Epic snow, big mountains and one of the coolest ski towns in North America. Fernie is one of the world’s best ski destinations for skiers looking for a genuine ski resort, deep powder and a big mountain playground to explore.
There are plenty of reasons to visit British Columbia this winter, but here are five why we think Fernie Alpine Resort should be on your ‘must-ski’ list.
Snow, snow and more snow
Fernie is home to some of the deepest champagne powder in North America and is one of the snowiest resorts in Canada, with an average snowfall of 11 metres every season.
The powder snow in this quiet corner of the Rockies is legendary. Located on the famed Powder Highway you are almost guaranteed to be making powder turns in the light, dry powder snow that interior British Columbia is famous for.
Plenty of ‘steep and deep‘
Fernie is famous amongst powder-hounds for its five powder bowls. These powder filled bowls offer quiet unspoiled alpine terrain with ski anywhere lines. Choose from Currie, Timber, Siberia, Cedar and Lizard. Each bowl has its own character. Currie bowl offers the best steeps in the resort, try out the tree runs in the easier Timber bowl, discover untouched powder in Siberia bowl, check out the amazing views in Cedar bowl or if you’re looking for the ultimate thrill head to Lizard bowl. Whichever bowl you decide to explore, you’ll relish skiing in the pristine powder snow that Fernie is famous for.
The resort has 142 trails, as well as the 5 powder bowls, spread over 2,500 acres. This is a big resort, where lift lines are rare. It also has one of the biggest vertical drops in Canada at 3,550ft, providing enough challenging terrain to keep advanced skiers and confident intermediates busy all season long!
Small town charm
Visitors to Fernie have the choice of staying in the town of Fernie, a charming, genuine ski town that has remained true to its Victorian mining history. Alternatively, you can stay slopeside in the alpine village which sits above the town, Both are connected by the regular bus service, which makes it easy to explore all the apres hot spots.
One of the best slopeside apres spots is the Griz Bar (named after the Griz – a local legend), where you have to try their signature drink – the “Mogul Smoker” – a blend of Rum, Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Whipped Cream. Take it from us, this is the ultimate apres warm up drink!
Easy access to snow cat skiing
Ever wanted to venture into the backcountry? British Columbia is the birthplace of heli and cat skiing and Fernie offers easy access to snow cat skiing, which adds to the adventure. Fernie Wilderness Adventures is located close to the resort. FWA run single day excursions into the backcountry and have over 5,000 acres of terrain with every type of slope you could possibly want to ski, ranging from ridges to gladed meadows. At 7,150ft they also enjoy plenty of fresh powder days!.
Fernie is Epic!
Fernie is now part of the Epic Season Pass. The Epic Pass provides access to some of the best skiing in North America and when you purchase the Epic Pass it provides you with up to 7 days skiing at Fernie. The pass also provides access to nearby Kimberley, which is a great day trip at one of Canada’s alpine gems where you can explore plenty of uncrowded slopes.
Fernie is one of the snowiest resorts in this region of British Columbia, typically enjoying up to 36ft of light, dry, powder snow every season. If you like your skiing on the steep side and you’re looking for plenty of powder days on your next ski trip then Fernie Alpine Resort should definitely be on your radar for this season.
Fernie plans to open for the 2019/20 ski season on November 30th and typically offers skiing and riding through to mid April.
To find out more about Fernie, check out our resort run down and to keep up to date with the latest snow conditions in the resort Like us on Facebook and Follow us Twitter.