Tucked in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fernie Alpine Resort combines a huge variety of terrain with a huge quantity of powder.
An average of 8.8 m (29 ft) 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).
Snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies
Snowboarders 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 riders, while intermediates can enjoy the many blue runs in Lizard and Cedar bowls.
More advanced snowboarders can explore Fernie’s big mountain offerings: ridges, powder-filled bowls and tree riding areas (some of which have been recently gladed to open up even more terrain).
First Tracks at 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. Travel the terrain with an experienced Winter Sports School guide and receive lift access a full hour before the mountain opens.
Winter Festivals
Fernie celebrates its plentiful powder during Griz Days (March 5-8, 2009). This 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 or boarders compete to create perfect figure eights in untouched powder. The 2009 Powder 8 event is March 14.
Practical Points
Rental equipment is available at the resort and includes snowboards and boots.
Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons are available through the Winter Sports School. Free daily mountain tours are also available.
In addition to snowboarding, the resort offers downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more.