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.
Fernie Adventures – Play Here, Live Here
At 8:15 AM I opened the flap on my tent, gazed up at a gilded peak shimmering with heaven-sent light, and saw my buddy, Drew – a little black blob on the massive mountain – nearing the unnamed summit. Not gonna lie, it was a little unsettling. He wasn’t exactly a seasoned mountaineer with goat-footed skills. But he was determined. And the night before – as we nursed a dram, or two, by the crackling fire – he confidently announced his intentions for the following morning: “I WILL climb that thar mountain before anyone is out of bed.” Hat’s off. He did it.
Fernie. It certainly has a knack of bringing out the adventurer in all of us.
Surrounded by jagged peaks and nestled along rushing rivers in the Elk Valley – and just 2.5 hours from Calgary! – Fernie is a dreamy destination for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain culture lovers. Hikers, mountain bikers, fishermen, painters, climbers, musicians, photographers, nordic skiers, alpine skiers, and everyone else in between, can find their happy place in Fernie!
In addition to all of those trails, rivers, and scintillating summits (more on my epic Heiko’s Trail
expedition later), Fernie’s historic downtown, which boasts some spectacular turn-of-the-century buildings and architecture, is always a highlight when you visit. The majestic Fernie Courthouse, which was built in 1911, is a chateau-style structure and one of my favourite buildings in the Kootenay Rockies. The Holy Family Catholic Church, City Hall, and the old CP railway station are a few other examples.
Personally, I’d highly recommend downloading the “Iconic Fernie” app on your phone (the app was developed by Tourism Fernie), which will guide you through a cool downtown heritage walking tour, best photography locations, top places to sample local food and drinks, and artistic explorations in and around town. (Thanks, in part, to the Arts Station, a number of galleries, the downtown murals, ongoing performing arts, and so on, Fernie is a haven for artists.)
Due to its close proximity to Calgary, I typically visit Fernie a handful of times each year. Sometimes I’m just passing through (I can never resist pulling into the downtown area to explore, stretch my legs, and grab a coffee and a sandwich!), but most of the time it’s for a weekend of adventure.
While the mountain biking (Fernie boasts eight distinct riding areas and hundreds of trails) is legendary, the two main reasons why I love hanging out in Fernie are the incredible alpine skiing at the Fernie Alpine Resort and the epic hiking.
Although the sight-seeing and lift-accessed mountain biking at the Fernie Alpine Resort are exceptional, in my opinion, the alpine bowl skiing – there are five fabulous bowls at the resort – is some of the best on the planet. Indeed, from the snorkel-deep dumps to the family-friendly cruisers, the skiing at Fernie is
tough to beat.
And, for that matter, so are the hiking opportunities. Numerous trails – from leg-burning ascents to family-friendly riverside strolls – are there for the taking.
For me, one of my all-time favourite hiking experiences took place a number of years ago when my posse of pals took on the tough-as-nails Heiko’s Trail in the Fernie backcountry. (It’s not for the faint of heart! Be prepared. Do your homework!) A 34-km wilderness route complete with caves, thundering waterfalls, and wildflower-filled valleys, it serves up an amazing assortment of “wow” moments. On our two-day adventure, which ended at the iconic Island Lake Lodge, we were all pushed to the limit of our abilities.
Fittingly, we celebrated our achievement with a burger and a beer at Island Lake Lodge. In many ways, we all – especially the guy who tacked on an additional summit! – felt like accomplished adventurers. Fernie will do that to you!
New lots are available at our Timber Landing development. Visit our website for more information or get in touch with our realtor Carol Cohen.
Carol Cohen
Developer’s Representative for Timber Landing Sales
[email protected]
250-278-0678
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Real Estate, Summer, Winter
The Sweet Spot; when it comes to density, Fernie Alpine Resort does it just right—in more ways than one
In scientific terms, snow density is measured by water volume. Heavy snow tends to have about 15 to 20 percent water content, and really light snow is less than 10 percent. That’s the stuff we like as skiers—the cold smoke that lets us feel like we’re dancing on air. Because any skier worth their salt knows that not all powder is created equal, and there’s a tradeoff wherever you go searching for it. To get a lot of it, you usually have to go places like the Coast Mountains, where it’s thick and punishing. To get the lightest snow, you usually have to go to locales like the Okanagan or the eastern slope of the Rockies, where average annual snowfalls tend to be less forthcoming, and you wrestle with deep freezes. But there’s one place in British Columbia where that tradeoff doesn’t exist. Where up to 37 feet of snow falls some years in a temperate micro-climate draped across the dramatic fetch of the Rocky Mountains. This is not just where you’ll find the most snow, but also the lightest version of it—along with the exact right density of people.
The visionary founders of Fernie Snow Valley knew this in 1962, when they took a chance on building lifts in a little mining town wedged against the Southeast border of B.C. and Alberta. And in 1997, when Resorts of the Canadian Rockies bought the quiet little ski hill that was the biggest secret in the province, they also knew what they were doing. Since then, Fernie Alpine Resort has been far from a secret, but it has stayed true to its roots. Only three hours from Calgary, Alberta, it’s close enough to an international airport to have exploded into Vail or Aspen. Instead, it has settled into a confident sweet spot as the ski industry’s biggest “locals” mountain, primarily servicing the extended Fernie community from Calgary to Lethbridge to Cranbrook, and even Montana.
It’s the only destination-class resort in Western Canada that’s not concerned with being a destination—it remains first and foremost a playground for those who know it best. Whether you’re hammering powder runs on the Timber Chair, or pounding DH laps in the bike park all summer, you’ll be doing it with familiar faces. That’s what defines this resort: community.
Homeownership at Fernie Alpine Resort doesn’t just tap into world-class biking, hiking, sight-seeing, and skiing along the proud peaks of the Lizard Range, but an extended family of like-minded, part-time small-towners looking for the exact right mix of amenities and energy, without going overboard. It’s an investment in lifestyle that pays dividends, with a slow steady growth in value that’s not subject to the boom-and-bust cycles of crazy new promises or massive overnight changes.
Becoming a homeowner at Fernie Alpine Resort means buying into a community that’s been what it is for generations, where fishing and folk festivals, and kids camps and bar bands, take precedence over planet-shaking events and lineups full of strangers. Where Italianate architecture still hosts restaurants filled with friends that always have a seat for you. Where there’s an intimate flow to life that just feels right. Because the best density isn’t always the most saturated one; it’s the one that lets you move unimpeded in a shared rhythm that still feels all your own.
New lots are available at our Timber Landing development. Visit our website for more information or get in touch with our realtor Carol Cohen.
Carol Cohen
Developer’s Representative for Timber Landing Sales
[email protected]
250-278-0678
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Real Estate, Summer, Winter
Navigating Fernie’s Bike Park as a Newbie
Ready to try downhill mountain biking but feeling uncertain about where to begin? Fernie’s bike park offers the perfect blend of excitement and accessibility, making it an ideal location for those who are new to the sport.
With the electric buzz of opening weekend, now is the perfect time to dive into mountain biking at Fernie Alpine Resort. The energy is high, and the trails are in prime condition, offering excellent traction. Here’s how you can join the fun and ride with confidence, even if you’re new to downhill.
Start Slow: Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free Ride
The cardinal rule of mountain biking is to Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, and Free Ride. Take your time, especially on the first day of the season and your first runs on unfamiliar trails. Your body and brain need time to adjust to your bike and assess your abilities.
Conquer the Elk Chair Lift
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when loading your bike onto the Elk Chair lift. The lifties are there to assist, and there’s no shame in seeking their support. They are trained to teach you how to load your bike correctly and safely. The Elk Chair moves quickly, and getting your back tire up on the hook can be tricky. Embrace the assistance; it’s what they’re there for.
Fuel Up and Ride On
While riding up the chair lift, take a moment to snack and hydrate. Once you’re off, grab your bike and head to the right for your pre-ride run on Mr. Berms. This fun trail is a fantastic warm-up to gauge your riding skills. While it’s rated as a blue trail, it’s an excellent introduction with its series of berms and rollers. Stay focused and take your time.
Remember, go easy on the front brake in the turns and you’ll be able to slowly navigate your way through them with control.
Dive into Duff Dynasty
After Mr. Berms, you’ll find yourself in Duff Dynasty—a gentle, smooth trail winding through a picturesque cedar forest. It’s perfect for beginners, offering twists, turns, rolls, and bridges.
Explore Other Green Trails
Fernie offers several green trails like Lil Miss Buffet, Eville, and Honey Bee. Although they’re designated green, these trails will challenge you due to their technical nature. Honey Bee, for example, features a gentle singletrack through the forest with wide bridges, roots, and tight corners—ideal for honing your bike handling skills.
Challenge Yourself with Top Gun
If you’re feeling adventurous, tackle Top Gun—one of Fernie’s most loved trails. It’s fast with flowy berms and jumps, but all features can be rolled over, making it a great option for riders with varying skill levels.
Ready to Ride?
Don’t let intimidation hold you back! Take your time, enjoy the ride, and remember every expert started as a beginner. If you’re still not confident, consider taking a lesson at Fernie’s Mountain Bike School, where you can build your skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Why Fernie, BC Should be Your Family’s Next Destination
“Mom, this lake is so beautiful. Wait – I think I ate a fly!”
And so started our two day paddling and biking trip to Fernie, B.C.
Our summer was beginning to fill up as it always does cramming in campfires, baseball games,
and swimming lessons. In the fall our three kids and I will all be heading back to school. The
summer is our time to soak in days that are not governed by a schedule. My husband, however,
works in the summer so we have become proficient at sneaking in fun on his days off. Fernie is
an incredible destination whether you can go for a night or a summer. The activities are endless!
After a short two-and-a-half hour drive from Calgary, we were blowing up paddle boards at
beautiful Island Lake to take in the impressive peaks around the forested shores. The lake was
calm, breathtaking and garnished with an iconic floating dock. Adirondack chairs sat peacefully
along the shore inviting tired legs to sit and take in pristine views. Island Lake was the perfect
starting point for our two day adventure.
Once we finished paddling, our older kids took their dad biking and our youngest and I set out to
explore an old growth forest. All of us enjoyed the ancient cedars, fern-lined paths and wooden
bridges on the different trails whether biking or walking. The area is home to a rich network of
biking and hiking trails providing different entry points to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
Upon meeting up after riding and hiking, everyone was ready to drive the five minutes into town
and get a bite to eat before heading up to the Lizard Creek Lodge at the base of Fernie Alpine
Resort. The Lodge proved to be the perfect place to unwind after a busy day and was set up
perfectly for a family or group of friends. From the balcony off the living room with a fireplace, to
the loft with two queen beds and second full bath above the kitchen, it felt luxurious to settle in
for the night. Or at least for a few minutes before the kids had us swimming and soaking in the
outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
The second day was the one everyone had been waiting for. Lift access mountain biking is such
a treat with a family. Although our older kids have gotten quite quick at ascending, our youngest
is still just five. For everyone to be able to get as many downhill laps in as possible was
amazing. It also allowed our youngest to enjoy a slower pace riding the lifts to hike at the top,
swing in one of the many hammocks set up and explore Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre. After
catching the last lift at 4:30 pm, we hopped in the truck and headed home regaling stories from
the afternoon. It was decided – a trip to Fernie is something we would like to do again very soon.
Introducing the Elk Grove Forest Playground!
New for Summer 2024 – Introducing the Elk Grove Forest Playground!
Phase 1 of construction for our new Elk Grove Forest Playground is well underway.
Located among a beautiful shady tree island at the top of the Elk Chair, this forest playground is a great place for kids to explore and play.
The Elk Grove will be a vibrant addition to the other summer activities that guests can access via the Elk Chair. Families can embark on a day of adventure, starting their visit with a ride up the Elk Chairlift and exploring the Elk Grove Forest Playground and Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre.
Enjoy a family-friendly hike, passing by an observation deck with spectacular views and educational interpretive signs. Then, return to the Bear’s Den to enjoy refreshing beverages, snacks, and everyone’s favourite – ice cream!
Features of the new Elk Grove Forest Playground include:
- Pirate Ship
- Bridges
- Slide
- Chairlift Swings
- Cargo Climbing Net
- Sandbox
- Paths winding through the forest connecting all of the play features
- Picnic Area
Phase 1 of the Playground will be complete for Opening Day on Saturday, June 22nd. Plans for future phases are in development and will include more fun and creative play structures.
All Fernie Alpine Resort summer lift tickets and season passes include access to the Elk Grove Forest Playground. Children must be supervised by their responsible parent/adult.
Purchase your summer pass here – https://skifernie.com/purchase/summer-season-passes/
Purchase your summer lift tickets here – https://tickets.skifernie.com/product-category/summer-lift-tickets/
The Elk Grove promises a unique, fun-filled experience for kids and families. Come and join us for an unforgettable adventure!
First Trail Crew Update of 2024
Summer is almost here, and excitement is in the air at the resort as we gear up for our Opening Day on Saturday, June 22nd. Our trail crew of 7 team members has been hard at work since mid-May, inspecting the trails as the snow receded up the mountain. With the trails now mostly snow-free, our crew has been making great progress.
We’re thrilled to announce the unveiling of our new trail, “Leave Me A Loam,” a fresh hand-built line in the forest branching off Lower Rumplestumpskin. It’s definitely a must-see this summer!
Our pre-season trail work plans include a number of projects, including creating new entrances to
Alternate Flight Pattern and Duff Dynasty, as well as machine work rebuilds on Top Gun and the
Lower Top Gun
Rockstar tree island. We’re also putting the finishing touches on the Lower Rumple flow section that connects to CBD, and of course, there will be lots of trail tune-ups to ensure an amazing experience for all our guests.
This week, our crew will be heading up the Timber Side to start their trail inspections and trail work. We’re eagerly anticipating the return of the Timber Chair to our summer operation!
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to kick off an incredible summer season on the trails.
Happy trails!
Timber Landing: Fernie Alpine Resort’s Next Best Address
For this edition of That Thing About Fernie, we’re talking with Carol Cohen; a long-time Fernie resident (who also happens to be married to Fernie Alpine Resort General Manager Andy Cohen). Carol is a highly experienced Realtor who has recently stepped into the role of Developer’s Representative for Timber Landing, a luxurious new neighbourhood of single-family homes that will become the standard for design excellence at Fernie Alpine Resort.
How did you find your way to Fernie, and when did you get involved in real estate development?
I was friends with Matt Mosteller (RCR, Senior VP of Marketing & Resort Development) when we were both ski coaching back at Whistler in the mid-1980s. Matt moved beyond coaching to launch his career in ski marketing and we kept in touch over the years. In 1997, he asked my husband Andy to come out and invest in Kimberley and Fernie’s on mountain development. Andy then went on to become the Kimberley Resort’s general manager. We lived in Kimberley for 8 years, during which time I helped launch the Tall Pines second home development on land that we had purchased when we first arrived. Kimberley and Fernie were both previously locally-owned resorts with very little in the way of on-slope accommodation. We raised our three kids in Kimberley, and then Murray Edwards, RCR’s owner, transferred Andy to Fernie once the kids graduated from high school. We currently live in one of the Timber Landing properties, so if you buy up here, we’ll probably be neighbours!
What’s the lay of the land like around Fernie; I know we have the ski resort and the lure of ski in and out properties, but what else are people looking at these days?
When we came here 30 years ago, that was the last big wave of development on the hill really until about 2018. As the resort matured, it started to offer a range of fabulous on-slope accommodations. Initially, owners of these units – they were mostly condos/townhomes – were granted use of their property for limited stays and the rest of the time, the units were put into a rental pool. However, over time, the strata owners decided to drop the annual restriction. These are wealthier homeowners who don’t want to share their units with others during peak season. That’s where Timber Landing comes in, the lots are large enough that you could build a rental suite either as part of the house or as a carriage house and put it on Air BNB to help defray the cost of your project.
Thinking of the Resort as its separate community, how did it develop? Are their old-time A-frames inter-mixed with 10,000-square-foot cabins?
Not really, Fernie’s history is a bit different than other resorts. The ski hill was patronized largely by the local miners and townspeople. Very few skiers came from away; there was very little marketing done until Charlie bought the place. Charlie developed Fernie as a four-season destination resort, but that came at a tough time. Condo units were built in the village, and the owners who got in early have done very well in terms of investment. There were none of the A-frames and typical ski cabins that you’d find at other ski hills because the town is very close to the mountain.
Where, traditionally, have people come from – are there locals who purchase for revenue income and seasonal visitors looking for a second home – is there much of a retirement community? What amenities might people be most attracted to?
Well, these are certainly legacy-style properties that are right out of a real estate marketing brochure. A family member will buy a lot and build a second home that can accommodate plenty of family members and friends. These are people from all over: the USA, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Of course, they might use the place during holidays and weekends but then either rent it out to other friends or family members.
Then, we have younger families, most of them from Calgary, who want ski-in and ski-out convenience. Most of their kids are in the winter-long ski programs. The keener parents can be first on the hill, and they can look after the kids and take them home for lunch after ski programs are over. No one has to be killing time in a cafeteria waiting for a spouse to be done skiing; your home is there for you to enjoy at any time.
How do these specific SFH lots fit into the current Fernie mix-up on the hill? Are there other ski-in/ski-out options? What are Timber Landing’s features/advantages/ benefits?
This is the third phase of Timber Landing, built on land that Charlie Locke purchased decades ago. The first phase happened in 2018, and the second phase was in 2020. I was asked to sell out to the first 50 lots. Currently, I work for RCR as the developer’s representative for Phase 3. Right now, we’re selling lots in Phase 3A. It’s been a slower uptake due to rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
How does the process work regarding permitting, architectural guidelines, density, building size, etc.?
Before breaking ground on a new home, owners and their builders will have to go through a design review process with the developer to ensure that all of the architectural and building footprints remain in character with the Timber Landing esthetic. I can provide a personal introduction and then work with a highly reputable contracting firm for the building process. We have a minimum sq footprint of 1250n sq feet. Most homes in the earlier stages were in the 3,000- 5.000 square-foot range, and some even 12,000 sqft.
Can you provide a bit of a visual description of where the lots are located and what views/sightlines they might provide?
All of these lots have a view of the mountain; although some trees might need to be removed from the property to make that happen. The upper lots, which will be released later, probably have the best views of all. To discourage lot flipping, owners are required to start building within three years of purchase.
Are there any aspects of living in Fernie that have surprised you?
When you are moving to Fernie, you’re moving to a real community that is founded upon outdoor activities: not just skiing but golf, mountain biking, running, fishing, arts, you name it. People are passionate about the outdoors, here. It used to be all about ‘going big’ but I think as that generation of baby boomers had kids, the need to constantly prove yourself has mellowed.
Find out more about the Timber Landing development on the RCR Properties website.
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Real Estate
