Tucked in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fernie Alpine Resort combines a huge variety of terrain with a huge quantity of powder.
An average of 8.8m (29ft) of snow falls onto Fernie’s chutes, glades and five alpine bowls each season. Ski Canada magazine chose the resort as a “Best Powder” pick for three consecutive years (2006-08), and Fall-Line Skiing (a leading UK ski magazine) included it as one of the “Top 6 Powder Destinations on the Planet” (2007).
Skiing in the Canadian Rockies
Skiers of all abilities will find suitable areas at Fernie Alpine Resort.
A network of gentle groomed slopes accessible from the Deer and Elk Chair are great for beginner skiers. Intermediates can enjoy the many blue runs in Lizard and Cedar bowls.
More advanced skiers can explore Fernie’s big mountain offerings: ridges, powder-filled bowls and tree-skiing areas (some of which have been recently gladed to open up even more terrain).
First Tracks in Fernie
True powderhounds, or those who want to experience fresh corduroy runs, can assure they’ll be first on the hill through Fernie’s “First Tracks” program. Skiers can receive lift access a full hour before the mountain opens and revel in the terrain with a Winter Sports School guide.
Winter Festivals
Fernie celebrates its plentiful powder with festivals and events. Griz Days (early March) is a popular annual festival that honours the snow and “the Griz”, a legendary character said to bring Fernie’s epic snowfalls.
For over 25 years, Fernie has also hosted a Powder 8 competition. During this event, teams of two skiers compete to create perfect figure eights in untouched powder.
Practical Points
Rental equipment is available at the resort and includes skis (mid or high performance, and cross-country), boots and poles.
Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons are available through the Winter Sports School. Free daily mountain tours are also available.
In addition to skiing, the resort offers snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more.