Articles about Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort
FIERCE FEMALES FIND FERNIE IN THE EARLY SEASON
Undoubtedly a little bias, we think that heading to Fernie Alpine Resort during any time of the year is a good idea, there’s just so much to do year-round! BUT, there are a few particular reasons why you should plan your girls road trip to Fernie in the early ski season. With the long anticipation of winter, early season turns are the perfect excuse to get the gang together to welcome the change of pace and to kick off your season. With the crisp fall mornings here and winter thoughts creeping in, here’s why you should get your girl’s trip on the calendar for this upcoming December.
EARLY SEASON SNOW, IT’S ALL YOURS!
While the base accumulates rapidly, the falling snow provides untouched powder ripe for the shredding! By booking your trip earlier in the season, you’ll get in on the blank canvas that coats Fernie Alpine Resort and get it all to yourselves! Visit mid-week early season, and the resort will feel like a private mountain experience, zero lift lines and impeccable snow for your girls trip!
EARLY SEASON DEALS
The saying “the early bird gets the worm” couldn’t be more true when you book your girls getaway for the start of the season in Fernie. Purchase multi-day lift tickets a week in advance for substantial savings or book lift tickets and accommodations at the same time for a killer deal. Keep eyes on skifernie.com for additional early season specials that will seal the deal!
BEAT THE HOLIDAY RUSH
Holidays are all about spending time with family, taking it slow and basking in each other’s company. A girls shred trip is much more about the shredding. When you hit the slopes earlier in the season, you’ll get your fix of serious shred days so that you’re content to hang back and do the family program around the holidays without a case of the antsy pants, which your family will be grateful for.
GET YOUR SKI/SNOWBOARD LEGS BACK EARLY
You’ll surely stay ahead of the curve when you sneak in a ski trip in the early season. You’ll work on your stamina and be able to handle big days without getting jello legs. You’ll Thank Yourself for starting your season early and see the progression in your skiing and riding ability.
When it comes down to it, any woman’s week or weekend at Fernie Alpine Resort makes for a fun trip packed with insightful conversations, silly shenanigans and memorable moments. We hope your annual (or soon to be annual) girls road trip to Fernie Alpine Resort is filled with powder, small lift lines and great deals! Enjoy finding your much-anticipated mountain bliss with your lady crew this upcoming December.
Words & Photos by Abby Cooper
Timber Chair Update
Each season Fernie Alpine Resort strives to make improvements and upgrades to our existing services to ensure that you have the best vacation and recreational experience possible.
As a lot of you know, this summer the Timber Chair has been undergoing a significant makeover. The work that is being done is extensive and time-consuming but will add an extra 25 years onto the life of the chair.
In May, a crane and a D8 dozer travelled up the mountain to remove the gearbox out of the Timber Chair top station and transport it down to the maintenance shop. The gearbox was then successfully rebuilt by our maintenance team, in conjunction with an engineer from Austria, and transported back to the top of the lift and re-installed.
The delivery of the 2nd communication line for the electrical upgrade was delayed by three weeks and arrived the second week of July. The comm line is approx 1.8M/ 2.9KM long and weighs 6 Tons; a crane was required to lift the cable off the delivery truck. The cable was loaded to a specially prepared trailer for transport to the Timber unload /top station to be prepared for pulling in. The comm line carries electrical signals through for the safety circuits between the load and unload stations to ensure the safe running of all equipment.
In mid-July, on a cold and rainy day, up to 30 staff, including the electrical 
crew, pull the cable by hand from the Timber top station to the load at the base. They had to go from tower to tower, up and over every tower top and through the rollers. It was a massive effort by our Mountain Operations team and at the end of the day, rain-soaked and cold, they were all still smiling.
The next step was for the electrical crew to go through the process of setting the tension of the cable between every tower and terminating the electrical connections.
The panels that drive and control that chair lifts start, run and monitor all the safety devices and stop the controls, arrived on August 16th and installation began right away. The panels were installed in a day, but it took three weeks to connect all the wiring between the drive/control panel and the station and to verify that it was working correctly.
During the week of September 23rd, the lift is expected to start turning. We will be testing the setup and ensuring the correct functionality.
The load test is planned for the beginning of October. This involves loading the chairs with weighted buckets and performing a series of safety tests to ensure everything meets the manufacturer and Technical Safety BC standards.
Then, on November 30th (tentative opening date!), the Timber Chair will be waiting for you to take a ride. We can’t wait!
What the Brush!
The annual Brushing Program for the Fernie Ski Resort is having a very successful summer. The cooler weather and lower Fire Danger ratings have allowed the crew to keep working through the dog days of summer without restrictions due to Fire Danger. The crew this summer has also been doubled to allow us to catch up a little on the past couple seasons where High Fire Danger has shut us down or limited our progress. The crews have been hard at work in many areas across the mountain.
New line down the North Boundry – Steep & Deep!
There has been a new line cut down Snake Ridge as well as cleaning a new line down the North Boundary for those that are looking for the Steep and Deep that Fernie is famous for.
Additionally, we have been working on core areas on the Lizard Side that focusses on terrain that is open at 9 am on most big snow days. The Sunny Side has had a new haircut that extends down onto the China Wall and old Griz Lift line that will provide some early deep turns on those Pow Days.
Boomerang and Boom Ridge has received another mow and will be prime for early season riding providing steep turns right out of the gate.
New Side lovers will also see some changes to the lines in the Alpha Centauries and Currie Chutes areas as well as the lower elevations of the Big Three as we cleaned up the exits from those thigh-burning runs. In addition, core areas around the Timber Bowl, Surprise, Black Cloud have all been touched.
Our Summer Mower Cat was rebuilt from a repurposed Snowcat this Spring and will be out in anger this fall to mow many of our main runs including all our beginner terrain on the lower mountain and runs where all the rocks and obstacles have been removed such as Bear, North Ridge, Kodiak, and many others.
It is a giant mountain, and we have excellent growing conditions. People ask why don’t you just cut it all? Sounds like a good idea but when you are standing at the bottom of Cedar Ridge looking up at acres of 12 foot high Alder, you start to feel pretty small. When you dive into Cedar Ridge early season and have that perfect line top to bottom down the King Fir don’t forget to think about that person that has spent their summer on the end of a saw making that possible.
We are looking forward to an awesome season.
The red highlights the areas that the Brush Program have cleared so far this summer.
Challenge accepted!
There are many things in this world that we take for granted. The way that we move and our freedom to walk, run, ski and bike are undoubtedly some of them.
It’s not so hard.
Want to go skiing? Go.
Want to climb a mountain? Go.
Want to go downhill mountain biking? Go.
I have a question, what if you had no legs? Would the ‘go’ be as easy?
This past Saturday was International Ride MTB Day, and we had the honour of having Mack Adams, a shredder from the Elk Valley, spend the day with us here at Fernie Alpine Resort. Mack is an upbeat guy who is always keen for a chat and, ALWAYS keen to send it on the mountain with his friends.
You wouldn’t guess it to look at him, but Mack is a double amputee who lost both of his legs at ten months old due to a congenital birth defect. He hasn’t let that stop him.
At the age of 12, Mack learnt how to bike, using outriggers (adult training wheels), with the help of Mark Hall, owner of GearHub. He then tried his hand at dirt jumping but found that his true biking passion lay with downhill mountain biking.
So, once again, with the help of Mark from GearHub who loaned him a Rocky Mountain Maiden, on Saturday Mack was back up at our bike park, in the pouring rain, getting his laps in. At one point I asked him if he was doing ok. He answered, “Yeah, but my ankles are starting to hurt.” His friends told me that these kinds of jokes had been flying around all day. His stoke was high, he was having fun, and watching him do his thing was inspiring! What a great way to spend International Ride MTB Day.
Mack has a dream of riding every trail that we have in one weekend, and Fernie Alpine Resort is working with Mack to help him make it happen. He is also a keen basketballer, volleyballer and loves to play his guitar – basically, nothing will stop him once he has set his mind to it.
What a legend.
Adult Mountain Bike Camps/Lessons
Downhill mountain biking in Fernie is exhilarating, and often breathtaking.
The downhill trails here at Fernie Alpine Resort are in prime condition and riding beautifully.
Come and check out what it’s all about, and advance your skills, in one of our mountain bike camps or lessons!
NEW! ADULT CO-ED DOWNHILL CAMPS
Are you comfortable on green & blue trails but want to develop your downhill riding skills? Join us for our new adult co-ed intermediate weekend camps – focusing on progression to more technical descents, roots, rocks, drops, jumps & obstacles. With small group sizes, our certified professional coaches will help take your riding to the next level. Camp includes 10 hrs of coaching over two days, lunch, lift tickets, and bike maintenance session. Ages 18+.
Dates: July 13 & 14 / August 10 & 11 Time: 10am – 4pm. Price: 2 day camp $229 / 1 day camp $139
WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMPS
MTB designed by women for women! These camps are catered to various levels of riding ability and are led by qualified female instructors. Camps include skill sessions, bike maintenance, lift tickets, instructional trail rides and lunch.
Dates: July 13 & 14, 2019 / August 10 & 11, 2019
Time: 10am – 4pm
Price: 2 day camp $229 / 1 day camp $139
MOUNTAIN BIKE PRIVATE LESSONS
For the beginner or hardcore rider — have a lesson tailor-made to suit your skills! Rates are based on 3 people per lesson — price includes instruction only. Lift ticket is required. Participants receive a 20% discount on bike rentals for the day of their private lesson.
DISCOVER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Discover the thrill of Downhill Mountain biking under the expert guidance of one of our bike coaches. Learn the basics and gain confidence! Minimum 3 people per lesson and a maximum of 10 people per lesson. The clinic includes a 3-hour coaching session, 3-hour bike rental and 3-hour lift pass. Rates based per person. For ages 8+.
Days & Times: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am-1pm
PEAK TO PARK TO PINT BIKE TOUR
Join us for a fun afternoon of biking! Starting from the top of the chairlift at Fernie Alpine Resort, cruising downhill to Mt Fernie Provincial Park and then pedalling through town to enjoy a refreshing sampling of East Kootenay beers! Includes guiding, lift ticket, and post-ride sampler drinks. Guests then have the option to take our complimentary shuttle back to the resort. Minimum 2 participants. Ages 19+.
Fridays & Saturdays
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Trail Crew Update #2
Tail crew primarily spent this week on the Lizard Lane.
-On Monday, we finished all the machine work and began hand shaping.
-Tuesday & Wednesday were spent dialling in the shapes of features and hand packing.
-After Wednesday night’s rain, we spent Thursday repacking Duff Dynasty, Monorail, Case Closed and began packing on Mr. Berms.
-From Tuesday to Thursday we’ve had a machine in the Aggravated Assault Extension tree island. More info to come on this project over the next week!
Modern problems (no rain) require modern solutions (tapping into the snowmaking to water our shapes)
The final shape of the first feature, we’ve dubbed this one “Swayze”.
Packed and shaped! With more dirt this year everything has gotten a little bigger on the Lizard Lane.
A revamped Monorail gets a second run through.
The last 2 corners on Case Closed about to get some shovel love.
See you on the trails!
Trail Crew 🚵
2019 Trail Update #1
We have lots of exciting work going on at Fernie Alpine Resort this summer!
This year Trail Crew were able to start their work earlier than ever, and it has been very productive.
Our progress so far has included:
- A full rebuild of Monorail and lower Duff Dynasty
- We’ve finished all the machine work and shaping on upper Mr. Berms tree island (carrying on from where we left off last year)
- New squirrel catcher berms on upper Will Power
- The Lizard Lane is underway!
We’ll be doing weekly updates with a few teaser photos.
Machine work beginning on Lizard Lane
More dirt!!!! It’s going to be bigger and better this year!
New entrance to lower Duff Dynasty
Admiring one of the new corners on lower Duff Dynasty
See you on the trails,
Trail Crew
Summer Camps at FAR
Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to have three amazing outdoor adventure camps to keep your kids entertained and having fun all day long!
Experienced camp counsellors & bike coaches are ready to fill your child’s day with action-packed adventures and exciting new knowledge that they just can’t wait to share with you!
FireSmart at FAR
On Saturday, 54 community volunteers came out to prune, thin, rake, chop, drag and dump twigs, logs and debris from the high-risk areas of the Thunder Ridge and Highline Drive, neighbourhoods at Fernie Alpine Resort.
What an incredible turnout for FireSmart Day!
Here at FAR we take wildfire safety very seriously. We have been actively working with our local fire department and the local community to take the necessary FireSmart precautions. Becoming FireSmart takes time and coordination with your neighbours, and we are lucky to have wonderful homeowners who take the responsibility seriously and have worked hard to lessen the risk surrounding their homes.
A team of FAR employees collected the piles of debris.
FireSmart is living with & managing
for wildfire on our landscape.
The Fernie Fire Department, who is a driving force and impetus for the FireSmart program in Fernie provided the volunteers with leadership, moral support and tools for the working bee.
It’s incredible to see what a community can do when they come together. The transformation is remarkable!
Thank you to our awesome RCR crew, Robin, Andy, Tyler, Tyler, Paul & Ugo who hauled endless piles of debris to the RCR burn pile.
Thanks also to the sponsors, and those who provided donations to the volunteers, Jason Andreola (Royal LePage), Sandra Goode (ReMax), Fernie Tim Hortons, The Chopstick Truck, FireSmart Canada and The Co-operators.
Timberline Condos will be holding their Work Bee on Saturday, May 25th, so if you are able to help/support, please email us at [email protected], and we can pass onto the right people.
A huge thank you to the volunteers from Thunder Ridge and Highline Drive. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
If you would like to learn more about wildfire preparedness, you can refer to the FireSmart Canada website which has a wealth of information www.firesmartcanada.ca.
Please, don’t forget to continue to be FireSmart throughout the spring and summer!
- Published in Blog
Emily Brydon Youth Foundation – Legacy Campaign
This March 2,
In the 2018/19 winter season, the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation for the first time received more applicants than its budget allowed. It was a very eye-opening and
We are happy to announce that as of today, we have commitments totalling $500,000 towards the $1 Million
“I am inspired and humbled by the generosity of people and the trust they have in the foundation to ensure youth in the Elk Valley are provided equal opportunity to experience and chase their
The event created excitement and awareness of the campaign and its fresh brand, and what it could mean for the communities of the Elk Valley. Emily, along with the board members at EBYF are ready to grow and evolved to the next level. “Let’s enable new fundraising channels to meet the forever growing demand,” she added.
“The EBYF provides an essential platform to improve the lives and opportunity of youth in the Elk Valley. We are proud supporters!” Jay Zammit, Donor
“All of us at the EBYF are humbled by the generosity of the Fernie community. We are 50% of the way to our goal as we launch the Legacy Campaign. With the support of the Fernie community, we are confident we can meet and exceed our $1 million
“We are very proud to support this great Foundation! The kids in Fernie will now have a vibrant, consistent funding source to help achieve their dreams! Emily’s commitment to Fernie, kids, sports, excellence and community make the EBYF an exciting reality in funding these endeavours. Thanks to Emily and Rosemary for doing so much for Fernie and its kids.”
Andy Cohen, Fernie Alpine Resort
For more information on the campaign or to donate, please visit theEmily Brydon Youth Foundation website.
- Published in Fernie
