Fernie Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
The skiing is based a few kilometres from Fernie itself and a purpose-built slopeside village has grown over the past decade. Visitors can base themselves in either - the town has more character, but staying in the resort avoids the daily drive up to the mountain.
Mountain facts
Where in the world?
Hit the slopes
Skiing is spread out across five bowls. Most beginner runs are on the lower half of the mountain and are wide and well groomed. On the frequent powder days, Fernie's bowls open up an array of opportunities for intermediates and above, with widely spaced trees to weave through. There are only a few groomed runs from the top however, so, unless you're a fan of moguls, skiing becomes more limited when conditions are icy or hard-packed. For experts, there's no shortage of gnarly steeps and chutes spilling off the ridges separating the bowls.
Snowboarders can start small in the beginners' terrain park under the Deer Chair then progress to the larger park in Timber and Siberia bowls via the Timber Bowl Chair.
There are a couple of high-speed chairlifts, but travel on slower lifts is necessary to reach much of the terrain.
Fernie Winter Sports School offers private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons. There are also several specialist camps. Equipment hire is available at the base.
Beyond the slopes
Day trips are possible to the nearby Bavarian-themed ski resort of Kimberley, or across the border to Whitefish (formerly Big Mountain) in the USA.
Family fun
On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the resort organises a Kids Night Out including dinner and activities such as tobogganing, snow football and storytelling.
Another fun après activity is the mid-mountain barbecue on Friday nights, followed by a guided torchlight descent down the Elk Run.
Retail therapy
Après ski
Eating out
Downtown, the Royal Hotel, 501 First Avenue, dishes up delicious pies and Australian cuisine in a fabulous historic building. Elsewhere, you can choose from sushi, steaks, fish and chips and more.
Getting around
Splashing out
Accommodation
Luxury
Lizard Creek LodgeSki-in, ski-out suites and condos, with fine dining, spa, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
5346 Highline Drive, Fernie Alpine Resort
Tel: (250) 423 2057 or 1 877 228 1948.
Website: www.lizardcreek.com
Moderate
Fernie Stanford ResortLocated at the edge of town near the turn-off for the ski slopes, this hotel has several room types (including family rooms), a spa, swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs and, its pièce de resistance, a 51m (166ft) indoor water slide.
100 Riverside Way
Tel: (250) 423 5000 or 1 877 423 5600.
Website: www.ferniestanfordresort.com
Budget
Super 8 FernieFernie's own Super8 motel offers high value, maximum convenience lodging as well as an outdoor 25 person hot tub and super start breakfast - ideal for your day on the slopes.
2021 Highway 3 West
Tel: (250) 423 6788
Website: www.ferniesuper8.com
Getting there
Distances to resort: 105km (65 miles); 337km (209 miles).
Driving times: 1 hour 15 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Website
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