trail?

You will need to decide this for yourself. We have taken a 4-year-old and towed her most of the way up on her xc skis and switched her to downhill skis on the way back (because she could downhill ski in control but not cross country ski in control!)

Do you have to pay to ski or use the Wildcat or Boivin Huts?

Donations from non-members are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off at the donation box located at the Boivin trailhead.

Trail users are encouraged to complete membership forms and become Club members. Membership forms with pricing information are available here

Is this Elkford cross country ski trail popular?

Depends where you are from and what you are used to, but no, not really. When we have been on the weekends we see a couple of groups but we have mostly been able to be leisurely at the huts and spend a good amount of time roasting hotdogs and warming bodies.

Are there any alternatives?

If 14km sounds like too far, it’s fun to do an out and back to Boivin warming hut. It is 3.3 km one way so 6.6km round trip. You don’t get the same views but it is still really worthwhile especially if you have younger kids.

How do I get to the cross country ski trailhead from Elkford?

• At the 4-way stop in Elkford turn left onto Alpine Way. Drive 450m.
• Turn right onto Fording Drive. Drive 500m.
• Turn left onto Natal Road. Drive 1.1km. The trailhead is on the left.

Now, back to the kids feeling tired on the way to Wildcat Hut and not wanting to go an ounce further?

You might want to read this article before you hit the trail