Tucked away in British Columbia’s spectacular Lizard Range, Fernie Alpine Resort is the kind of ski resort that feels like a well-kept secret.
In truth, it is a well-known resort among in-the-know skiers around the world, who hunt for exciting terrain and reliable, deep, light, snow. Set along Canada’s famed Powder Highway, it’s a powder-chaser’s paradise located above a historic mining town brimming with character. Locals credit The Griz, a mythical boy-bear mountain dweller for delivering all that snow.
© Matt Kuhn Photography
So why should UK skiers be eyeing up Fernie Alpine Resort this winter? Let’s start with legendary snow—an average of nine metres a season, with a snow day every three days (yes, really). Add in five expansive alpine bowls, challenging terrain for thrill-seekers and both an ultra-convenient ski-in/ski-out base village and that historic town chock-full of enticing shops, bars and restaurants and you’ll start to see why.
Fernie isn’t just about steep and deep terrain though, so don’t be put off if you’re more into relaxed cruising on groomed slopes. There’s a whole lot of that too, though it doesn’t get so much coverage in most reviews. There are over 140 runs for all levels in fact, that’s the most in the Canadian Rockies. Whatever your level, Fernie Alpine Resort is also one of the best places in Canada to take a ski lesson with some of the most certified snow pros!
© Nick Nault
For good skiers though, Fernie is one of the planet’s top 10 bucket-list destinations. There are five iconic bowls: Currie, Lizard, Timber, Cedar, and Siberia, in which to bounce through that abundance of powder. It’s some of the most celebrated terrain in North America, as well as being one of the original cat-skiing hubs where backcountry roots run deep.
To make the most of your stay, Fernie locals advise you get up early and make the first chair to the top of mountain to grab fresh tracks that you may miss if you sleep in. If it is a powder day and bowls are closed for snow control, check in at a ski patrol cabin and ask them for estimate on opening times so you can be first in for when they open the bowl up.
© Nick Nault
There’s loads to do off the slopes in Fernie if you fancy a break from all that powder or if there are non-skiers in your party. The resort’s historic downtown features enticing Indie shops, tasty cafés, great restaurants and a laid-back local vibe.
You could try a new activity like sleigh rides, curling or ice-skating and even ice fishing. You could also give fat biking a go on one of Fernie’s guided tours—modern fat bikes are surprisingly easy to handle and make the ride a whole lot more fun. Then for a slower pace, Fernie Nordic Centre is a great spot if you’d like to join a snowshoe tour or do some cross-country skiing through Mount Fernie Provincial Park to see some truly massive Cedar Trees!
There are more details HERE.
Fernie also boasts a classic BC après scene, focused on the legendary Griz Bar at the base of the slopes, with plenty more options in the historic downtown.
There are also free events running throughout the season.
© Aidan Jones
Griz Days, Fernie’s biggest annual winter festival, celebrating the town’s community spirit and its legendary mascot, the Griz, has been running for almost five decades. Taking place around the first weekend of March, it features a variety of fun activities for all ages and pays tribute to the mythical snow-bringer Griz. A month or so later, The Raging Elk Fernie Frosty Four is a new, fun, and challenging multi-sport race staged at the start of spring that combines four iconic winter activities: skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking. Then Fernival is Fernie’s closing weekend celebration, usually in mid-April, with live music in the plaza and fun events like the Raging Elk Slope Soaker fancy dress pond skimming contest. There’s also the unique excitement of a Canadian ice hockey match with the local junior team and 23-24 Kootenay Conference Champions, Fernie Ghostriders, playing regular home games throughout the season at the Fernie Memorial Arena.
Fernie’s range of cosy, convenient accommodations means no commute to the lifts—just ski, soak, repeat. The Lizard Creek Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out luxury with a new spa and upgraded slopeside pool. Alternatively, Snow Creek Lodge and the Polar Peak Lodges are super comfortable and family-friendly. Or there are the always reliable Best Western Plus and Fernie Slopeside Lodge providing great value.
© Ricky Forbes
Fernie delivers dramatic vertical drops and sweeping alpine views, capturing the true spirit of the Rockies. It’s a dynamic skier’s haven packed with variety, personality, and plenty of mountain-town magic.
You can book your Perfect Fernie Holiday with Crystal Ski Holidays.
For more information on skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia, please visit hellobc-ski-snowboard
Main Image © Matt Kuhn Photography