Articles about Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort
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.
Family Fun in Fernie
Our timing was perfect. Just as the sun slipped behind the Lizard Range and a band of clouds flared with hot-red glow, we dipped our toes in the hot tub and settled in for a pre-dinner soak. The cold bevvies, the laughter, the lively conversation that covered everything from face-plants to bark tattoos; it was the perfect way to rehash the day, do some sky-gazing, and connect with the kids. Ah yes, family time and Fernie. If you ask me, it’s a match made in heaven.
Our family of eight (four boys, a yippy dog, and a sly cat) have been darting out of dodge (Calgary) and blazing a trail to the mountains (typically once a month) for nearly two decades. And, to be clear, we go all over. Any mountain town, any shack or shanty, any resort or riverside retreat, will do. But we always seem to go back to one particular place a little more often than the rest. Fernie!
Sitting snug in the Elk Valley just two-and-a-half hours southwest of Calgary in the Kootenay Rockies, Fernie is a fun-loving mountain town that just seems to tick all the boxes. It’s not overly big, it’s rarely crowded, the local folk are friendly, the ski hill is close to town (and it’s phenomenal), the trail networks for hiking and mountain biking are world-renowned, and the historic downtown is peppered with cool cafes, restaurants, craft breweries and distilleries, amazing art and architecture, funky stores, bike shops, and so much more.
Also, the outdoor adventure opportunities are easily adapted for families and kids of any age and skill level. So, in other words, expect a ton of variety when it comes to trails, ski runs, and so on. For example, when it comes to mountain biking (Fernie is often regarded as one of the best mountain biking towns in the world), you’ve got everything from double-blacks for the daredevils to easy riverside paths for people who simply want to recreate at a slow and easy pace.
Not surprisingly, whenever we head to Fernie, we typically spend a ton of time up at the Fernie Alpine Resort, which is fast becoming one of the top summer mountain resorts in Canada. (Thanks to some of the lightest and deepest powder on the planet, the winter skiing at the resort has been in the “legendary” class for decades.)
If you venture to the Fernie Alpine Resort this summer you can expect stunning new lift-accessed alpine hiking trails, machine-made mountain biking flow trails for every level, and plenty of fun, food, and festivities in the village area.
Our favourite place to hunker down in the village area is the Lizard Creek Lodge. It’s located right at the base of the Elk Chair and features classic Canadian Rockies timber-framed architecture, an amazing restaurant in the main lodge, underground parking, and, yes, a heavenly hot tub overlooking the mountains where you can relax and unwind (with you and yours!) in style.
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Real Estate, Summer
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
Fernie Timber Landing – Redefining Après-Ski
There’s just something to be said for waking up in the mountains, looking out your window and knowing you can simply walk up to the lifts for first tracks. Years of setting that alarm to go off long before the sun comes up, loading all the gear into a frozen car, scraping the windshield and navigating the busy highway are but a distant memory now. Leave your car parked, grab your board or skis and jump on the slopes just steps from your front door. This is just one of the perks of being situated at Fernie Timber Landing.
New lots have just been released in a highly sought after area adjacent to Fernie Alpine Resort. Located in the SE corner of British Columbia along the powder highway, the area offers year round recreation and relaxation. If you have kids, you’ll definitely appreciate being able to duck back into your own home to top up on a hot chocolate, or a bite of lunch. We have three at different stages of learning to ski, and being that close opens up all kinds of opportunities to make sure everybody gets to do what they want during the day.
When the lifts stop spinning in the afternoon or those leg muscles start asking for a rest, après ski takes on a whole new meaning at Timber Landing. Rock up to your beautiful home, ditch the ski gear and slip into the hot tub to take in the views. No more loading the roof rack, driving home in your wet clothes, and getting back just in time to make dinner. Slow it down, grab a book and a glass of wine to sip on the patio, or sit by a crackling fire in your cozy living room with your kids to play a board game.
There’s something for everyone at Fernie no matter the season, which is probably why we’re out there so often. Aside from skiing/boarding in the winter, you also have great shopping, yoga and spa options, snow shoeing, hiking, cross country skiing, and fat tire biking just to name a few. Quiet mountain lakes, strolling through towering cedar trees, or dipping your toes in Lizard creek, you can do it all. Take a stroll along the historic downtown sidewalks, popping into the many boutique stores to get anything from locally made art to your next pair of powder-slaying downhill skis or even a cruiser bike to enjoy the many paths in and around town. Grab a bite of Neapolitan style pizza on the Loaf patio and follow it up with a uniquely crafted cocktail at Fernie Distillers before making your way back to your mountain home. Time to watch the sunset from your patio, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch as the clear skies reveal the stars overhead.
When the long sunny days of summer start giving way to the crisp air of the fall, it should be no surprise that scanning the hill for your favourite dirt berms turns to dreaming of the legendary champagne powder and bluebird days in the winter months ahead. Enjoy the afterglow, listen to the birds and make the best of each day as you make new memories in the Elk Valley. This and a lifetime of other adventures can be yours at Timber Landing.
Photos & Words by Mark Eleven Photography & Lemons for Days
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Real Estate, Winter
Tiny Turns, Big Confidence: A Parent’s Guide to the Griz Kids Centre
At 8:45 AM on a snowy New Year’s Day, we entered the Hall of Fame hallway at Fernie Alpine Resort, ready to drop off our 3-year-old, Sylas, for his first full day at Griz Kids Centre. Tucked between Legends Restaurant and Slopeside Café in the Cornerstone Lodge, this cozy, welcoming space promised a day of learning, laughter, and maybe even a few tiny turns! (See resort map here).
The Program: Fun, Safety, and Ski Skills
Griz Kids Centre caters to tiny adventurers aged 3 to 5, combining the excitement of skiing and snowboarding with the comfort of a licensed daycare facility. With half-day programs available, we chose the full-day package, which included two one-hour semi-private ski lessons, and opted for the snacks and lunch add-ons.
Indoor Fun Meets On-Snow Progression
The indoor play area was an instant hit! With plenty of toys, a quiet corner with books, a nap space, and even a mini bowling lane, he excitedly ran inside and immediately started playing.
The proximity to the Moose Learning Area, featuring a magic carpet and platter lift, made lesson transitions seamless. Sylas was paired with the same instructor for both lessons, which helped build a sense of trust and familiarity. With a 2:1 student-to-coach ratio, his instructor tailored activities to keep the lesson fun and engaging.
Exceptional Care and Communication
Halfway through the day, we got a call from the Griz Kids team. Sylas, still mastering potty training, had an accident. I had forgotten to pack extra clothes, but the staff reassured me they’d taken care of it, even washing his clothes and providing a spare outfit. Their attentiveness and understanding were a huge relief, and we were able to continue to ride without stressing!
Parents Paradise
While our little guy enjoyed his day, my partner and I carved out time to explore Fernie’s legendary powder. Knowing he was in great hands allowed us to fully enjoy our runs and even squeeze in a leisurely lunch at the Cirque Restaurant. When Sylas wrapped up his second lesson, his little shred crew was there to greet him with big smiles and high fives. Fuelled by their stoke, he couldn’t wait to keep riding with them!
Why Griz Kids Centre Is Worth Every Penny
For families, the Griz Kids Centre is a game-changer. It’s not just about skiing; it’s about building confidence, independence, and a love for the mountains. The combination of professional instruction, attentive care, and engaging playtime made it a highlight of our Fernie ski vacation. Sylas had the time of his life, and so did we.
Local to Fernie? The Griz Kids Centre isn’t just for visitors—it’s also a fantastic option for local families. Whether you’re looking to give your little one a fun introduction to skiing or need a safe and enriching space for them while you get in some solo laps, the Griz Centre is here to make your ski days stress-free. Plus, midweek visits mean smaller group sizes and a more personalized approach—perfect for locals looking to take full advantage of this incredible resource.
Tips for Parents:
- Pack Extra Clothes: Even if your kiddo is potty-trained, accidents happen.
- Book in Advance: Spots fill up quickly, so reserve early, especially in peak season.
- Communicate Special Needs: The staff is accommodating, but a heads-up about allergies or specific preferences is always helpful.
- Trust the Process: The staff are pros at making kids feel comfortable and excited.
- Celebrate their Accomplishments: Wrap up an epic day of learning by treating your little shredder to a cake pop from Slopeside Café.
If you’re heading to Fernie Alpine Resort with little ones, trust me—this is the way to do it! Book your child’s spot at Griz Kids Centre by emailing [email protected] or phoning +1 250-423-2406.
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Winter, Winter Sports School
Fernie Alpine Resort Celebrates Community with Ski Day Food Bank Fundraiser
Fernie, BC – Continuing with the tradition of thanking our community, the resort will offer a Community Appreciation Day of skiing/riding to locals on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Elk Valley/Jaffray/Grasmere residents can get a lift ticket for January 19th by donation (cash donation is preferred). The minimum donation is $10 per ticket for individuals and $20 minimum donation per family. While those are the minimum donations, we encourage residents to donate what they can as 100% of the donations collected on Community Appreciation Day will be going towards the Fernie Food Bank.
Community Day tickets are available to Elk Valley Residents (including Fernie, Elko, Elkford and Sparwood area) as well as Jaffray and Grasmere residents.
Proof of local residency along with photo ID are required to receive the lift ticket. Proof of local residency includes a driver’s license with an Elk Valley/Jaffray/Grasmere address or a document showing an Elk Valley/Jaffray/Grasmere address (pay stub, utility or tax bill) along with a photo ID to match the name on the document.
While you’re here for our Community Day, check out our Winter Art Discovery. Fernie Alpine Resort is thrilled to partner with The Fernie Arts Station and District Arts Council to bring you Winter Art Discovery, an immersive outdoor art experience showcasing the incredible talent of local artists.
In this unique exhibit, artists have transformed skis and snowboards into captivating works of art. Each piece reflects the artist’s individual style and connection to nature, creating an enchanting visual experience as you ride through the forest. Free from constraints, the artists have infused their creations with creativity and flair, turning the slopes into an outdoor gallery.
These original artworks are displayed along the Cedar Trail, easily accessed via the Lower Bear Run. This exhibition is inspired by R.O.A.M. (Revelstoke’s Outdoor Art Movement), blending the worlds of art and outdoor adventure.
January 19th will also be part of our Avalanche Awareness Days. Fernie Alpine Resort joins Avalanche Canada, other resorts and clubs to celebrate winter and avalanche education through Avalanche Awareness Days on January 18th and 19th.
More information about this event and others can be found on our Events Calendar.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
- Published in Fernie, Press Releases
Connecting with Community through Fernie’s Winter Programs
Beyond the pristine powder of Fernie Alpine Resort lies a community where the slopes aren’t just for skiing but for forging lifelong friendships and unlocking personal potential. Whether you’re a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced rider looking to connect with like-minded individuals, Fernie offers programs tailored to your needs.
As an ambassador for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and dual-certified ski and snowboard instructor, I’m here to share insights to help you elevate your riding experience and connect you with this vibrant community!
Tip 1: Seek Your Tribe
Discovering the right crew can elevate your time on the mountain. Seek out groups and programs tailored to your interests and skill level. From all-mountain programs to freeride initiatives, Fernie presents a diverse range of options for skiers and snowboarders seeking community and progression.
Tip 2: Find the Right Program Fit
Fernie boasts group programs such as Ladies Shred, Early Girls, and the Breakfast Club, ensuring everyone feels at home in this stoked community. Ladies Shred welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all levels, while Fernie’s Early Girls programs and Breakfast Club cater specifically to advanced and expert riders. Led by Lucy, the ladies’ snowboard programs aim to bridge the gender gap in freeride competitions and empower women of all ages.
“I was so lonely until I joined this group,” shares member Ashley, reflecting on her experience since joining Early Girls in 2019. Beyond honing their skills on the mountain, these women have formed bonds that transcend the slopes. With levels 5 and 6 required for participation, the Early Girls program provides a supportive environment where riders can grow, connect, and thrive.
Tip 3: Embrace Personal Growth
Skiing and snowboarding are about more than just technique—they’re journeys of self-discovery. Release the pressure of comparison and judgment, focusing instead on your personal goals and aspirations. With expert instructors and tailored programs, Fernie offers the ideal environment for riders to challenge themselves and thrive.
Tip 4: Set Goals and Achieve Them
Define your riding objectives and pursue them with determination. Whether you’re aiming to master carving techniques or conquer challenging terrain, Fernie’s programs offer structured guidance and measurable markers of progress. From private lessons to group clinics, there’s a pathway to success for every rider.
Ready to take your riding to the next level?! Contact the winter sports school and immerse yourself in a community built on passion, camaraderie, and growth. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the journey and experience the thrill of progression in one of Canada’s most iconic ski destinations.
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 |
Short Skis & Big Slopes – A Family Ski Vacation at Fernie Alpine Resort
In our family, the word Fernie is synonymous with fun. We have been going to this amazing little town nestled in the SE corner of British Columbia long before we had kids. Aside from world class skiing, you can snowshoe, fly-fish, camp, golf, bike, hike, run, paddle, float, spa, shop, and dine just to name a few options. Needless to say, we’re pretty fond of the place and every trip there is a one-of-a-kind adventure.
For us, winter means skiing, and of all the hills we could choose from, we always gravitate to Fernie Alpine Resort. It has a massive amount of terrain suitable to every level & age of skier from the magic carpet & night skiing up to the black diamond runs off Polar Peak. The greens more your speed? There’s a fantastic crew of instructors is also ready to help you get the most out of your time. Having so many options from your front door makes for the perfect Canadian family winter vacation destination. I’ve been skiing here for 40 years, and I still discover unknown powder stashes.
Gearing up for a family trip to Fernie includes road snacks, ski gear, snow jackets, pants, boots, mitts,
etc. Now that we are packing for five including three kids 7 & under, we have developed a pretty good system to ensure that everybody brings what they need to have the best time in the mountains. Taking a peek at the forecast is the first order of business to make sure we bring the thick coats and extra layers for the cold days, and light gloves and sunscreen for the warm spring afternoons. Although adults can tough it out with cold wet mitts, when it comes to kids the key to winter happiness is making sure they stay warm and dry. Hitting up the outdoor fire pit for a mid-day hot chocolate break never hurts either.
Our kids are still pretty new to the slopes, but no stranger to playing outside for hours on end in the snow. Our go-to have been Kombi mitts for years and have found them to be the best option for our busy family. The added bonus is knowing that it’s a family-owned company who knows a thing or two about Canadian winters. Top off your gear bag with an assortment of synthetic fleece & merino wool layers and a windproof shell to give you plenty of options, and keep you outside to take full advantage of what this place has to offer.
The big pow trips of December to early March give way to long sunny runs in late March and April. A spring ski trip out to Fernie is the best combination of cruiser days, patio afternoons, and super chill evenings. We lucked out with four bluebird days in this Kootenay gem and had the best of both worlds staying right on the hill at the fully equipped ski-in ski-out Lizard Creek Lodge. Being slope side is a huge advantage when getting out with kids by taking parking and gear shuttling out of the equation. After a day full of turns, ducking into one of the multiple outdoor hot tubs and heated pool is a must both for us and the kids.
Although it’s hard to pin down what makes Fernie a perfect winter getaway, there’s just something to this little town in the Elk Valley that brings us back time and time again. It’s a short drive from Calgary through the rolling eastern slopes of the rockies, and has every amenity you could hope for while still being small enough to check out on foot. Cruise the historic main street, shop the boutique stores, fuel up at the restaurants and definitely swing by Fernie Brewing to see what they have on tap to top up your growler. Fernie simply has something for everyone.
You know you are somewhere special that you start planning your return trip the very moment you leave. Fernie, we’ll be seeing you again soon.
Words & Photos by Mark Eleven Photography
Win a Trip to Fernie!
Win a Ski Trip for Two to Fernie Alpine Resort! 
Flights for two (courtesy of Gendron Ski)
7-night stay at the stunning Lizard Creek Lodge 5 days of ski lift tickets (thanks to Fernie Alpine Resort/RCR)
Airport transfers (by Tunnel49)
$150 gift card from Tourism Fernie to use at participating restaurants
$1,000 Kombi gift card for all your winter accessories!
Contest dates: October 14 to November 3, 2024.
