Go Fernie Gooo....

Since we have been here, on this Beautiful Mountain, we have been observing the "green" ways of being practised on the Hill & we thought we would share them you:

1. In the bathrooms on the hill, they have the 1/2 or full flush toilets: if it yellow 1/2 flush, if it brown definitely the full flush... why does this sound so familiar?

2. The hill ONLY uses 100% biodegradable garbage bags, yaaaa!

3. In order for the lifty's to put the covers on the t-bars, they have devised a bicycle ridding/pulley system to help them. Very smart, and green... many other hills would simply use a ski-do to do the job. Way to go Fernie-o!

4. They are also promoting healthy lifestyles with various contests and are giving away free passes as the prize!

Although it's not an earth shattering effort, we have seen little steps that show that the hill is aware of it's impact on the environment.

Today is our last day together and we are going to live it to the fullest! We are really hoping that Fernie, used as a catalyst, will continue to motivate us when we return to Saskatoon. We will be having a few of our friends and acquaintances who are trying to live greener, more environmentally responsible lifestyles, writing articles on their successes, challenges, and priorities. We are SUPER excited to have you reading our blog, and hope you will continue to learn with us.

Happy Trails Folks, Step Lightly!

Lots of Love, Chanel and Heather

For the love of Fernie...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! We are here together with coffee in hand and using the mountains as a source of abundant inspiration!! It seems as though when we are here, all of the trials and tribulations that everyday life brings are dissipated into thin air and we are able to breathe again! We are truly Blessed to have such an incredible outlet to look forward to from year to year.

The relaxed mountain air and the efforts made to preserve this beautiful space is important to the culture here in Fernie. People hitch hike to and from the mountain, there is an abundant source of organic foods and clothing stores in the town, and people choose to walk and bask in the glory of the mountains (we know it's a little more difficult to do that in Saskatchewan where the centres are larger and the air is MUCH colder).

We packed food in our vehicles when making the trek out here, used stainless steel water bottles, and filled our reusable mugs with coffee (more than a few times :P). Now that we are here, we will be making minimal trips into town using the great concept of carpooling. It seems as though the atmosphere makes us want to live better lives for ourselves and for the environment, and although many (including us) do not feel that degree of motivation when we return home, we will be trying to observe the little details that creates this incredible atmosphere in Fernie, B.C. and apply them to our lives in Saskatoon, SK.

Fernie has a variety of accomodations and entertainment venues from hostels to 5-star resorts. We have an "in" with one of the managers at Island Lake Lodge (a cat-skiing resort) who has also been involved in the community for over 15 years. We have asked him to give us some insight into the initiatives that Island Lake Lodge has been doing to fight the footprint.

Today... we are packing our lunches and heading out on our snowshoes into the woods... the deep dark woods (shout out to you guys...). We will be making BIG footprints, but not permanent ones :P Stay tuned for stories and adventures... for we are sure there will be many!

P.S. giving a little love to my husband who proposed to me on this very hill 2 years ago today... love love love, all you need is love!! :P

Lots of love on this cupidous hallmark holiday.... Heather and Chanel