Fernie Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Fernie Alpine Resort is one of the best all-around ski and snowboard resorts in British Columbia. Everyone from skibums to families will find something to love. The mountain and its 2,500 acres of skiable terrain have a very nice mix of terrain for every ability level from beginner to expert. Fernie also receives some of the best snow in the Canadian Rockies. Not only is it light, but it’s deep, 30’ of snow fall on average every winter. Rounding out the destination, the town of Fernie is a cute, classic BC mountain town.
The mountain at Fernie Alpine Resort is separated into five different bowls that hold terrain for every ability level. Beginner skiers and snowboarders are mostly limited to the lower mountain area, although there are several options here. The Elk Quad and Deer Chair are the best lifts for beginners.
There is some great intermediate ski and snowboard terrain at Fernie, especially for those riders looking to improve their skills and head to the mountain’s amazing off piste terrain. Many of the intermediate runs are lined with trees and glades, where skiers and snowboarders can get a feel for the more advanced terrain. There are however, not as many long groomed runs, like other resorts. The White Pass Quad and Great Bear chair are good places for intermediates to explore. Cedar Bowl is also a good place to get a feel for the fun alpine bowls that British Columbia has so many of.
Advanced skier and snowboarders will find great trees and glades, as well as open bowls and steeps at Fernie. Each of the five bowls have something fun to offer. Currie, Lizard and Cedar Bowls in particular are the go-tos. The ridge that separates Currie and Lizzard has some great stashes, and technical terrain, although it’s a bit tough to access. The powder will last the longest after a storm, on the flanks of the resort in Cedar Bowl and Siberia Bowl. Up high towards the summit of Polar Peak, there are some of the steeper and more technical lines at the resort.
Fernie Alpine resort is located in the Kootenay Mountains, a subrange of the Canadian Rockies, in Interior British Columbia. The resort is one of the several ski and snowboard areas on the “Powder Highway.” Driving, Fernie is 60 minutes from Cranbrook, three and a half hours from Calgary, and four and a half hours from Spokane. Each of these three cities have airports. There are shuttle services that run from the Calgary airport.
Travel Resources:
Getting to Fernie
Fernie Alpine resort is located in the Kootenay Mountains, a subrange of the Canadian Rockies, in Interior British Columbia. The resort is one of the several ski and snowboard areas on the “Powder Highway.” Driving, Fernie is 60 minutes from Cranbrook, three and a half hours from Calgary, and four and a half hours from Spokane. Each of these three cities have airports. There are shuttle services that run from the Calgary airport.
Getting to Fernie
For skiers and snowboarders making the Powder Highway pilgrimage there is an RV lot at Fernie Alpine Resort, that is sure to be filled with all kind of colorful ski and snowboard characters. For those that didn’t bring the rig along, however, there are plenty of options both at the resort and in town. At the mountain, the Lizard Creek Lodge is a favorite, and is where they filmed the movie Hot Tub Time Machine. Things get pretty sleepy at the mountain after apres time ends. Down in town there options for all different budgets.
Fernie Lodging Overview
Town of Fernie Lodging
Town of Fernie Lodging
Our Favorite Snowboards for Fernie
Local Food Picks
On the mountain, there are plenty of solid dining options. Check out the boozy coffees at the on-mountain Lost Boys Cafe to top off your energy and get psyched up to get after the steep and deep. After the day is done, there are a couple great apres bars at Fernie. The Griz Bar is a classic ski town watering hole, wooden everything, live music, and plenty of beer to go around. The newer Rusty Edge is another local favorite. There are dining options aplenty in town, The Brickhouse is tasty pub fare, and Yamagoya has sushi.The Brickhouse
Yamagoya
Our Favorite Skis For Fernie
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Fernie?
Fernie ski and snowboard lift tickets are averagely priced compared to the other large Interior British Columbia ski and snowboard resorts like Big White and Revelstoke. Children, youth, and seniors all receive discount Fernie lift tickets. Purchasing lift tickets online, at least seven days in advance can save up to %20 off of the window price.Fernie Conditions & Weather Information
Fernie sees a stout average annual snowfall of 30 feet, or 360”. This means a lot of high quality Rocky Mountain powder for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Visiting skiers and snowboarders may overhear the locals talking about “The Griz,” this is the local snow deity, make sure to pay your respects and read up on the local legend here. Most of the resort is below treeline, which means that all of the terrain is accessible (and visible!) even in low visibility. (the high alpine terrain and bowls, however, can get whiteout.)Fernie Ski Report
Local Avalanche Forecast
Fernie is one of the best ski and snowboard destination resorts in BC because of the friendly town and great terrain. This region in the Canadian Rockies has a wealth of great skiing and snowboarding, and Fernie certainly ads to it. Whether on a Powder Highway road trip, or single resort vacation, Fernie is definitely worth the trip.
