Fernie Alpine Resort (Canada)
Fernie Alpine Resort in short
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Height: 1068 metres
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Popular with Brits
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3-hr drive from Calgary Intl
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Guaranteed snow
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Laid-back vibe
Fernie Alpine Resort, in interior British Columbia, is famous for its mounds of fresh powder snow. Surprisingly, it has yet to be discovered by the masses, and a trip here will be a one-of-a-kind experience. Fernie Alpine Resort has a small base with some ski-in, ski-out accommodation and restaurants at the hill itself. The ski area is quintessentially Canadian, with several areas only accessible by snowcat. Unique opportunities include getting yourself a professional ski video made by a drone, or taking a class that gets you access to the slopes before anybody else.
Just ten minutes from the ski area, downtown Fernie is a former mining town nestled in a box canyon with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Brimming with heritage buildings in Old West and Victorian style, the town’s tourism industry has blossomed in recent years. Fernie is slowly becoming a trendy shopping and entertainment mecca, and there’s a good chance the resort will see further developments in coming years.
Restaurants and bars
The Lost Boys Café is a mountain hut with good views. For après-ski, head to the Kodiak Lounge, the Griz Bar or the Cirque Restaurant and Bar. Downtown Fernie is becoming a foodie hotspot, with local cheese (Grand Fromage), beer (Fernie Brewing Co.) and chocolate (Beanpod). Canada’s alcohol laws have become laxer of late and you might be able to find some cheap local wines.
Alternate activities
Other winter activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledge rides, fat biking, snowbiking and snowshoeing. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the famous Canadian wildlife – the area is home to grizzly and black bears as well as cougars, wolves, elk and bald eagles. The bustling Fernie downtown area offers several art galleries, a theatre, and a historic walking tour. For an authentic Canadian experience, catch a local hockey game. There is a spa at the Island Lake Lodge Resort, accessible by snowcat. Fernie is big on film, with a film festival in November and indie films all winter. The Griz Days Winter Festival takes places annually in March and has a parade, fireworks and a lumberjack show.
Families
Fernie does family-friendly ski lessons. There is also daycare for young children, as well as an adventure park. Fernie Aquatic Centre has pools, waterslides and a huge hot tub.
Photo gallery of Fernie Alpine Resort
Weather in Fernie Alpine Resort
Today
Regular sunshine with some clouds
Frost line
739 metresRain
0 mmTomorrow
Regular sunshine with some clouds