Five Reasons to Have Your Wedding Reception at the Griz Bar
Your love story deserves a legendary backdrop.
Whether you met on the slopes, fell for each other over après, or simply dream of saying “I do” surrounded by mountain magic, Fernie has a venue unlike anywhere else.
Why Fernie’s most iconic bar might be your dream wedding venue!
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back mountain wedding with serious character – and space for everyone you love – it’s time to meet the Griz Bar!
Tucked at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, the Griz Bar is more than just legendary après. It’s now one of the most unique wedding venues in the Elk Valley.
Here’s why it could be the perfect spot for your summer 2026 celebration:
- Room for Everyone You Love
With seating for up to 150 guests indoors, the Griz Bar is one of the largest licensed wedding venues in the valley. That means no awkward cut-downs to your guest list or back-up rain plans – just one big, beautiful reception under one roof.
- It’s Got That Fernie Vibe
This isn’t your typical reception hall. The Griz Bar is packed with rustic character, vintage ski memorabilia, and wood-beamed interiors that tell the story of Fernie’s mountain culture. It’s authentic, iconic, and full of soul.
- Crowd-Pleasing Menus
Photo: Matt Kuhn Photography
Our catering team serves up elevated yet approachable options – perfect for weddings that value flavour and fun. Think creative canapés, inspired buffets, seasonal cocktails, and hearty late-night snacks designed to keep the party going.
- A Relaxed Flow That Actually Works
You’ll have time to breathe with access for set-up and decorating the day before. That means less stress on the big day and allows more time to enjoy the moment.
- One Location, Endless Perks
Mountain views? Check. Indoor licensed venue? Check. Two large decks? Check. On-site accommodation and in-house catering? Absolutely. It’s all here, making the Griz Bar a natural choice for couples who want destination wedding ease without losing that down-to-earth Fernie vibe.
Now Booking Summer 2026 Weddings
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable mountain wedding that leans into fun, reach out today to book a tour or check availability.
The Griz Bar is now accepting weddings for Summer 2026, and peak dates are expected to fill quickly.
Contact our Wedding & Group Specialists via our inquiry form, or reach out to:
Talon & Lydia
Weddings & Groups Specialist
Tel: 250 423 2442 | Cell: 250 430 7163
Photo: Matt Kuhn Photography
Community Appreciation Day(s) at Fernie Alpine Resort 2025
What to Do on Community Appreciation Day(s)
Community Day at Fernie Alpine Resort is all about celebrating connection — bringing locals and visitors together for two special Summer Community Appreciation Days this August.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 7, 2025, when the resort will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM, offering great local deals and activities that give back to the community.
Lift Tickets & Local Offers
These days feature exclusive lift ticket pricing for Elk Valley residents (Fernie, Elko, Jaffray, Sparwood, & Elkford):
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Single-ride lift ticket on the Elk Chair: Adult/Senior/Youth/Child — $5 donation, Family — $10
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Full-day or twilight lift ticket: Adult/Senior/Youth/Child — $10 donation, Family — $20
All proceeds go to the Fernie Food Security Society.
To take advantage of these deals, bring proof of residency and photo ID to Guest Services. Waivers are required for bike park access (riders under 15 need a parent or guardian signature).
Family Fun
Community Appreciation Day is a great family day out! The Elk Grove Forest Playground is a must-visit. Located at the top of the Elk Chair, this unique alpine play zone blends natural elements with imaginative structures, giving kids a safe and adventurous space to explore while parents soak up stunning mountain views. After some playtime, treat the family at Bear’s Den or visit Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre, where kids can discover local wildlife, fossils, and the region’s natural history.
Back at the base, Legends Mountain Eatery is serving up a great family offer — kids eat free from 11 AM–5 PM with the purchase of an adult meal, making it easy to refuel between activities.
Mountain Biking
The Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Park is open to riders of all skill levels during Community Day. Whether you’re an experienced downhill enthusiast or trying the sport for the first time, there’s a trail suited for you. Downhill bike rentals are also available, making it easy for everyone to get out on the trails without bringing their own gear.
Hiking
Enjoy the resort’s network of lift-accessed hiking trails and explore Fernie’s breathtaking alpine landscapes. There’s something for everyone, from short, family-friendly walks to more challenging adventures. Be sure to bring your camera — the views and photo opportunities are simply unmatched.
Sightseeing
Looking for a more laid-back experience? Hop on the Elk Chairlift and soak up panoramic views of the Elk Valley and surrounding peaks. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Fernie’s beauty without breaking a sweat, whether you’re heading to the top for a picnic or simply want to take in the fresh mountain air.
Quick Tips Before You Go
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Dates: August 5 & 7, 2025
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Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
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Who: Elk Valley residents only (families and individuals)
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Bring: Proof of residency + photo ID
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Bonus: Kids eat free at Legends (11 AM–5 PM with the purchase of an adult meal)
Community Day is the perfect way to experience Fernie Alpine Resort in summer — whether you’re here to explore, relax, or give back. With discounted tickets, family activities, scenic rides, bike rentals, and delicious food, it’s a day to connect, play, and make unforgettable mountain memories.
Trail Crew Update: Spring Prep is Underway!
Spring is finally doing its thing, and the snow on the lower mountain has melted back enough for our trail crew to get to work! As the snowline continues to retreat up the mountain, our trail crew has officially hit the ground running to prepare for an awesome summer of riding.
Elk Side Trails: Inspected and Noted for Maintenance
With the lower mountain now mostly clear of snow, the team has been able to access and walk the majority of the Elk Side trails. Each one has been carefully inspected, with notes taken for upcoming maintenance, improvements, and repairs. This early prep work is essential to ensuring a smooth, fun, and safe ride for opening day.
Rakes, Shovels, and the Mini-Hoe
The crew kicked things off last week, focusing on raking out debris, reshaping corners, repairing erosion, and smoothing out wear and tear from last season. It’s hands-on, dirty work—but our team wouldn’t have it any other way.
Looking ahead to next week, we’ll be bringing in the mini hoe to help with heavier machine work on key sections. This will allow us to speed up progress and ensure everything is dialled in just right for a smooth summer flow.
Please Stay Off the Trails Until Opening Day
We know it’s tempting to get out there early, especially with the sunshine calling—but all trails are currently closed until our official opening day on June 21st. Riding on soft, unmaintained trails can set back the hard work underway and delay opening. Help us out by respecting the closures so we can open with trails that are safe, smooth, and ready to rip.
Mark Your Calendar: Opening Day – June 21st, 2025
We can’t wait to welcome riders back to the mountain. Until then, keep those bikes tuned, the stoke high, and we’ll see you soon!
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The Fernie Alpine Resort Trail Crew
Brush & Saw Crew Update… it’s a Big One!
Our dedicated Saw & Brush Crew have been busy since May, turning the mountain into your ultimate winter playground. With their hard work—and a little help from our trusty mower cat this fall—the slopes are looking better than ever, ready to deliver top-notch early-season snow coverage and smoother runs for everyone.
Check out the updates below to see what’s in store for this winter. And don’t miss the loooong list of runs that got some serious TLC this year!
Falling Star / Hells Gate
We’ve undertaken significant work to improve the terrain flow and accessibility in this area. By widening the Hells Gate section and reworking the flow, we’ve created an easier-to-maintain, more accessible exit from Siberia Bowl and a smoother intermediate run. A new exit off Fred’s Corner now offers a safe route during avalanche closures, and we’ve expanded the area from one groomer pass to six, making this section a premier groomed run.
Siberia Ridge
Deep Sea
The entry from Deep Sea has been widened and regraded, offering more accessible and inviting skiing and riding.
Dancer / Lower Cascade
Significant grading work has been done to allow earlier snowcat access to this area, which will provide guests with earlier season access.
We can’t wait for you to experience these exciting changes this winter – the mountain is looking fantastic! 😊
| Currie Bowl | ||
| Currie Powder | Hand Mowing | |
| Currie Creek | Hand Mowing | |
| Down Right | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber load/RV slope | Hand Mowing | |
| Gilmar | Mower Cat/ Hand Mowing | |
| S Bends | Hand Mowing | |
| Mid Diamond Back | Hand Mowing/hoe | |
| Barracuda | Hand Mowing | |
| Cedar Bowl | ||
| Cruiser | Hand Mowing | |
| Lower Cruiser | Mower Cat | |
| Blueberry Signline | Hand Mowing | |
| View trail | Hand Mowing | |
| Cedar Center | Hand Mowing | |
| Gorbi Bowl | Hand Mowing | |
| Lower Cedar Center | Hand Mowing | |
| Snake | Hand Mowing | |
| Red tree | Hand Mowing | |
| Emily’s | Mower Cat | |
| Spruce Lee | Mower Cat | |
| Timber Bowl | Highline Entire | Hand Mowing |
| Heartland | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber Top Traverse | Hand Mowing | |
| Deep Sea | Hand Mowing | |
| Quite Right | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber Trail | Mower Cat | |
| Silver Lining | Hand Mowing | |
| Black Cloud | Hand Mowing | |
| Surprize | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber lift line | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber Trail | Hand Mowing | |
| Lower Surprize | Mower Cat | |
| I Bowl/ Upper Highline | Hand Mowing | |
| Timber Liftline | Mower Cat | |
| Lizard Bowl | ||
| Dancer | Hand Mowing | |
| China Wall | Hand Mowing | |
| China Might | Hand Mowing / Mower Cat | |
| Boomerang Ridge | Hand Mowing | |
| Wallaby | Hand Mowing | |
| Bear Cub | Mower Cat | |
| North Ridge | Mower Cat | |
| PS – Deep Space | Hand Mowing | |
| Kodiak | Hand Mowing | |
| Boomerang | Hand Mowing | |
| Kodiak | Mower Cat | |
| Bear | Mower Cat | |
| Lower Bear | Mower Cat | |
| Ballet | Mower Cat | |
| Lower Ballet | Mower Cat | |
| Stag Leap | Hand Mowing | |
| Sky Dive | Hand Mowing | |
| Decline | Hand Mowing | |
| Freeway | Hand Mowing | |
| Giggly Gully | Hand Mowing | |
| Boom Ridge | Mower Cat | |
| Linda’s | Mower Cat | |
| Lower Mountain | Meadow | Mower Cat |
| Incline | Mower Cat | |
| Lizard | Mower Cat | |
| Elk | Mower Cat | |
| Holo Hike | Mower Cat | |
| Downhill | Mower Cat | |
| Deer | Mower Cat | |
| Bambi | Mower Cat | |
| Lower Diamond Back | Mower Cat | |
| Elk Lift Line | Hand Mowing | |
| Power Trip | Hand Mowing/Hoe/Dozer | |
| Silver Fox | Mower Cat | |
| Silver Fox/Rail Park | Hand Mowing | |
| Holiday | Mower Cat | |
| Siberia Bowl | Hells Gate Sign Line | Hand Mowing |
| White Rabbit | Glading | |
| Freds Corner banks | Hand Mowing | |
| Fallout | Mower Cat | |
| Falling Star | Mower Cat | |
| Fred’s Corner to Hells Gate | Hand Mowing | |
| Hells Gate | Hand Mowing | |
| Top of Siberia Ridge | Hand Mowing | |
| Lower Siberia Ridge | Mower Cat | |
| Dirt Work | Falling Star | |
| Sib Ridge | ||
| Gilmar | ||
| Dancer |
Introducing the Elk Grove Forest Playground!
New for Summer 2024 – Introducing the Elk Grove Forest Playground!
Phase 1 of construction for our new Elk Grove Forest Playground is well underway.
Located among a beautiful shady tree island at the top of the Elk Chair, this forest playground is a great place for kids to explore and play.
The Elk Grove will be a vibrant addition to the other summer activities that guests can access via the Elk Chair. Families can embark on a day of adventure, starting their visit with a ride up the Elk Chairlift and exploring the Elk Grove Forest Playground and Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre.
Enjoy a family-friendly hike, passing by an observation deck with spectacular views and educational interpretive signs. Then, return to the Bear’s Den to enjoy refreshing beverages, snacks, and everyone’s favourite – ice cream!
Features of the new Elk Grove Forest Playground include:
- Pirate Ship
- Bridges
- Slide
- Chairlift Swings
- Cargo Climbing Net
- Sandbox
- Paths winding through the forest connecting all of the play features
- Picnic Area
Phase 1 of the Playground will be complete for Opening Day on Saturday, June 22nd. Plans for future phases are in development and will include more fun and creative play structures.
All Fernie Alpine Resort summer lift tickets and season passes include access to the Elk Grove Forest Playground. Children must be supervised by their responsible parent/adult.
Purchase your summer pass here – https://skifernie.com/purchase/summer-season-passes/
Purchase your summer lift tickets here – https://tickets.skifernie.com/product-category/summer-lift-tickets/
The Elk Grove promises a unique, fun-filled experience for kids and families. Come and join us for an unforgettable adventure!
#FernieStoke Ski Shuttle
For all information on the Fernie Ski Shuttle, please visit the following website.
#FernieStoke Local Ski Shuttle
Summer of ’22
Tomorrow is the day, we open for summer 2022!
Enjoy lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking & sightseeing all summer long!
The Elk Chair will be open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (with extended hours from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm on Thursdays).
Our summer operations run from June 25th to September 5th
Lizard Lane is freshly built and ready to go. A favourite addition to our trail network that’s been a staple over the past few summers.
Ben’s Big Rig is back for 2022 as a green run to access Deer Trail or to ride all the way down to Bear load with access to Lower Duff Dynasty. Ben’s Big Rig received dirt and machine work to build up berms and remove brake bumps. This work is still being finished off so may not be ready for opening day, but will be soon after.
Upper Top Gun had a berm and jump rebuild by hand last fall. There are plans to rebuild the middle section this summer.
Get the Girls Out! International Women’s Day at Fernie Alpine Resort
This weekend Fernie Alpine Resort is celebrating International Women’s Day with SheJumps! You can play the online Get the Girls Out! game all weekend (Friday – Sunday) and meet up for in-person activities on Sunday, March 6 at the Elk Base.
SheJumps Get the Girls Out! is a national campaign to unite women as they support, challenge, mentor, and inspire each other in the outdoor sports world.
Due to COVID precautions, our 2022 event will follow a hybrid model using a virtual scavenger hunt through the Goosechase app and a few on-hill games at Fernie! This gives participants the flexibility to engage with the SheJumps community at the level at which they are comfortable.
Beginning on Friday, March 4, 2022, participants can begin playing the Get the Girls Out! event using the Goosechase app on their phone. Registration for the event is free, and you’re connecting with people from around the world and also your local community. Win points by completing the missions. Then, meet up with SheJumps co-founder and executive director, Claire Smallwood, on Sunday at the Elk Base to participate in some on-hill challenges at Fernie Alpine Resort. The virtual game is live until Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 7 p.m. MST.
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Andrea Byrne and Oliva Johnson – SheJumps Ambassadors. Photo: Emma Polit
Golden Girafficorn Hunt – find the golden ‘girafficorns’ on the mountain and bring it back to the booth to be entered to win a prize!
- Photo challenges – Snag a picture with your shred buddies and upload it to social media tagging @shejumps and @ferniealpineresort, we’ll choose a winner at the end of the day!
Can’t make it to the ski hill? No worries! Using a mobile app, participants complete outdoor-themed missions to earn points and receive prizes from SheJumps partners. The Goosechase challenges feature 150 activities to complete and earn points. From nature breakdancing to drawing SheJumps’ signature Girafficorn to outdoor safety and preparation challenges, Get The Girls Out! gives women and girls an accessible way to enjoy time outside.
Get the Girls Out! and International Women’s Day reminds us that we can build a world where difference is valued and celebrated, and a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Getting outside is an easy and fun way to celebrate the power of community and the importance of outdoor play.
Read more about the event at Fernie Alpine Resort here.
Questions? Contact SheJumps [email protected]
Photo: Jason Hummel
Fernie Alpine Resort’s Multi-Use Trail System
Important Update – June 25, 2021
Fernie Alpine Resort is excited to announce that, as of June 26, 2021, guests will once again have access to our complete multiuse trail system, which includes all trails outside our winter/summer operational boundaries.
All users will now be required to have a valid FAR Multi-Use Trails Access Pass ($5 including gst) and completed a waiver to be allowed access. The waiver needs to be done in person, so please come into our Guest Services office to complete it, and receive your Pass.
The Passes will not be valid for use on the lifts and do not allow the holder access to our Bike Park in the summer, or our ski area in the winter, at any time.
The Pass will allow access to the following trails –
Trails to the South – Silk, Manchuria, Scandia, Double Creek, Double Creek Extension.
Trails to the North – Hobbit, View, Black Forest, Megahurtz, Upper Old Goat, New Goat, Upper Gorby, Upper Verboten, Snakebite)
For more details on the location of trails, please refer to the maps below.
The Pass and waiver will be valid for the calendar year, expiring on December 31, and will cover all non-motorised use of the trails 12 months of the year. Motorised use is prohibited.
Passes are available for purchase at Fernie Alpine Resort’s Guest Services counter for $5. If you purchase a day ticket or multi-day ticket, the multiuse trail system is included for the date shown on your ticket.
If you require more information, please call us on 250-423-2435.
See you on the trails!
FAR Team
Pride Month in Fernie
It’s Pride Month, and here in Fernie, we love to celebrate LGBTQIA2S+! 🌈
Fernie has come a long way with its support of Pride. In 2016, the Fernie Pride Society was established, and it didn’t take long for the community to show their support. From the painting of rainbow crosswalks across town, the monthly Ears for Peers event, to the week-long Elk Valley Pride Festival held every year in September (best week ever!), it is inspiring to see people of all ages, genders, and sexualities coming together in support of each other.
This month, the Fernie Pride Society has a full schedule of online events:
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Photo by Vince Mo
June 7th, at 10 am, is Drag Story and Craft Time with the one and only, Freida Whales. Head to the Fernie Pride or Fernie Heritage Library Facebook page to participate.
- On June 14th, the magical rainbow crosswalks will be repainted onto the corner of 3rd Ave and 5th St (next to the Post Office/Library). This year, they are keeping the painting party small, but please reach out to Fernie Pride on their Facebook page if you would like to volunteer your time. These crosswalks have become a wonderful addition to Fernie’s downtown. Make sure you stop by to check them out.
- On the 3rd Thursday of every month is Ears for Peers (via Zoom). Ears for Peers is a safe peer-to-peer place for conversation, support, gathering and more. This month it is on June 17, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. The zoom link will be posted on their Facebook page leading up to the event.
- Later in June, Fernie Pride will be hosting (via Zoom) their popular Rainbow Connections event. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information coming soon!
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Photo via Fernie Pride Society
Continue celebrating pride through art by downloading this fantastic Day of Pink colouring page featuring Fernie Pride’s President, Kevin Allen. You can find it here. It is a part of Day of Pink’s latest colouring book that can be found here. This colouring book shares the stories of trans and queer folks who are creating safer spaces, celebrating our community, and advancing human rights. Learn about our past, present, and future while enjoying the art of colouring.
New events are continuously being added, so please show your support and follow the Fernie Pride Society on Facebook to join in on the fun.
Photo by Vinco Mo
If you are looking to support Fernie Pride Society’s initiatives, please donate to their membership drive, which is happening all month long. When you purchase a membership (only $20 for 3 years), you are supporting an essential local organization and helping them secure support and funding for some great programming and initiatives, which will continue to benefit the community. Get your membership here.
Pride month is when we celebrate diversity and LGBTQIA2S+ communities, acknowledge their history, the hardships they have endured, and the progress made. Fernie is a community full of strong Allies who really help make a difference. Let’s all fly the rainbow flag and show that EVERYONE is welcome in Fernie.
