Jeep Jr. Freeski Recap
The future of Canadian freeskiing was in Fernie this past weekend in an action-packed competition sponsored by Jeep, Rossignol and Smith Optics. One hundred competitors from Western Canada and the United States descended on Fernie Alpine Resort for the two day Jeep Jr. Freeski event.
At the competitors meeting on Saturday morning, spirits were high as kids aged 7-18 fidgeted in their seats, eager to hit the slopes for inspection. With their bright red bibs over their snowsuits or attached to their hips, the 100 competitors hiked up to the venue, Big Bang, a Fernie favourite run with a steep pitch, snow-covered trees and several natural features scattered about. Kids and coaches took their inspection run, picked their lines and then… we were off!
We started with the 7-11 Girls who absolutely wowed the judges with their style. Even more impressive was seeing the winners on day two take their spots on the podium and realizing just how young and tiny some of these little rippers are. No matter how small though, the 7-11 Girls were some of the fiercest skiers on the mountain!
We followed it up with the 7-11 Boys who showed speed and control coming down the steep pitch on Big Bang. Next was the 12-14 Girls, who showed no signs whatsoever of intimidation as they charged the mountain and started showing off some tricks over the features!
The 12-14 Boys were no exception to the excellent skiing we saw on the weekend, showing us that they’re the ones to keep an eye on as they grow and mature into expert skiers!
The air at the start gate was practically sizzling with electric energy as the 15-18 Girls prepared to make the drop. Between the hugs, high-fives, fist-bumps and pep-talks the vibe was one of excitement and support! As each competitor dropped down onto the run, cheers and shouts echoed around the valley. The 15-18 Girls absolutely killed it, throwing some big air and skiing some crystal clean lines.
Then, the big boys came out to play. The 15-18 Boys were no joke when it comes to awesome tricks and big air! They hit every feature they could manage, throwing 360s, spread eagles and all manner of grabs and twists and turns!
After a full day of skiing, a weary but still energized by adrenaline group of competitors met up in the Daylodge to learn their fates. Head judge Jeff Holden stressed the fact that they’d seen some phenomenal skiing all day but that the cuts had been made. Fifty percent plus one of the competitors would be coming back to battle it out for the finals….
It was a slightly more anxious group of skiers who gathered in the Daylodge the next morning. The temperature had dropped overnight, meaning that nice soft snow they’d enjoyed on Big Bang the day before had transformed into something a little more solid. The judges took a couple test runs down the venue and decided that although the snowpack was hard, it was edgeable and the competition could safely go forward! After hearing this news, the energy started to turn from anxious to amped. The finals were a go!
Once again we started off with the 7-11 Girls and although they all did their utmost best as the first ones down the slope, it was Annika Cooper from Kimberley who impressed the judges the most with a score of 60.30! In second place was Anjah Morgan-Smith from Lake Louise and in third, Fernie’s own Ivy Wright.
Now that the girls had broken up the hard snow and ice a bit, the 7-11 Boys came racing down! And what a competition this category was! In the end, it was Issac Hulme from Fernie who snagged the top spot with a score of 60.30. Joseph Lesage-Reid from Kimberley was hot on his heels in second place and not far behind him was Elek Wenzlawe, another Fernie local in third place.
The 12-14 Girls category saw a bit of drama as competitor Ava Lund from Lake Louise took a tumble and had Patrol help her down. We hope you’re feeling better Ava and we want you to know that your first run was truly impressive!! As Ava was getting the help she needed on course, some snowy weather started rolling in, meaning visibility for the last few categories was a little bit sketchy. No matter, the 12-14 Girls powered through it like the powerhouses they are and after a tough battle, Eden Amundsen from Fernie came away victorious with a score of 57.63! Kiara Bertsch from Lake Louise took second place and less than a point behind was Andorra Wright from Fernie.
With the snow thickening, the 12-14 Boys took to the start gates. With shouts of encouragement and jubilation ringing from the top, Ashton Chilton from Lake Louise impressed everyone with his 65.73 point run! Second place went to Mason Scott from Whitewater and third to Justin Darnborough from Red Mountain.
The judges paused to consider the visibility issues and considered switching to a split judge set-up but decided to push forward. They had confidence in the 15-18 Girls and they were right! Despite the conditions, the girls wowed with their style and confidence and Jade Regehr from Lake Louise ended up taking the top spot. Neve Richards from Fernie was hot on her heels though and third place went to Ella Engelhard from Missoula.
Finally was the 15-18 Boys. Everyone was expecting big things after watching them ski yesterday and the crowd gathered at the bottom of Big Bang were not disappointed. With a stunning score of 66.27 points, Fernie’s own Levi Wright took the top spot! He was joined on the podium by two more Fernie boys, Roy McPherson in second place and Tyler Stack in third.
As the winners collected their prizes, they flashed big smiles at a room full of cheering parents, coaches and friends! The next stop for these young freeskiers is Kicking Horse this weekend and Kimberley Alpine Resort on February 24&25!
For a list of day one results, click here: https://skifernie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Day-1-Results.pdf
For a list of final results, click here: https://skifernie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Final-Results-1.pdf
Raging Elk Kinky Rail Jam Recap
What a perfect day for ripping, slipping, sliding and jumping yesterday was! With warm temperatures and rays of sunshine peeking through the trees and bathing the competitors and spectators of the Raging Elk Kinky Rail Jam in its glow, the day was truly fully-charged.
The action got started just after 11am in the Fernie Alpine Resort Terrain Park, with competitors between the ages of six and “too old to say” hitting six different features, including various boxes and rails. Between their runs, competitors cheered each other on, waved at the chairlift riders dangling above them or used their skis and poles to play air guitar and drums to the pounding beats.
Spirits were running high and competitors were bristling with electric energy as they gave their all on each of the features. We saw tricks ranging in creativity and success and the judges were impressed by all. Skiers reigned supreme in this year’s event, with only one snowboarding competitor, Emily Park.
Emily took home a win in the snowboard category as well as in best trick on a snowboard!
It was a bit more of a tricky decision for the judges in the skier categories but after much debating, they chose their winners:
In the Girls Ski category, we saw Amy Shipley take the gold with Nell (The Nellinator) in second place and Ivy Wright hot on her tail in third.
Jack Nash was the winner of the Boys U10 Ski category although Adam Holub and Jake Weyman put up a good fight, coming in second and third respectively.
For the Boys 10-15 Skiers, Parker Kennedy nabbed the top spot with Charlie Nash right behind him in second place. Another Charlie (Domareski) took third place, rounding out the trio.
The tricks got bigger and wilder as we moved up the ranks and the Boys 15 and Over Ski category truly impressed. Lucas Reid and his stylish moves got him a first place finish, with Marten Hammarstrom coming in second place and Carter Murray in third.
Perhaps one of the most entertaining runs of the day was the final lap through the park for Best Trick! Competitors pulled out all the stops, got really creative and had one last run to show off their flashiest trick. There was spins and turns and one-legged wobbling, all resulting in a very entertaining and impressive show.
Ivy Wright took another win with best trick for girls, while the youngest competitor Theo Favreau got best trick for the younger boys. Charlie Nash wowed the judges and took the best trick for mid-age boys and Carter Murray can now brag he’s got the best trick on the mountain of the older boys!
All in all, the day was a raging success! And speaking of raging, let’s give a huge shout-out to our title sponsor: Raging Elk Hostel! We couldn’t have done it without you guys <3
‘Tis the season!
Fernie is a winter wonderland in more ways than one this holiday season! Sure, there’s the legendary annual snowfall and seemingly unlimited terrain but there are also many cheer-filled events coming to the resort just in time for the holidays.
There’s nothing quite like an old-school scenic sleigh ride to make you feel jolly. With friendly horses and a comfy sleigh that winds through the majestic forests surrounding Fernie Alpine Resort, this is a sure-fire way to get you into the Christmas spirit. From December 21 to January 5, sleigh rides will be running daily between 12 and 7 p.m. for $15 a person. If a private evening sleigh ride is more your speed, then group bookings can be made at Guest Services for groups of up to 11 people. This blissful and relaxing outdoor activity is a great way to kickoff the holidays.
And the fun most certainly doesn’t stop there. Saint Nick himself will be making a special visit to Fernie Alpine Resort for two days on December 23 and 24. He heard how great the skiing is and couldn’t resist a last minute stopover in Fernie before his big night. You can hit the slopes with Santa between 10 a.m. and noon and then head into the daylodge to tell the man in the jolly red suit your wishlist as you pose for a photo. He’ll be in the daylodge until 2 p.m. so you can be sure to snag a photo either the traditional way or in our new Santa photo booth! Elves will be on hand to email the pictures free of charge.
This holiday season is jam-packed with particularly fun activities for the little ones (aged 6-12). The Griz Kidz Holiday Program will keep the kids busy and give the parents some time to get the Christmas shopping done! The activities cost $5 per child but you can book any five Griz Kidz activities for only $20. One of those could be the Crafty Kidz nights on
December 22 and January 1 where parents can drop the little rippers off for some supervised craft time. Another could be building gingerbread houses on December 27 or even the mini carnival on the 29th. If you’ve got an aspiring snowboarder in the family, you don’t want to miss the Burton Riglet Snowboard Demo on Boxing Day. With a costume party on January 2, cooking night on January 3 and a games night on the 5th, your little tyke will have plenty to keep them occupied over the school break. All Griz Kids holiday events run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and registration can be done through Guest Services.
Another way to keep the kids busy this holiday season is with the Kids Christmas Ski & Board Camp. For only $269, kids from ages 6-12 and of all riding abilities will get three full days of on-mountain instruction from our expert instructors. The camp runs from December 26-29 and will focus on skill development, guided discovery of the mountain and of course, fun! Contact the Winter Sports School to sign up today.
For starry fun for all ages, hit up the Mighty Moose for a moonlit ski on December 23 and 24 as well as from December 26 to January 6 between 4-9 p.m. Bring the whole family out for some evening turns on the Mighty Moose and remember, your day pass is valid for night skiing as well! Otherwise, tickets can be purchased for $19.95 plus tax for adults and free for everyone under 17 years old. This is a great way to get all that you can out of your day pass and is especially great if you’re just not ready to stop riding at 4 o’clock!
Finally, one the most exciting nights of the year is celebrated across the globe and Fernie is no exception! New Years Eve is a chance to start-over, make some changes, or just continue living the great life that you do. Either way, we want to celebrate another year of awesomeness with you! Bring the whole family down to our New Years Eve party to enjoy a number of free and fun activities. Everything kicks off at 7 p.m. with arts and crafts, a photo booth and more in the plaza area. The night culminates with a dazzling display of fireworks over the Mighty Moose at 9 p.m. If you parents out there aren’t quite ready to end your night off so early, drop the kiddies off at the Griz Kidz New Years Eve party, but remember to sign up first.
Little Griz Kidz will have a pizza party, dancing, games, snacks, fireworks, and a movie (with popcorn, of course) just for them on New Years Eve at the Griz Kidz New Years Eve Party. This particular party is a paid event and requires pre-registration at Guest Services so make sure to book your spot! Kids 6 and up are invited to this fully supervised event, with two different options. Drop the kids off early (6 p.m.) or attend the family party together and then drop them off a little later (9:30 p.m.). The professional staff will keep your children safe and happy until 12:30 a.m. so you can ring in the New Year in style!
So, like we said, there are tons of events to help you get in the Christmas spirit at Fernie Alpine Resort this year. We hope to see you on the slopes!
Welcome Back Fernie!
Welcome back Fernie!
Another year of unbelievable powder and excellent riding is off to a flying start. Opening day saw people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities hit the slopes at Fernie Alpine Resort and it was nothing but smiles, some new and some familiar in the line-ups on Deer and Elk chairs Saturday morning before the line drop.
Excitement was in the air as campers yawned and crawled out of their tents and early birds met them in the maze. Even the Griz made an appearance and managed to grab the second Elk chair of the season, after stirring up some buzz in the crowd of course. As the minutes, and then the seconds ticked towards nine o’clock, voices swelled in a giant countdown. Five… Four… Three… Two… ONE!
After first chair, the smiles got even bigger as skiers and boarders discovered a snowy powder paradise in Cedar Bowl. With five lifts and approximately 35 runs open on opening day, everyone was happy with the conditions and chomping at the bit to explore the rest of the mountain.
Lucky for them, we can announce that the Timber Bowl Express, White Pass chair, and Moose slope will be opening on Saturday! Get ready to head over to see what the new side has to offer in terms of early season snow or learn some turns on our beginner slopes. After less than a week, we can now boast 65 open runs and that number is sure to sky-rocket on Saturday.
And that’s not the only new and exciting thing coming up this week. Fernie Alpine Resort has a new destination for delicious dining and it’s opening Friday, December 8th at 11 a.m!
Legends Mountain Eatery is new to the resort this year and we couldn’t be more excited to explore their scrumptious menu of daring and dazzling food. Located in the plaza, this mountain eatery is both convenient and comforting. Make sure to stop in and give it a try, that is if you can tear yourself away from the mountain long enough to grab a bite to eat!
Although you’ll certainly see many familiar faces among the staff at Fernie Alpine Resort this season, we also want to welcome hundreds of new staff members to our team! These are the people that work hard to make sure you have the best possible time skiing, riding, and relaxing in Fernie so show them some love.
With good vibes and even better snow, we couldn’t have asked for a better kick off to the 2017/2018 winter season. We hope to see you on the slopes!
Photos by: Steve Reed and Fernie Alpine Resort
Monster Energy decended on Fernie Alpine Resort -March 18 & 19 for the Monster Energy Boarderstyle event. Boarderstyle is a mixture of a slopestyle and boardercross course with obstacles along the way. The first time the event has left Whistler – Fernie Alpine Resort was excited to be a national qualifier stop for this unique event.
37 men and women took up the challenge and raced down the custom designed course that featured berms, rollers, drops, a skim pond and a feature jump at the end. Although competitors raced each other in heats of 4, speed was not the only determining factor in who moved on each heat. There was a mandatory spin off the final feature jump for the men and women (while not mandatory) were encouraged to spin as well. The final jump at the end was judged and if the competitor closely behind you did a better trick off the jump they could bump you out of your spot so the jump was the final deciding factor.
The 30 men and 7 women were weeded down to 4 in head to head heats to make for an exciting final heat and race/jump to the finish!
The final results for the event were:
Men’s
1st – Charles Reid
2nd – Mark Tremblay
3rd – Mark Sollors
4th – Jordan Howard
Women’s
1st – Jamie Warner
2nd – Emily Park
3rd – Laurie Fichter
4th – Lisa Kotrys
Photos from the event can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/skircr/albums/72157666077591031
Thanks to Monster Energy and all the competitors and spectators that came out for the event. We look forward to seeing you in 2017!
February 18-21st Fernie welcomes top Junior Freeski Athletes for the Jeep Junior Freeski Competition Presented By Rossignol and Smith Optics.
For complete event information please head to our events calendar here: https://skifernie.com/events/jeep-junior-freeski-presented-by-rossignol-and-smith-optics/
Competition Start Lists & Results Are Available Below:
START LISTS:
February 19th Day 1 – UPDATE: Day 1 has been postponed. All athletes will run qualifiers tomorrow (February 20th)
February 20th Day 2 – Click here
February 21st Day 3 – Click here
RESULTS:
February 19th Day 1 – UPDATE: Day 1 has been postponed. All athletes will run qualifiers tomorrow (February 20th)
February 20th Day 2 – Click here
February 21st Day 3 – Click here
Complete Results – Click here
MEDIA:
Video Day 1 (Weather Day) – Click here
Video Day 2 – Click here
Video Day 3 – Click here
Photos – Click here
Thanks to our sponsors: Jeep, Rossignol, Smith Optics, Helly Hansen, Dynastar, Kootenay Communications, Old Dutch, Sun Rype and Campbell’s
Stocking Stuffers @ Alpine Sports!
We are only a few days out from Christmas and many of us have been too busy out enjoying the fresh powder to think about Christmas shopping…
If you need to find that certain someone the perfect gift then head into Alpine Sports for a great range of outerwear, hard goods, goggles, helmets, gloves, touques and so much more!!
There’s something for everyone! Come check it out!
Happy holidays!
- Published in Fernie
Holiday Fun @ Fernie Alpine Resort
The holidays are just around the corner and Fernie Alpine Resort has a jammed packed Holiday Events & Activities schedule to keep those spirits high!
Santa is coming to Fernie Alpine Resort
December 23rd & 24th – Join Santa on the slopes before he heads back to the North Pole. Santa will be on the hill skiing each day from 10am – 12pm and then he will head into the base to take photos in the Daylodge from 12pm-2pm. The event is FREE and open to all ages!
More details: https://skifernie.com/events/ski-photos-with-santa/
Griz Kidz Holiday Evenings
Attention all kids ages 6-12, join us over the holiday period for our annual Griz Kidz evenings. Parents drop your kids off from 6:30pm – 8:00pm for some supervised holiday fun including Craft Nights, Movie Nights and Games nights. All evenings are FREE of charge and are open to ages 6-12. Pre-registration is required and parents can register their kids at Guest Services prior to 5pm on the day.
The Griz Kidz Holiday schedule is as follows:
Dec. 20th – Griz Kidz Activity Night – GAMES NIGHT
Dec. 21st – Griz Kidz Movie Night – CHRISTMAS CARTOONS
Dec. 22nd – Griz Kidz Crafty Kids Night – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Dec. 26th – Griz Kidz Movie Night – “HOME ALONE” MOVIE
Dec. 27th – Griz Kidz Activity Night – GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING
Dec. 28th – Griz Kidz Crafty Kids Night – HOLIDAY CRAFTS
Dec. 30th – Griz Kidz Movie Night – “MINIONS” MOVIE
Jan. 2nd – Griz Kidz Activity Night – GAMES NIGHT
For more information on any of the evenings please check out the event calendar listings: https://skifernie.com/events-calendar/
Christmas Day
Relax and enjoy some family time on Christmas day as we take care of the cooking! Head out for a few turns on the slopes and then join us in the brand new Cirque Restaurant at Lizard Creek Lodge for Brunch and Dinner. The Cirque’s floor to ceiling mountain views and 2 beautiful river rock fireplaces make for the perfect atmosphere to spend Christmas Day. Brunch seatings are from 9am – 1:30pm and Dinner Seatings are from 4:00pm – 8:30pm. Reservations are required. For prices, more details and how to reserve check out: https://skifernie.com/events/cirques-christmas-day-brunch-dinner-buffet/
New Year’s Eve
Fernie Alpine Resort is the place to be to ring in 2016. Join us for one of many celebrations:
Family New Year’s Eve – 6pm – 9pm
Come out and celebrate the new year with the entire family! Join us from 6pm-9pm for a variety of FREE family activities in the base area and Mighty Moose. The night culminates with a fireworks display on the Mighty Moose at 9pm. For more information: https://skifernie.com/events/family-new-years-eve/
Griz Bar New Year’s Eve Party – 8pm – 1am
Ring in the new year at the hottest party in Fernie. Join us at our legendary Griz Bar as we celebrate the start of 2016 with a toast at midnight, dancing and a live music from our favorite NYE Band the Todd Sellecks! 19yrs+ party and tickets are required (Please note tickets are now sold out). Details: https://skifernie.com/events/griz-bar-nye-party/
Cirque New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance – 5pm – 1am
The brand new Cirque Restaurant and Ice Bar at Lizard Creek Lodge is hosting a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance Party and is sure to be a spectacular event not to be missed! All guests will be treated to a four-course dinner menu and dance party, with a glass of bubbly for the adults, as we bring in the New Year Cirque style! Reservations required – for prices and reservation details please check out https://skifernie.com/events/cirques-nye-dinner-dance-party/
On Hill Activities
Sleigh Rides
Experience the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Fernie Alpine Resort this holiday season! Sleigh rides are available daily from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3. Afternoon sleigh rides run from 12:00pm – 5:30pm and an “Evening Sleigh Ride & Dinner Package” option is available from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Sleigh rides are about 30min in duration and can be booked at Guest Services. For more information visit guest services or for more information check out the poster here
Night Skiing – December 26th – January 2nd
From December 26th to January 2nd – join us for Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose lift and run every day from 4pm – 9pm. Lift tickets are required and can be purchased in the rental shop. Tickets from the day time are valid for Night Skiing.
Kids Christmas Ski Camps – December 28th to January 1st
A fun filled week, with top quality instruction from our specialist children instructors. Focusing on skill development, fun and activities. Scavenger hunt on mountain, costume day and BBQ on Friday, obstacle course, slalom race and more. Open to ages 6-12. Register at the Winter Sports School Desk in Guest Services or call 250-423-2406
Snow shoeing & Cross Country Skiing
If downhill skiing or snowboarding isn’t your style, hit the trails around the resort on your Snow Shoes or Cross Country Skis.
Snow Shoe and Cross Country Ski Maps can be found here: https://skifernie.com/the-mountain/guides-maps/trail-maps/
Don’t have the gear? We rent snow shoes and cross country skis in our rental shop!
Guided snow shoe tours and cross country ski lessons are also available – book at our Winter Sports School Desk in Guest Services or call 250-423-2406
Winter Fat Biking
Always wanted to bike in the winter time? New this winter our rental shop has 8 Scott Winter Fat Bikes to rent! Rental rates and details can be found here: https://skifernie.com/rentals-lessons/rentals/rental-rates/
Winter bikes are not allowed on the mountain but are allowed on our cross country trail network and we are currently working with the Fernie Trails Alliance to have a loop in the base area. Visit Guest Services for further information and maps.
If you’re spending time in Fernie this Winter Season, you should be planning ahead for at least one memorable night out on Downtown Fernie’s vibrant 2nd Avenue. The ingredients for the Perfect Aprés Ski Party? How about: delicious food, fantastic ambience, great friends and fun.
Fernie favourite, the Loaf, can deliver all the goods! Loaf has an excellent local reputation for casual fine-dining with great service. Their range of Italian-inspired menu items and freshly prepared dinner specials are available nightly alongside their award-winning, stone-baked, Italian-style pizzas. Loaf is a great choice for families and groups – they can accommodate large parties, private functions and even arrange live music and entertainment to make your party a memorable one. Just call the Loaf on (250) 423-7702 to discuss your requirements.
See www.loafbakery.ca for details on brunch, $5 Happy Hour, dinner times and menus, including Loaf’s super-easy-to-use online take-out service.
5 Reasons To Work At Fernie Alpine Resort
Have you ever gone on a ski or snowboard trip and looked around at the staff that you meet throughout your day and secretly say to yourself “I wish I could do that”. If you have ever debated spending a season working in the mountains, there is no better time to quit your day job, pack up your skis or snowboards, book a job fair interview and head on over to Fernie Alpine Resort.
If you still need a bit more convincing, here are 5 tempting reasons to help you make up your mind.
1) This could be your office
While your other friends are sitting in their cubicles staring at computer screens, you will be breathing in the fresh, mountain air.
2) New BFF’s
You will meet people during your time at Fernie Alpine Resort who will become life-long friends. Even though you came from different walks of life and different parts of the world, you are all here for the same reason. Thanks to that instant bond of the “love of mountains and snow” you will quickly become friends. You will work, eat, ski and party with these people for the next 5 months, and the good times you share will create friendships that will last long after your paths depart. Plus, after a season in Fernie you will friends and couches to crash on all over the world.
3) Staff Parties
As a staff member you will get to attend the infamous staff parties (so legendary that non-staff always try to sneak in) but you’ll have a front row ticket! Dinner, dancing, prizes, Griz Bar table sli…oops can’t reveal too many of the staff party secrets, you’ll have to experience it yourself.
4) Legendary Powder
Free skiing and snowboarding is what it’s all about. There is nothing better than the feeling of skiing or riding down the mountain through Fernie’s legendary powder…it’s the stuff dreams are made of and you are right here to experience it for yourself!
5) Live Your Dreams
Working at Fernie Alpine Resort is an experience that you will never forget. Do you want to keep your comfortable life or would you rather follow a passion and see where it takes you? Hunter S Thompson got it right when he said “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’ ”
So what’s stopping you?
