In Fernie, life revolves around the vast amounts of powder that accumulate in and around this high mountain valley - everyone skis or snowboards here. The locals have an unofficial rule: when there's 20cm/8in or more of new snow overnight, the meeting moves to the mountain. With an average annual snowfall of 8.75 m/29ft of snow, does anyone ever go to work?
Fernie Alpine Resort
Tagged #6 by US adventure travel magazine, Outside's list of North America's 15 best ski resorts, Fernie Alpine Resort spreads out under the rocky crest of the Lizard Range. The resort boasts 875m/2816ft of vertical, with 114 trails spread over approximately 1000ha/2500ac. In addition to abundant glades and chutes, and its five huge bowls, the resort has a newly expanded rail park and 14km/9mi of groomed cross-country ski trails. There is no shortage of long, easy, beginner and intermediate runs, but advanced skiers will find ample steeps here, with plenty of black diamond and double black diamond runs. The mountain is comprised of 30% novice, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain.
The Lost Boys Café, at the top of the Timber Bowl Express Chair, is a great place to take a break, get warmed up and enjoy lunch with a view.
The village at the resort is a blend of old and new, with more emphasis on the new. In recent years, there has been a significant expansion of food services and ski in/ski out accommodation. Meanwhile, at the other end of the seniority spectrum, the Griz Bar, which has live music on weekends, has been a popular après ski hangout in the village since 1962.
Ski Rentals
A full selection of rental equipment is available from both the Quest and the RCR rental shop in the village, and from the Ski Base on 2nd Ave, downtown.