Articles about Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort
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Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Introduce Fat Biking and Early Booking Deals
Fat biking takes off as new winter experience in British Columbia’s interior
Fernie, BC (September 10, 2015) – The snow sports season is just 85 days away and it’s already snowing on the mountains (check out the image of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort below). Three British Columbia resorts under the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies brand (Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort) are offering early booking savings of up to 35% on the slopes. They’re also introducing a new snow sports experience called “fat biking” which is the fastest-growing cycling segment in BC’s interior.
Fat Biking
Monster tires and low gearing mean biking in snow is easy for both first-timers and seasoned cyclists. All three resorts are offering a new fat bike winter riding experience that is quickly becoming a fun, new winter sport. For example, Kimberley Alpine Resort will have an impressive 50 kilometres of designated and groomed trails for fat bikers of various skill levels. Fat bike rentals and tours/lessons with guides will be available at all three resorts.
“Ski Week” Early Booking Special
Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort are located in BC’s interior and offer some of Canada’s best powder and ski-in/ski-out lodging. The following early booking package is offered at all three resorts:
- 2 nights free when you book 5 or more nights
- 5th day on the mountain free
- Kids ski free
Visit www.skircr.com for individual resort details and all early booking packages, including this one. *Note: Early booking deals must be booked by November 30.
The snow is falling at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! This image was taken on September 6.
About Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc.
Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada, including Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia. RCR also owns and manages a number of hotels and golf courses, including Trickle Creek in Kimberley, and Wintergreen Golf and Country Club in Bragg Creek. RCR aims to provide each and every guest The Ultimate Experience. www.skircr.com
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
(403) 209-3323
[email protected]
Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Powder Matt on Pinterest
Powder Matt on Google +
- Published in Fernie, Press Releases
If you could design the perfect ski town it would look like Fernie. Except Fernie, tucked into the mountains of southeastern BC, comes by its charm naturally. Brick and wood heritage buildings, which hearken to the town’s rich mining history, line inviting downtown streets where boutique cafes and gear shops reveal Fernie’s modern incarnation as a ski and outdoor paradise. Gaze south from the town along the Elk River Valley and you’ll be dazzled by the tantalizing five-pack of alpine bowls – Siberia, Cedar, Timber, Currie and Lizard – that unfold from the rugged Lizard Range and comprise the diversity of terrain that makes Fernie Alpine Resort a bucket list item for skiers from around the world. Ten lifts service 10 square kilometres of terrain with a vertical drop of nearly 1100 metres, and home to an astounding 142 named runs. That doesn’t even include the dreamy glades and secret tree skiing stashes too numerous to be known by anything other than local names. And then there’s the snow. Nature pays special attention to the legendary Lizard Range, a magical piece of geology that puts the lie to the claim that it never really snows in the Canadian Rockies. Fernie Alpine Resort boasts by far the deepest snowpack of any ski area in the Rockies, with an average nine metres of annual snowfall. From my home on the West Coast of BC, I’ve monitored Fernie snow reports over the years with the intense envy that only numbers like “-10C” and “30 cms of fresh” can induce in a ski bum like me.
View of the Elk Chair & Plaza from Lizard Creek Lodge.
But Fernie offers more than alpine bowls and steep tree skiing. Some mountains simply work well for families. Fernie is one such resort. When you stay on mountain, you can park your car and leave it in the underground parkade, whether it’s Lizard Creek Lodge or one of the other on hill accommodations. There’s no dreading the morning ritual of herding gear and kids across endless parking lots before you even get a glimpse of a chairlift. Plenty of thought went into the design and layout of the Fernie base area, ensuring that condos and lodges were located within easy striking distance of the lifts and ticket office. Put simply, Fernie embodies the ski in, ski out ethic. Click in, and slide down to the lift; it doesn’t get any easier. Advanced riders can feast on steep alpine and sub-alpine terrain like Corner Pocket, a spicy couloir that deposits you atop Lizard Bowl, or Gotta Go a steep drop through glades that funnel into Currie Bowl. Kids and beginners can get their kicks on the lower half of the mountains on green circle and blue square groomers, or in the mini terrain park, never far from a hot chocolate or a soak in the hot tub back at the slope side condo or lodge, where you can
Fernie, during the filming of Hot Tub Time Machine
rehearse your favorite lines from Hot Tub Time Machine (in 2009 Fernie was temporarily transformed into a 1980s ski resort for the filming of this John Cusack sci-fi comedy classic.) On those days when the family needs to rest the legs, or simply wants the afternoon off, you can hop in the car and in 15 minutes be strolling along main street Fernie, perusing for deals in the ski and outdoor shops, or enjoying an espresso or gelato at the Beanpod. Or perhaps the adults will sneak away for a craft brew tasting at Fernie Brewing Company on the outskirts of town. There’s a synergy in the Elk Valley that brings skiers and riders back time and time again. Fernie Alpine resort and the historic town of Fernie don’t compete for the visitor’s attention; they complement one another, and enhance the experience of skiing at a world class resort and soaking in the ambiance of an authentic mountain town with a long history of skiing and adventure.
Photos by Henry Georgi & Robin Siggers
Fernie Summer Opening Day Info!
Fernie Alpine Resort Trail Crew Update #3
June 26, 2015
The Hustle & Flow
Twenty-Four hours and counting. That’s it. One rotation of the Earth around the sun until we hand over the keys to you Loam Rangers for another Legendary Summer at Fernie Alpine Resort. The full Trail Crew team officially all started back at work two weeks ago and we’ve been hustling ever since to make sure you have some flow on opening day – Saturday June 27th.
When spring started, we thought we had Mother Nature backed into the corner and the fight won. Well, she came charging right back at us throwing a knockout combination right to the kisser. That unseasonably warm and dry weather we fought all winter has continued to linger through the region, providing us with some challenging conditions to work with this spring. Usually at this time of year, we are lucky if we can drive up the Timber Side, let alone open it for biking. There is likely snow still to shovel out of shaded trails like Hollow Tree and Boom Trail, conditions are tacky, if not full-on greasy. This year, the crew has already summited Polar Peak to install the hiking trail signage (boot skiing still possible!), days have been spent weed whacking shoulder high alder to improve sight lines on every trail, and we have already had to water trails just to complete basic dirt work. With much still to do, and little time write about it, here are a few key things you need to know before hopping on the lift…
- June 27 & 28th is going to be an awesome weekend to be in Fernie, BC. The Bike Park opens for the season, the Roll & Sole Trails Fest is taking over town, and the Fernie 3 mountain bike race is happening everywhere in between.
- It is going to be hot. Like surface of the sun hot… at a forecasted 36C. Drink water.
- There is a lot of new stuff happening in the Bike Park. Please start off your summer with a slow inspection lap. You will have to do a little exploring to find all our work but some of the key changes include:
– fresh dirt work on upper Rumplestumpkin, Eville, Duff Dynasty, and Mr. Berms
– Phase 1 of our new trail Neverland will be open (watch for the sign on lower Rumplestumpskin)
– New exit of Will Power at the Bear Load
– Upper Big Rig has been widened
– The Phat Larry’s and Holo Bike entrance has been adjusted and a pull out lane added
– Top Gun has a few new berms and jumps (more to come!)
– Hollow Tree has had a few select corners changed and some of the braided trails on the lower section closed to reduce the environmental damage occurring from those riders looking to choose their own adventure through the forest
– New exit of Bike Thief at the bottom of Currie Bowl. Please also note that Canada Cup DH will be closed for opening weekend (major reno including new jump line in the works).
- Our Bike Crew will be on hand to answer any questions or to point you in the right direction this weekend. Please come talk to us…we are here to help and we would love to fill you in on some of the other great projects we have in store this summer! That being said…please expect fast, dry and loose conditions throughout the mountain. Choose your speed and trails accordingly.
See you in a few hours,
Your Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Crew
The Fernie 3, the ultimate all-mountain three-day classic mountain bike stage race, offers something for everybody from June 27th to 29th. The Fernie 3 is being held on Fernie’s spectacular singletrack mountain bike trails on the pre-Canada Day weekend and the organizers work to offer events for all riders.
The Fernie 3 caters to riders of all ages, both new and old, beginners and gnarled veterans alike–with focus on fun on the best singletrack stages ever. The categories will feature a traditional three day solo stage race however will also include a one day solo, a youth race for U13 and U16, and a bike rally for U9.
Fernie Mountain Bike Club members get a 15% discount–ask for the code. Register now to be part of this amazing event!
More information & registration.
Congratulations to Fernie resident – Barrie Elliott on your Chopped Canada win! The head chef at Livery Restaurant in Fernie, Barrie plans to use her $10,000 grand prize to buy into the business she’s worked so hard to create!
Fernie Alpine Resort Trail Crew Update #2
50 Shades of Dirt
June 1, 2015
Summer is a cruel temptress and we are but her feeble slaves. The Bike Crew is now swinging well into a singletrack spring fling with Mother Nature; toiling amidst her layers of shapely bedrock and velvety loam. Shower drain dirt stains, bruises, and blisters all serve as testaments to an unwavering passion for a life behind mountain-bike-bars. To receive such daily punishment yet still crave more is truly a labor of love and commitment to provide the ultimate guest experience. Twenty-six days and counting down until we submit these trails to you Loam Rangers for another #legendarysummer at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Mother Nature has administered us a few lashings of scor
ching sun and driving rain this spring yet we remain committed to deliver our 42 trails back from winter’s choke hold. As promised, we are taking the disciplined approach, proving sustainability is not just a buzzword through thoughtful trail design, grade, and drainage. And it is working. Instead of repairing run off damage down steep, old, fall-line trails this year our time is better served ensuring the resort has the perfect buffed-out ride for you on opening day no matter what trail predilection you may have.
Novice Riders– Mountain biking is not just for the hardcore. If keeping things slow and smooth is your thing make sure to check out last years new trail Duff Dynasty. We have completed the remaining section of machine work ensuring a top to bottom wide flowy ride. Both Eville and Honey Bee also deserved a bit of clean up and re-flow-erizing. Nervous? Try doing it with a group this year – check out the new FAR summer website for details on our and bike camps.
Intermediate Riders – For those who have mastered the basics – loosen your inhibitions and don’t be a slave to gravity! Get some airtime on Top Gun or Bin Logdin. One of our first tasks this summer was to amp up a few select berms, jumps, and rollers. Don’t worry – there’s more of that to come! Ready to show off your new tricks (and costumes)? Our Thursday Night Race series continues this year with the first event on July 2nd.
Advanced Riders– Enjoy dabbling a little deeper the dark side? – Make sure you check out Alternate
Flight Pattern; the lower section earned a bit of a facelift this week. Keep tapping into FAR’s Facebook or Instagram pages in the coming weeks for sneak-peaks as we start tackling our new Timberside Trail called ‘Neverland’.
With much work to do, we are reminded that every bike ride begins with a single pedal stroke. The same is true, for our Trail Crew to-do list. And while we cannot control Mother Nature, we can negotiate the terms to truly decide who is in charge around here. See you in a few short weeks…we can’t wait to share our dirty world with you.
~ Sincerely, Your Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Crew
- Published in Fernie
There is no denying it, Fernie is a town that likes to party. And party hard! Perhaps the only thing that outweighs fun in this town is the shared love of outdoor adventure. The last weekend in June is a prime example of the most fantastic collection of Fernie festivals, including the grand opening on Fernie Alpine Resort’s Legendary Summer, the Roll & Sole Trail fest and the Fernie 3! Keep the party going until Monday and top it all off with local jam night at the Kodiak Lounge.
Fernie Alpine Resort Opening Day
June 27th kicks off two months of summer fun at Fernie Alpine Resort. The bike park is one of the best in the country, while some of the newer summer activity features draw guests from all around including the Aerial Park and Zipline. With this season seeing a new trail connecting the resort to the town’s nearby provincial park (Old Growth Cedar Trail) the experience of riding the lift and hiking or walking down to the park below can’t be beat! More info.
Roll & Sole Trail Fest
June 27th – 29th 
The Roll & Sole fest was introduced last summer by the Fernie Trail Alliance. A celebration of hiking, biking and running outdoors in Fernie! Participate with the whole family in events like the Bike Toss Challenge, Kids Scavenger Hunts or Obstacle course races. If competing isn’t your thing, stop by for the lunch social, beverage garden and live entertainment! More info.
Fernie 3
June 26th – 29th
Known as Fernie’s biggest cross country mountain bike race, the Fernie 3 is a 3 day event of single track riding. A race catering to kids, new riders or veterans, every participant receives a collectible finishers tshirt! More info.
Kodiak Lounge
June 29th 
A visit to Fernie really isn’t complete until you’ve experienced the local culture, one of the best places to do so is in the Kodiak Lounge located in the Raging Elk Hostel. Finish off your weekend on Monday night instead of Sunday and check out the local jam night starting at 8:30pm. If you don’t want to leave after your time here, sorry, it’s not our fault it’s so awesome in Fernie.
Coming to town for the weekend? Book a spot at the sensible Fernie Slopeside Lodge and don’t spend a bundle on accomm (spend it on fun)!
Over the past few summers with significant improvements made to our bike park and through hosting some major mountain biking competition events, Fernie is becoming more and more known as a top summer biking destination. We couldn’t agree more as Fernie is named in one of the #bestincanada on WestJet’s blog.
“Besides the feeling of freedom that comes with cranking the pedals on a sunny afternoon, mountain biking is not too shabby and should get your priorities straight. So grab the handle bars as we check out the top 10 places for mountain bike vacations in Canada. The key is finding the right place to ride, but don’t worry- in Canada we are fortunate to have some of the best mountain bike destinations in North America. From single track to downhill crazies to rails to trails, there’s something for everyone in each one of these mountain bike destinations.”
Read more on the WestJet Blog
Each summer at Fernie Alpine Resort we make updates and changes to be always improving the experience for all our guests, this year some exciting items include;
New Resort to Park Connections for Hiking & Biking
Working in partnership with the Fernie Trail Alliance, we’re bringing the resort and the Mount Fernie Provincial Park closer than ever before! This summer, take the Timber Chair from the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, enjoy alpine hiking or biking on the new Mammoth Loop or Lost Boys Trail, and proceed to hike or bike your way back to the Provincial Park via the Megasaurus & Boom trails, to our new Old Growth trail.
Trail Updates
Our hardworking trail crew will be busy this spring finishing up construction on a new Timber side trail called “Neverland” – a sweet singletrack that spurs off of lower Rumplestumpskin and promises to be an adrenaline pumping option for advanced riders. Also new this summer will be the Mammoth Loop, a new alpine cross country biking loop at the top of the Timber Express Chair!
That’s not all! View the full list.
Now I lay me down to bed, I pray the lord for epic trails to shred. And if they’re not there when I wake then epic lines I vow to make…
Machines are fuelled and lubed, tools are sharpened, and muscles are eager to dig. Spring has nestled quite comfortably into the Elk Valley and the trail crew is heading back to work this week! Here it is… your first Fernie Alpine Resort trail crew update of 2015!
Thanks to low spring snow levels we have already been able to survey a few trails and the news is good. Our commitment to resolving drainage problems and focus on steering our older fall line trails towards newer environmentally sustainable construction practices has finally paid off. Those rides we have seen, in fact, have very little spring run-off damage. This means that other than the usual inspections and buffing, we can focus our time on a few brand new projects for the 2015 season.
So what is new this season? A quick review of my notebook work list looks something like this:
- buff out and blowdown removal on all 30+ trails plus signage installation
- finish construction of the new Timber side singletrack trail ‘Neverland’
- construction of the new Timber side alpine cross country bike trail ‘Mammoth’
- revert dual slalom back to singletrack with new skills park features
- complete a new singletrack multi-use trail from Elk Load to Boom Bottom
- construction of new multi-use singletrack trail from Haul Back Bottom through old growth forest to Old Goat in Mount Fernie Provincial Park
- new multi-use paths connecting resort accommodations to Fernie Alpine Resort base area and the new Fernie Nordic Society trails
- major tune on Rumplestumpskin from Timber Chair unload to Surprise Corner (mid elevation), upper Mr Berms and upper Big Rig berm tune-up.
It is a heavy work list for our crew this year but we look forward to the challenge. Detailed and daily updates start this week so keep checking back with Trail Crew progress on facebook, instagram, and the FAR website for glimpses of all the action.
See you on opening day June 27th Loam Rangers,
Sincerely,
Your Fernie Alpine Resort Trail Crew
