In a vague public announcement reported by a local newspaper, RCR have stated that they will not be operating the Timber chair this summer 2021.

“We’re trying to make the best decision based on business levels and we’re unsure about the tourism economy from the pandemic. So with that uncertainty, we’re really only in a position to say we’re going to operate the Elk.”

In this announcement they have not addressed any of our concerns that we have expressed. They have ignored our voices.

We have responded by emailing them with the updated list of petition signatories and expressing our disappointment with being ignored. We have included the email at the bottom of this update for those who are interested in the words exchanged.

So what does this mean for us? By all means, continue to let RCR know your thoughts and feelings on the matter. Through diplomatic wording, RCR have said that while they continue to see profits from only running the Elk Chair during this pandemic, they will not be investing money to open the Timber chair. The resort has been profitable with the Timber Chair closed. RCR are content with how things are. We are not.

If RCR continue to ignore our voices, they do not deserve to have our business. The only way the parent company (RCR) to Fernie Alpine Resort will see the value in the Timber chair is to witness a decrease in revenue because of it's closure. Avoid buying a pass this summer unless RCR answer our concerns appropriately - better value; better trail access; loyalty acknowledgment; better covid-19 safety by opening 2 chairs.

Thanks Everyone for your support of this cause! 

Email sent to RCR: 

To RCR,

Please see the attached list of supporters and signatories of the Timber Chair Summer 2021 Petition. 

The petition currently has 1244 signatories. That is 1244 people who would pay for and use the Timber chair if it were to operate this summer at the resort. 1244 people who are not satisfied with the quality of your current services on offer. 1244 people who feel the crowds and lineups from last summer are not Covid safe and are not value for their money. 1244 supporters who see RCR Kicking Horse pouring time, effort and money into their bike park (which still operates 2 lifts for trail access), whilst Fernie falls behind  - and not just behind other RCR resorts, but falls behind all other BC bike parks. 1244 supporters of Fernie Alpine Resort, who just want what they deserve for their loyalty and their money and their time.

Your recent announcement regarding the summer operations of Fernie Alpine Resort with the exclusion of the Timber chair have left many of your regular/ would-be patrons feeling angry, ignored, and not valued. We have had many reach out to us asking for an update, or for any word you may have given us in return to the loud call for the Timber chair to operate this summer. All we have received is a vague public announcement from your company as reported by a local newspaper. In this announcement none of our concerns have been addressed. Nothing about Covid safety. Nothing about the quality of services offered. Nothing about trail advancements and access. Nothing about valuing your loyal patrons and giving back to their loyalty during 2 years (now 3 years) of sub par service offering. All that was addressed was the concerns for revenue this summer amid the pandemic conditions - when we know last year was busy and profitable in the same conditions.

To say that your patrons are disappointed is an understatement. You have blatantly ignored 1244 voices calling for change and recognition; for safer operations and better quality services/ trail access. If you continue to ignore these people and carry on with budget operations at Fernie Alpine Resort, do not expect them to support you and buy passes this summer. 

Please do not ignore this. Your response to this petition and its many supporters would be much appreciated.

Regards,

The Supporters of the Timber Chair Summer 2021