Fernie
Fernie
Fernie ski resort in British Columbia is all about the snow. This quaint historic resort is your gateway to some of the best skiing and boarding in North America with long steep runs, five huge powder bowls, and breathtaking scenery. Here, on this refreshingly uncrowded mountain, there’s something for every ability, though its mostly suited to intermediates and experts. . With the historic mining town of Fernie just 5km away, everything you need for a great snow holiday is on tap, yet you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from nowhere. Enquire now for Fernie packages, plus special reduced airfares to Canada through Travelplan with Qantas. Hurry, offer won't last - book by 7th May 2024.
Difficulty
| Beginner | 30% |
| Intermediate | 40% |
| Advanced/Expert | 30% |
At a Glance
Terrain Area
1,013ha
Summit
2,134m
Mt. Vertical
1,082m
Season
Dec-Apr
Lifts
10
Food & Bars
9
Fernie Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options at Fernie, whether you stay in the village or the town of Fernie itself – from luxurious hotels to comfortable, spacious condos.
If you’re keen to be close to the snow, book a condo or hotel in the village, most of which are ski-in-ski-out or just a few steps from the snow. You’ll also find more accommodation in the streets surrounding the village.
If you want to be closer to the après scene, you’ll need to stay in the township of Fernie. Again, you will be spoilt for choice with an array hotels, motels, condos and private homes.
While it’s possible to get away without a car, if you’re staying in the village, you’ll definitely need your own wheels to get to and from the town.
Skiing & Boarding
At first glance Fernie may seem small – it spans just over 1,000 hectares and is serviced by only seven major lifts – however don’t discount your options here as there are plenty of opportunities to find fresh tracks.
An average of 11.2m of snow falls on Fernie every season, making this one of Canada’s highest averages, and aside from the beginner’s slopes at the foot of the mountain, most of what you’ll discover is a mix of intermediate and advanced terrain, with a few challenges thrown in for experts, including some mail biting chutes accessible by rope!
Fernie’s five sensational alpine powder bowls are spread across the mountain and some require a bit of a trek. You’ll also discover excellent steep fall lines and a
small terrain park. If that’s not enough, night skiing is available at various times across the season.
Activities
When you’re staying in the historic ski village of Fernie, life’s all about the snow. Here, the après activity is restricted to a few select bars and a spa so you’ll need to venture into town for more night life.
Never the less, there’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not skiing or boarding. Don’t miss the opportunity to tag onto a snowshoe tour or grab a guide and head to the back country for some cross country skiing and spectacular scenery.
If you’re looking for more to do, you’ll need to jump into the car and head downtown where you can experience curling, snowmobiling, ice-skating and even ice-fishing. Catch a game of ice hockey game, enjoy a movie, visit the Arts Co-op or indulge in some retail therapy… or simply relax in one of several day spas. Further afield you’ll find cat skiing at Island Lake or Fernie Wilderness Adventures.
Getting There & Around
This historic resort isn’t the easiest to get to, though once you’re there, you’ll be glad you made the effort. The best way to travel is to book a flight into Calgary International Airport, and from there it’s a 3.5 hour drive by hire car. There are also shuttles from Calgary International to Fernie, though they generally only depart once or twice a day.
An alternative is to fly into Cranbrook Airport, however this is a small destination serviced by a few domestic flights and from here you’ll need to arrange a private or scheduled shuttle service to the resort, which is about a 1.25 hours away.
A hire car is recommended during you stay in Fernie village. While there is a shuttle that will take you from the village to the township, there is no late night service to get you back.
How Far
Airport:
Cranbrook Airport 100km
Transfer:
1 hour Bus or Drive
Our staff love...
One of the few rustic ski towns still remaining! Fernie town is laid back and funky and is only 5 mins from the ski village and provides a good range of nightlife and you can find a cheap beer here too! The village is fairly ski-in/out and is really compact offering some bars, restaurants and services at affordable pricing too. The skiing can be challenging and offer tons of powder so a great resort for those needing more of a mountain to ski /ride. If you are anything like me, I prefer the ski-in/out and I can’t go past Lizard Creek Lodge. Great mountain lodge feel and so convenient!
Sylvia
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Hotels in Fernie
Fernie Slopeside Lodge
Fernie Slopeside Lodge, located at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, is a comfortable ski in-ski out hotel style accommodation. Relax in your room, complete with cable television, coffee maker and fridge. The Lodge features two indoor Jacuzzis, lockers for ski and board storage and laundry facilities. Located steps from the village plaza, including Kelsey's restaurant and the Slopeside Deli, and 5km from the City of Fernie, Fernie Slopeside Lodge offers convenience for guests to enjoy all that the Elk Valley has to offer in the winter and summer. Onsite outdoor pool & hot tubs, ski lockers, laundry.
Lizard Creek Lodge
Lizard Creek Lodge & Condominiums is the perfect ski-in/ski-out property at Fernie Alpine Resort. The outdoor pool and hot tubs overlook the mountains and there is a gentle run that cruises past the hotel. Each of the luxurious suites has differing configurations. Studios, one, two and three bedroom suites offer full kitchens and a fireplace in the lounge. Distinguished by its private setting on Highline Drive, they offer the only full service property on the mountain. Onsite ice-bar, outdoor pool, hot tubs (20 person), spa centre, fitness centre, Cirque Restaurant & Bar, guest laundry, pre order grocery service, ski concierge and sports lockers, Sports Alpine Rental shop.
Polaris Lodge
Located in the centre of the Kimberley Alpine Resort Village, just a step away from the Northstar high speed quad lift, the Polaris Lodge condos are equipped with kitchens, rock fireplaces, and beautifully appointed bathrooms with Jacuzzi bath tubs, and laundry in some suites. Onsite: outdoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness centre, free wifi restaurant and bar.
Snow Creek Cabins
Snow Creek Cabins are a classic Canadian log cabin tucked in the woods above Snow Creek Lodge. This Fernie accommodation is conveniently located slope side, and guests enjoy full access to all amenities at Snow Creek Lodge. Onsite hot tub, heated pool, exercise room, Wi-Fi.
Snow Creek Lodge
Excellent ski-in/ski-out condominium property with panoramic views. All apartments include full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV and freestanding luxury cabins in the trees adjacent to Snow Creek Lodge have 2 bedrooms and a master suite loft bedroom. Onsite outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness room, café, gift shop, lounge, guest laundry.
Timberline Village
Ski-in or a short walk or shuttle bus to lifts. These mountainside condominiums offer a variety of units ranging in standard (Gold, Silver, Bronze). All have full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV and balcony. Some have washer/dryers. Free morning shuttle to lifts. Onsite outdoor pool, hot tubs, spa centre, gym, laundry.
