FERNIE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK TAKES MAJOR STEP FORWARD

FERNIE, BC -- Fernie Alpine Resort's summer bike park and hiking trail network is taking an exciting step forward with the mid-summer move to the detachable Timber Bowl Express Quad chair."We are very excited about the move as the Timber Chair will get our bikers and hikers twice the distance in half the time," says Area Manager, Ted Funston. "Loading and unloading the lift will be much easier for guests, the top of the Timber lift provides some of the best views in the Rockies and this chair will provide an expanded network of trails which crews are currently building."

Summer lift access began June 21 on existing trails with the Elk Quad Chair. Trail crews are currently building a connector trail from the top of the Timber Chair to the top of the existing bike park near the Elk Chair in order to provide access to those trails once the move to the Timber is complete. This move will provide mountain bikers with an additional 1,132 feet of vertical for a ride of 2,162 feet, hikers with two new interpretive trails through the alpine of Currie Bowl and Lost Boys Pass and sightseers will sit at more than 5,500 feet to take in the incredible views of the Elk Valley. This 2 km connector trail will be great for intermediates and experts alike. Trail crews are also currently working on a multi-level trail down Siberia Bowl.

Skill progression parks are currently being completed at the base of the mountain. Log rides, teeter-totter, rollers and burms and wheely-drops of all sizes will be available to improve skills for all abilities. The Summer Sports School offers a variety of programs for all levels and ages including the Discover Mountain Biking, Need It All, clinics, private lessons and a Women's Mountain Bike Weekend on July 5 & 6 and August 9 & 10. Complimentary mountain bike tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. A new program for this season is the Kids Freeride Team aimed at ages 8 through 15 and occurs every Thursday and Sunday.

Summer Season Passes are currently on sale and any Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Winter 2003/04 Season Pass Holders receive a discounted pass at $99.00. This pass provides unlimited lift access and great rates in the Wolf's Den Mountain Lodge. Great summer packages including rafting and mountain biking are available starting at $64.00 per person.

Fernie Alpine Resort is located in southeastern British Columbia and offers summer visitors a haven of outdoor activities or rest and relaxation. Experience one of the many programs for all ages and abilities or simply enjoy the quiet mountain setting of the Elk Valley.

For more information on Fernie Alpine Resort and its summer operation log on to www.skifernie.com.