From the deep snow peaks to the rugged mountain trails, Megan and Jazmine are powered by the landscapes they call home. In Fernie, Megan Kelly starts before most alarms go off. Breaking trail in fresh snowfall, braving storm days, and helping create the kind of mountain experience that keeps skiers and snowboarders coming back to Fernie Alpine Resort year after year. It’s not just a job – it’s a commitment to the mountain and the community that thrives around it. Her grit keeps the alpine moving

In Nelson, Jazmine Lowther’s connection to the land is measured in kilometres. As an ultra-distance marathon trail-runner, she has taken on some of the world’s toughest terrain — long climbs, technical descents, and races that test both body and mind. Competing internationally, she carries a piece of the Kootenays with her every time she steps to a start line, putting this mountain region on the map, stride by relentless stride. Two disciplines. Two unique mountain spirits – forged by motion in the Birthplace of Adventure.

MEGAN KELLY

Megan is a force of nature in the mountains. As part of an all-female trail crew at Island Lake Lodge, a renowned backcountry resort & snowcat ski operator in Fernie, she helped bring the Goldilocks trail to life – an alpine hiking loop in the stunning Lizard Range of the Canadian Rockies. Megan and three other trail-builders rolled up her sleeves, moved rocks and dirt by hand across rugged alpine terrain, turning a vision into a trail that hikers now treasure. 

For many years, Megan has also been a cornerstone of Fernie Alpine Resort. Starting right after university, she worked her way through the ranks of ski patrol over a decade, earning full certification and eventually stepping into the role of Assistant Ski Patrol Director. Her work goes beyond leadership – she is the handler of Fenix, an avalanche rescue dog she trained from pup to certification. Together, they ensure the safety of skiers and backcountry adventurers, demonstrating avalanche safety and responding to rescues when every second counts. 

Megan’s story is one of dedication, courage, and hands-on impact – a testament to how passion and perseverance can shape experiences and protect lives in the mountains she loves. 

“I originally came because someone told me Fernie was a great ski town and they were absolutely right. I stayed for the Mountain Adventure Skills Training program the next year, then stayed again because Fernie had quietly turned into home. I met my husband and introduced him to this fantastic mountain town, and we ended up buying our first house. And honestly? We’ve just never found a reason to leave”, shared Megan (when we asked her, what first brought you to the Kootenays and kept you here).

JAZMINE LOWTHER

Jazmine is a Canadian ultramarathon and trail runner from Nelson, recognized for competing at the world’s top trail and ultra-distance events and for putting Nelson’s outdoor sports community on the international map. 

In 2023, Jazmine was named Nelson’s Sports Ambassador, a prestigious honour awarded to athletes who excel in sport while making a meaningful impact in their community. The recognition celebrated not only her competitive achievements, but her leadership as a mentor, coach, and role model.  

Beyond racing, Jazmine is deeply committed to trail stewardship and environmental advocacy, leading trail clean-ups and inspiring others to care for the landscapes where they run. She has authorized detailed trail guides and built widely used route resources through the West Kootenay – from Nelson and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park to Toad Mountain, Grohman Skyline, and beyond – reflecting her deep connection to the trails in the Nelson Kootenay Lake area.

“The natural environment is my inspiration. Mountains, with their lines, ridges, peaks and valleys are what inspire me to explore and to run, very, very far. Being outside, is how I ground myself’, shares Jazmine. 

By naming her its 2023 Sports Ambassador, the City of Nelson recognized Jazmine not just as a world-class runner, but as a passionate champion of the city’s outdoor sport culture who inspires the entire community. 

Although her professional trail running career now takes her to races around the world, she calls Nelson home. “I find nourishment and revitalized energy from the environment and the community. That familar view rounding the bend, seeing Elephant Mountain and all the greens and blues, will never get old”, adds Jazmine. 

Cover photo courtesy of Jamine Lowther, Ultramarathon & Trail Runner.