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Morrissey Ridge · Fernie, British Columbia

Fernie Wilderness
Adventures

"Forty winters deep — and the powder still feels new."

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Kim & Deb Sedrovic — Founders, Fernie Wilderness Adventures

A message from Travis, Jenna & Morris

For Kim & Deb

Forty Years of Showing Up

You started with a dream, a snowcat, and a deep love for these mountains. You gave people experiences they've never forgotten — and you did it while fighting fires, raising a family, rebuilding after the worst days, and refusing to quit through every storm the mountain could throw.

This place — this community — exists because of you. Every person here has a story that starts with FWA. Every one of those stories starts with the two of you.

"Kim and Deb are insanely proud FWA made it through every storm. Prouder still that they've been able to provide real jobs, keep long-term staff who feel like family, and stay tight with this community through all of it."
— Travis

Happy 40th, Kim and Deb. From everyone whose life you touched.

The Journey

Forty Years in a Few Words

1986
A kitchen-table dream becomes real. The first licensed fishing outfitter in the Elk Valley.
1993
Kim joins Fernie Fire Rescue as an auxiliary firefighter — beginning 25 years of service alongside building FWA.
1995
Cat skiing launches. The cabin burns. Clarence Smith, Frank Kubos, and the whole community rebuild it together. New lodge. Lifelong friendships.
1996
The Sedrovics, Kichlers, and Mitchell families spend the first of three unbroken decades of Christmases at the lodge.
2001
Brian Lull walks in and tells Kim he wants to work for him. He never really leaves.
2000s
Summers on the river. Winters on the ridge. The lodge becomes a second home to thousands.
2012
Fernie Ski Wall of Fame — Pioneer Inductee. One of only 21 ever named.
2018
Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. 25 years showing up for this town.
2025
Morris Sedrovic arrives — named as an ode to Morrissey, where it all began.
2026
Forty years. Same ridge. Same values. Same two people. Still showing up.
1995

The Night the Cabin Burned

Kim drove up one day to find only glowing embers where the original cabin had stood. The place that had started everything — the antler-topped cabin, the bunkhouses, all of it — was gone.

What happened next says everything about what FWA had already built. The community showed up. Clarence Smith — who hadn't known anyone when he arrived — and Frank Kubos sat down the very next night and designed the new lodge from scratch. They then provided the carpentry, construction, and electrical expertise to build it. Not as contractors. As friends.

But it was never just the two of them. Clarence and Frank were the main designers — but the whole community came together to raise the new lodge. Friends, family, neighbours, and community groups, many of whom had never even met Kim and Deb, showed up to swing hammers and lift walls. Others kept everyone going, hauling up food and drinks for the workers through every long day. In those early years the main crew included Ted and Budgie, Joe Kichler, and so many others whose hands are in these walls. Work parties. Long days. Cold nights. Lifelong friendships were forged in the sawdust and chaos of that rebuild — friendships that are still standing today, just like the lodge.

Clarence Smith

Clarence came in not knowing anyone and left having built something that has stood for thirty years. He passed away in the years since, but he is remembered with every season that opens at the lodge he helped build. This was taken at his 65th birthday — celebrated with a Molson Canadian and a cake.

Family & Legacy

The Lodge, The Family, The Next Generation

Since 1996, the Sedrovic, Kichler, and Mitchell families have spent every Christmas at the lodge — nearly three unbroken decades of the same tradition. Kim and Deb now have four grandchildren (soon to be five), all of them growing up with FWA as part of their story — creating the same core childhood memories that made this place what it is.

Travis & Jenna — married at Fernie Wilderness Lodge, June 24, 2023
The Kids

Cori & Stacey

Travis, Cori, and Stacey grew up at FWA — not visiting it, living it. Cori and Stacey are as much a part of what made FWA what it is as anyone. This tribute exists because all three of them believed their parents deserved to hear it.

Cori, Josh & Bea

"Forty years. What an incredible milestone.

Congratulations, Mom and Dad, on 40 years of owning Fernie Wilderness Adventures. What you've built is so much more than a business — it's a legacy of hard work, determination, adventure, and love.

Growing up, I never realized just how much time, sacrifice, and passion went into making it what it is today. I just knew it was part of our family and that we got to live a very different life, experiencing things my friends never had. It meant endless stories, meeting amazing people from all over the world, and watching you pour your hearts into creating unforgettable experiences for others.

You taught us what dedication looks like. Early mornings, late nights, solving problems that no one else saw, and always putting your family and staff first. Through every challenge, you kept going with strength and pride.

Some of my favourite memories are all the adventures that came with it — the excitement of being in the outdoors, watching guests leave with huge smiles, and seeing how much this place means to so many people. Fernie Wilderness Adventures has always been more than a business; it's a place where lifelong memories are made, and that's because of you.

Forty years is an extraordinary achievement, and you should both be so proud of everything you've accomplished. Thank you for showing our family what hard work, resilience, and passion can create.

Congratulations on 40 amazing years. Here's to celebrating everything you've built, the lives you've touched, and the incredible legacy you've created. I am honoured to have you as part of Josh, Bea, and baby #2's lives — sharing what you have built with them brings me so much joy. My entire life I have grown up understanding good family values, loving relationships, and hard work, and for that I am thankful. I love you both so much, and I couldn't be prouder to call you my parents."

— Cori, Josh & Bea  ·  with baby #2 on the way

Stacey & the Davis Family

Stacey, Andy, Jackson & Aiden

The Foundation

The Old Guard

Before there were employees, before there were seasons, there were the people who just showed up and made it happen. They didn't have job titles. They had shovels, chainsaws, and an unshakeable belief in what Kim and Deb were building.

The Old Guard

Ted Malone

The Old Guard

The Kichler Family

Joe and Kathy Kichler have been there since day one. Over forty years they've been whatever was needed: family to lean on, camp cook, mechanic, shuttle driver, drinking buddy.

Without the Kichler family — and many others like them — Kim and Deb would not have made forty years. Everyone knows it's hard to get Joe on camera. Someone snuck this one during the rebuild. It perfectly matches his character.

The Old Guard

Jim Melenka

Jim got his start with Kim and Deb at the age of 16. He lived at the cabin, slept on their couch for full summers, and became the other brother to Travis, Cori, and Stacey. Jim lived and breathed FWA for years — doing any and every job Kim threw at him.

He went on to become a conservation officer, disappeared a few times for extended undercover operations — but always came back. Jim was an integral part of the FWA team for decades and still makes the odd celebrity appearance when things go sideways.

Honoured by the Community

What Fernie Said About Them

2012
Fernie Ski Wall of Fame
Pioneer Inductee

Kim was named among the first 21 members ever inducted — in the Pioneer category — for establishing FWA and helping put Fernie on the international map.

2018
Federal Fire Services
Exemplary Service Medal

25 years with Fernie Fire Rescue. River rescues, car wrecks, hamburger days. Deb was thanked by name at the ceremony — for 25 years of waking to a pager at 1am, 2am, 3am.

City of Fernie
Long Service Award

Formally honoured by the City of Fernie for four decades of contribution — through FWA, firefighting, community giving, and being the kind of person who shows up when it counts.

The Free Press · December 2018

Fernie Man Receives Federal Fire Service Medal

Every man and woman who has passed through Fernie Fire Hall over the past 25 years will remember Kim Sedrovic. The Fernie Wilderness Adventures owner has mentored many local firefighters since joining Fernie Fire Rescue as an auxiliary firefighter on October 24, 1993.

At the November 26 regular meeting, Sedrovic was presented with a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal before the new Fernie council. The federal medal honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, 10 of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks.

"For 25 years, Kim has dedicated thousands of hours to helping people in our community, whether it was just flipping a patty at hamburger days or a rescue on the river or from a mangled car."

"I'd like to take a moment on behalf of Fernie Fire Association to thank Kim for his decades of service as a paid and qualified fire and first responder.

"Kim was an exemplary firefighter who was a mentor to all auxiliary firefighters. I, like so many others, learned from Kim how to respond to an emergency with professionalism and a calm sense of urgency."
"To his patient and loving wife, Deb, who for 25 years has had to be woken up by the sound of a pager going off 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m. … thank you."

— Assistant Fire Chief Brendan Morgan, Fernie Fire Rescue

From the Fernie Fire Family
Before It Had a Name

The Early Days

Before the lodge, before the cats, before anyone called it Fernie Wilderness Adventures — there was just Kim and Deb, a cabin, a few friends, and a beat-up wooden drift boat. This is where it started.

The original cabin — antlers over the door, trucks out front, dog doing his rounds. Before it was a lodge, it was just home.

From the Archives

Then & Now

Some Things Never Change

Not Every Day Goes to Plan

Forty years on the mountain means forty years of everything the mountain can throw at you. Cats stuck in deep snow. Cats tipped in the trees. Every single time — the crew grabbed shovels, grabbed a chain, grabbed a cold beer after, and laughed about it later.

This is part of the story too.

The Man Who Never Left

Brian Lull

In 2001, Brian Lull walked into FWA and told Kim he wanted to work for him. That was more than twenty years ago. Today he is the operations manager — and one of the biggest reasons this company has thrived for four decades.

There is not a person in the skiing or fishing community in Fernie who has a bad word to say about Brian Lull. Not one. Over two decades he has earned the trust and respect of guests, staff, guides, and the entire Elk Valley — quietly, consistently, by showing up and doing the work.

His wife Leslie Prentice joined the FWA team as a photographer and eventually took over the entire winter photography program — capturing the moments that guests take home and hang on their walls. Their kids Riley and Tain grew up skiing at FWA.

Brian, Les, Riley and Tain — you are family. Full stop.

Brian Lull — FWA Operations Manager & a steady hand for more than two decades
Leslie Prentice, Riley & Tain
Video Message
In Their Own Words

What People Say

Just an awesome experience. Exceeded all of my expectations. Great guides, endless variety of first-track terrain and champagne powder everywhere.

Guest
Cat Skiing

Undoubtedly a great experience. With expansive terrain and genuine expertise, the crew cultivated a fantastic day for our group. Each run was a spectacular new adventure.

Guest
Cat Skiing

Kim, Brian and Cindy and the whole crew really look after you. We had top-to-bottom waist-deep powder all day. If you love skiing powder — look no further.

Repeat Guest
Cat Skiing

I have been fortunate to ski over 25 days with Fernie Wilderness in the past 3 years and each new day brings on bigger smiles than Christmas morning.

Repeat Guest
Cat Skiing

Patient, knowledgeable, great tips — we felt like we were in great hands all day and had a magnificent day out on the water.

Guest
Fly Fishing

Working for FWA always felt like working with family. Every day felt like an adventure. The team always found a way to put smiles on faces. Definitely some of the best days of my life.

Former Staff
FWA Crew

My second family. A mom and dad who took me in as their own. Taught me so many things I try to pass on to my kids to this day. I will never forget your mom, dad, and you guys.

Former Staff
FWA Crew

We've been skiing with you guys since the late '90s — what an amazing organisation. So glad that you've given us so many amazing experiences over the years.

Long-time Guest
Skiing with FWA since the late '90s
When We Sent the Call Out

The Responses

Oh god this email. Now I'm crying. Some of the best, most emotionally fulfilling moments of my life.

FWA Family
Response to the call-out

My second family. A mom and dad that took me in as their own. Taking you for your first haircut. Fishing for ravens in the shop. Snowshoeing up Melenka with a grain shovel and a chainsaw. Living in the old lodge where I had my 16th birthday. Sleeping in teepees. I've forgotten more than I can remember — but I will never forget your mom, dad, and you guys.

Jim Melenka
Former Staff

Congratulations on 40 years! Working for FWA always felt like working with family. Thank you for all of the great seasons. Every day felt like an adventure. The team always found a way to put smiles on faces. Definitely some of the best days of my life were spent with FWA. Cheers to many more!

Douglas Bartsch
Former Staff

We've been skiing with you guys since the late '90s and what an amazing organisation you have. So glad that you've given us so many amazing ski experiences over the years.

Bruce Twa
Guest since the late '90s

From sitting in Cat 1 in the yard at Calgary Bombardier with Kim, almost wearing out the starter on a warm summer's day. When Kim asked if he should buy it I asked how much — and when he told me the price I immediately said "You had better talk to your wife about that."

The days with only one cat we'd wait for it to come off the hill, unload as fast as possible, get the cab off, checked over, fueled up, loaded with road building gear and head back up — back around midnight or later to fuel up again, get the cab back on, ready for the next day.

First time we made it to the top of Heaven — night time, 11pm. Kim and I watching Carl at work. Still couldn't believe he could operate that blade and have a 3/4" ash on his cigarette the whole time. Only time I ever saw Carl mad was when backing up the driver's mirror got ripped off the door. But we got to the top. Kim pulled out a half mickey of Fireball he'd been saving in his stocking for this exact moment. We passed it back and forth with the cat engine off, watching cars on Highway 3 from Heaven. With the bottle empty, Kim asked me to put it on a stick in the snow. The run below was named Heaven that night.

Far more laughs than one could ever report. One of my favourites: watching Kim getting dressed to go up the hill, sitting next to someone and asking them to pass him his work boots. Bent over laughing — never seen such a grin on someone's face. A joyful moment, knowing the days of the mine were a distant memory and he was living his dream.

Budgie Feller
From the very beginning

The lowest snow year we had and I earned the nickname The Dairy Queen — running the ridge top BBQ drive-through for the cats to roll in for smokies or burgers while I was on the shelf with my knee. Another adventure in 'making it work' at all costs. Exceeding everyone's expectations every day and all season that year.

Andre
FWA Crew

We're so thankful to be part of the FWA team. What makes this place special is how genuinely kind you both are. You've built something truly meaningful — a place where everyone feels supported and appreciated. Wishing you both all the best as you celebrate this amazing milestone!

Devon & Bobbie
FWA Team

Congratulations — 40 years is impressive! I remember meeting Kim when I first moved to Fernie in 1997 and he invited me up to his garage in Ridgemont. He was so enthusiastic about his plans for the cat skiing operation. When I walk through the hotel lobby and see the big smiles on the faces of FWA guests who just finished a day of fly fishing or cat skiing, it reconfirms how fortunate Fernie is to have FWA in the community. Kim and Deb are truly Fernie legends.

Scott Gilmet
Park Place Lodge

Adventures started way before Fernie Wilderness evolved for our dear friends Kim and Deb — starting with Kim's youthful days at Snow Valley Ski Hill, racing down the hill or encouraging local kids to try back flips. One of these adventures included Mud Bogging where Deb joined Kim and did amazing, showing her brave side. Kim, you've come so far from the West Fernie boy — and credit to Deb for always being supportive.

We shared so many memories at the original lodge, from the rustic small lodge and bunkhouses to the beautiful lodge they operate out of today. When Brian joined the FWA family, he jumped in and helped mold the operation into the world-class cat skiing company it is today. Most recently Deb has invited her girl group to enjoy a yearly Snow Goddess weekend — Brian, Jordan and staff have everything in place for a perfect, relaxing weekend.

Kim and Deb always pay it forward — supporting non-profit groups, offering free cat skiing, river floats, and fishing trips. Congratulations on 40 years. Very proud of all of you. Very blessed to call you our lifetime friends.

The McArthur Family
Lifetime Friends
Video Tributes

Faces & Voices

Messages and moments from the people who lived this story.

Cindy & Pat
Wilson's Fireside Chat
Chad
Linden — The FWA Rap
Aaron
Carolyn
Jamie
Dave R
Big Bang
FWA Take Out
ERGC
Audrey
Monica
Snow Goddesses feat. Mountain Men
Brenna
Jocelyn
Curtis
Matt Noseworthy
Lindsey & Nancy
Dunker
Ben
Leah Rose
Brian & Kirk — Live from Greece
Jordan
Tayt
The Jaebs
John & Ad
André
Quinn
Brett & Erin
Scott
Kirk
Dylan
Jikke
FWA 21
Martin & Jenna
Fran & Frank
Park Place Lodge
The Torlines
Steve Wall
Al
Emma
Mary Shire
Jolie & Family
Galla
Cori
Brad
Jessica
Dave Hawrys
Mark 1
Mark 2
The Heart of It All

The Backcountry Lodge

Wood smoke and wet ski boots. Soup on the stove at 4pm. The hot tub filling up while someone tells a story you've heard before but never get tired of. You know exactly what we mean.

The People

Everyone Who Showed Up

The guides who stayed late welding grouser bars. The cooks up at 4am. The office staff who kept the whole thing running. The clients who called Cindy just to say hi and ended up talking for half an hour. You're all part of this.

Forty Years of Letters

What People Wrote Down

People took the time to write. Real letters, real stamps, real handwriting. Kim and Deb kept every one of them. Here's a few.

In 2013, a guest landed a World Record bull trout on Lodgepole Creek — certified by the International Game Fish Association. 14 lbs 15 oz. That's FWA water.

August 2017

"Your love of pleasing guests is unlimited. What happiness you gave me! The trip to Boundary Lake and the discovery of Sulpher Creek was 'over the top.' And my 'Bull' — and now, think snow."

Eleanor Peterson
August 2004

"We had without a doubt the best guided fishing experience we have ever had. When we left we had not only caught a lot of fish — we also felt part of a family. It's the people who make the difference, and nowhere was that more evident than at Fernie Wilderness."

Robert Sloss, Chairman/CEO
December 2008

"To The Big Boss Kim Sedrovic and The Really Big Mechanic Jim Melenka — Your operation was the best we have ever experienced. One thing for sure, it needs to speak to the great crew and the fact your people have been with you for a number of years. That is your best asset in my book."

Mike McCarthy, San Rafael Fire Dept
September 2017

"On behalf of my grandson Dylan and myself, thank you for making our fishing trip a wonderful experience. A 16-year-old learned a lot about the world, the reality of running a business, fly fishing, and life in general. His grandfather learned a lot about him. We both think this was a perfect trip."

Paul Courey, Tilbury Ontario
March 2010

"Your team is really the best part of the whole trip. They were so friendly and fun — but also very business-like. The dangers up there are more than people realize and to be able to manage a group of 12 and still let people have fun is a tribute to their experience and dedication to the customer."

Rex Bratton, Kent WA
August 2017

"Thank you for a fantastic five days of fishing. The surrounding wilderness is breathtaking. I still have a picture in my mind of that leaping cutbow taken on the H&L variant. Thanks to you, Curtis, and Linden for the work you all put in guiding. Tight lines."

Kirk Doggett
"Dear Mr. Sedrovic, Thank you for bringing the snow cat. We liked sitting in it, beeping the horn, and seeing the wheels inside the tracks. We are so glad you came and brought it." — Mrs. Niccarato's class

"Forty winters deep — and the powder still feels new."

— Fernie Wilderness Adventures, 1986–2026

Fernie Wilderness Adventures  ·  1986 – 2026  ·  Forty Years Deep