Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort Winter Season
There’s Nothing Like It
The act of sliding on snow is a mystical experience. It is a romance that only those captivated by its spell can truly understand. It can go beyond infatuation, beyond addiction, beyond reason, and in some cases, beyond the realm of impossible. It connects us to ourselves, it connects us to each other, it connects us to nature. Once you are drawn in, it is a lifelong passion. We sought out a variety of individuals, united by the love of sliding on snow, to find out just what gets their hearts beating this season.
PC: Scott Courtemanche
The coming of a new season will rekindle the flame for adrenaline junkies and fun-seekers alike. An unmistakable flame resides in the heart of Greg ‘G-Money’ Barrow, a man whose local fame needs no introduction. Greg is a magnetic character whose Southern Swagger is iconic. Why G-Money? In the days of his youth, Greg delved into the world of basketball; and when making a shot the crowds would chant ‘MONEY!!’ Not what you expected hey…?
With the concept of carrying ski poles being a put off, G-Money took to snowboarding in 1982, and after traveling across North America he took the advice of his friend and hero, Craig Kelly, and opened Fernie’s local snowboarding haven Edge Of The World. Why build a whole lifestyle around snowboarding? “Because of the feeling,” said Greg as he flashed his charming smile. “You can’t get that feeling anywhere else.” So, what makes G-Money stand out from the crowd? Besides sporting the latest and greatest snowboards, Greg holds 18 consecutive first chair victories at Fernie Alpine Resort. We could tell you what it takes for Greg to snag first chair every year, but we are sworn to secrecy by The Griz himself. We CAN tell you only a snow-lover could commit themselves the way Greg has. Even though Greg wonders if a brave challenger will ever present themselves, his title still goes undefeated and at the grand age of 70 he once again found himself the first in line on opening day this season.
PC: Scott Courtemanche
What makes a group of 10 and 11-year olds leave the comfort of their beds at 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday? The hope of winning first chair at Fernie Alpine Resort does! This season we have to highlight the spirit and enthusiasm of brothers Will and Ben Johnson and friend Tain Prentice, who were sitting proudly with G-Money on first chair. Only slightly less enthusiastic, Ben and Will’s father, Mr. Johnson, described the new season as “The Year of the Dad” and is very pumped to be giving his well-deserved new skis a try. He went on to say, “There are a lot of reasons why I love skiing, but the elimination of distraction and just being able to let work and life go, being able to crank it up and feel the wind on your face. I don’t know, there is nothing else like it.” Lined-up on opening day were hundreds of skiers and snowboarders who felt the same and were eager to welcome in a new season.
PC: Scott Courtemanche
But what happens when chasing a feeling becomes a matter of life and death? Caleb Brown, a born and bred local and avid skier, knows these consequences all too well. Caleb starts his account ominously by saying, “We thought it would be fine, even though there were signs that it wasn’t.” March 21st, 2017, Caleb was caught in an avalanche that flung his body down a mountainside for over a kilometer. Having luckily lived to tell the tale, no one would have been surprised if he had given up skiing forever. But for Caleb, the sport is more than just skiing, it’s an addiction to adrenaline that dictates his every move. “There’s nothing like it,” Caleb said with a sparkle in his eye. “It is as close as you can get to flying without ever leaving the ground.” For Caleb, nothing brings him more joy than being on skis, in the woods, with snow falling around him. The feeling Caleb chases was too valuable to leave behind, so the season following the avalanche he found a new perspective and passion – skiing bigger lines than he has ever skied before. This season will look a little differently for Caleb, knowing he can hit those lines is finally enough, as in the end what really matters most is that he is here to continue to experience what he loves with his friends and family by his side.
PC: Scott Courtemanche
The intoxicating feeling of sliding on snow is something that can be felt and appreciated at any age. Someone who was brought up skiing will often have family or friends who have cultivated that seed, as was the case for Krista Turcasso. Krista was taught to ski at the early age of 3 years old by a close family friend. Though originally involved in ski racing, Krista’s interests were turned to all-mountain skiing and the draw of finding solitude within white snowy peaks. The almost hypnotic feeling of floating on powder is something Krista finds exhilarating, but not to be overshadowed by experiencing skiing through the eyes of her daughters. Some of the many reasons why Krista enjoys time on the mountain include, “Creating that passion…Skiing is something you can have for a lifetime. To create something my family can do together and to see the girls get so excited about… [pushing] themselves to accomplish something – there’s nothing like it.” Krista, who taught her daughters to ski from the tender age of 18 months old, goes on to describe one of her favourite memories as watching her daughter discover powder for the first time and the absolute thrill of her disappearing skis! Krista and family are very excited for the season and all the adventures and memories they will create this year.
So, what’s the big deal about sliding on snow? As the snow enthusiasts throughout our blog have said, “THERE IS JUST NOTHING LIKE IT!” We can’t wait to see how you will celebrate SNOW-FUN with us this season! What made you fall in love with skiing or snowboarding? Let us know in the comments below!!
September Bonus Weekend #4
Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end… it’s time to shut down operations and start preparing for the upcoming winter season (2 months and 3 days, but who’s counting?). Join us September 29 & 30 for Bonus Weekend #4 and help us make our closing weekend a Legendary one!
Don’t miss out on seeing the beautiful array of reds, oranges and yellows before the alpine gets covered in that white powdery stuff that we all love. Ride the Timber Chair between 10:30 am – 4:30 pm and take in those final hiking & biking adventures. While you’re up there, enjoy a tasty lunch and a refreshing bevie (or maybe a hot cup of cocoa) at Lost Boys Café.
Dust off your retro bike, dig out your retro gear and get ready to send it for the last downhill race of the season. The Retro Mountain Bike Race takes place on Sunday, September 30 at 2 pm on the lower section of Deer Trail. Register at the Adventure Centre between 12 – 1 pm. Entry fee is $10 and includes a post-race beverage at Legends Mountain Eatery and loads of prizing for fastest times in each category, best retro costume, best decorated bike and awesome door prizes!
Although the lifts are coming to a halt, it doesn’t mean the fun has to. We have a new lineup of events to look forward to in October and November at the resort:
New this fall:
A Legendary Oktoberfest is coming to Fernie Alpine Resort on Saturday, October 6! Dress in your best Oktoberfest outfit and join us in the plaza for the afternoon beverage gardens, open to all ages. Guaranteed to be good times with great music from DJ Goffles, craft beer, fun games and crazy contests for both kids and adults! Then it’s onto the Griz Bar for the adults for a delicious German buffet dinner while being entertained by live Oompah Band, European Touch. It doesn’t end there… more fun ensues during the after party – more music, contests and of course more beer!
Learn about your body and mind health during the You and Your Body Wellness Retreat October 23 – 28 at Lizard Creek Lodge. Three world-class therapists will give you the tools to explore your potential through unique movement and innovative body therapies. Your retreat package includes 10 group classes focused on mind and body wellness, guided nature walks, accommodations, healthy meals and a self-care welcome kit. This event is almost sold out so make sure your book your spot before it’s too late!
New for the kids this October – The Griz Kidz Halloween Party & Haunted House! Dress up your little monsters (and yourselves) and join us on Sunday, October 28 as we transform the Day Lodge into a mystical manor of fun, full of ghoulish games, creepy-crawly crafts, and awfully-fun activities. Step inside our spooktacular photo booth for a family photo then take a wander downstairs and enter our haunted basement if you dare…(mwahahaha)
Returning this November:
Join Yogi, Gordana Gigovic as she leads you through an all-inclusive weekend to recharge your mind, body and soul during the Fall Yoga Retreat November 2 – 4 at Lizard Creek Lodge. Package includes yoga lessons, nature walks, all meals and accommodations.
Huge shout out to everyone who visited us up on the mountain this past season and adventured along our trails…. we’ll see you soon. Now who’s stoked for winter?!
Photo Credit: Gui Boutet
September Bonus Weekend #3
Waking up to the snow-tipped Three Sisters is exciting and maybe less exciting is digging out your scraper to clear the frost off your windshield… but we all know this can only mean one thing – winter is coming. However, it’s not too late to get in some autumn action with two more Bonus Weekends left in September!
With the Timber Chair running on Saturday & Sunday from 10:30am to 4:30pm, you still have time to take in the beautiful sights and explore your favorite hiking and biking trails.
Gather your friends and go on the *Peak to Park to Pint Bike Tour, challenge them to a *Treetop Aerial Park adventure or book a *Guided Nature Hike. Don’t forget to bring your camera! As we move into fall, the changing of the season is bringing a gorgeous array of yellows, oranges and reds to the mountain and to the valley – it’s a stunning sight to see.
We also have something special planned for Bonus Weekend #3 – Lizard Creek Lodge and Cirque Restaurant are proud to be hosting Lobsterfest September 21 – 23! The weekend includes accommodation at Lizard Creek Lodge, lobster themed meals, a guided nature hike, and a lobster demo on how to cook and shuck a lobster.
Are you a local Fernie Foodie? We have a special dinner date for you! Enjoy an evening of amazing food and live entertainment on Saturday, September 22. Fresh Maritime lobsters are being flown in for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our talented chef at Cirque Restaurant. It will be the Lobsterfest of all Lobsterfests!
There’s only two more weekends left of operations – don’t miss out on the awesome line-up of fall activities happening at the resort!
*Advance booking is required. Please book at least 48 hours in advance by calling 250-423-2435.
September Bonus Weekend #2
It’s all downhill from here until Bonus Weekend #2! Fall fun continues with the Timber Chair running from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on September 15 & 16.
Scenic Dinner at Lost Boys Cafe – September 15
Have you ever had dinner on top of a mountain? Here’s your chance! Join us on Saturday, September 15 at 4:00 pm for a delicious Mountain Top BBQ dinner at Lost Boys Café. Guests will take a scenic chairlift ride up the Timber Chair and be treated to a special BBQ meal prepared by our chefs. After dinner, take in the stunning views of the Elk Valley from the Lost Boys Café deck. The Timber Chair will be available for downloading from 6:15 – 6:45pm. Reservations are required and must be booked in advance by calling 250.423.2435. Visit our website for more event details by clicking here.
Retro Mountain Bike Race – September 16
Dust off your old retro mountain bike, dig out your retro bike gear and get ready to race down a section of Deer Trail on Sunday, September 16! Registration will take place from 12 – 1pm at the Adventure Centre and the race will start at 2pm. Entry fee is $10 and includes a post-race bevie at Legends Mountain Eatery along with loads of great prizing including fastest times in each category, best retro costume, best decorated bike and door prizes! Click here for more information on the race.
In addition to our special events, here’s a list of the other activities happening around the resort:
On Mountain:
- Put on your hiking boots and explore your favourite hiking trail on the Timber side
- Get in your two-wheeled fix and take a rip down our Legendary bike trails
- Snap some photos of the beautiful autumn colours as they take-over the valley in the changing of the season
At Lizard Creek Lodge:
- Recharge with some Saturday morning yoga from 8 – 9 am
- Send your kids on a nature hike and BBQ from 5 – 7:30 pm
In the Plaza:
- Don’t miss out on all the savings – the End of Summer Blowout Sale continues this weekend at the Adventure Centre
We know you love the summer and winter months but now’s your chance to FALL in love with the mountains in September.
Photo credit: Nicole Matei
September Bonus Weekend #1
What a Legendary Summer we’ve had! But we’re not closing our doors yet… We’re open September 8th and 9th for our first Bonus Weekend of September! And with the Timber Chair operating from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, the activities are endless.
Whether it’s taking in the spectacular mountaintop views of the Elk Valley, hiking along the gorgeous trails throughout the local mountain ranges, riding down our Legendary lift accessed mountain bike trails, zipping through the trees in our Aerial Park, or just enjoying lunch and an ice cold one on the Lost Boys Café deck, we have something for everyone to explore including a few special activities around the resort this weekend. Here’s a quick run-down of what’s happening.
Kick your weekend off with Saturday morning yoga at Lizard Creek Lodge. The beautiful mountain backdrop is guaranteed to rejuvenate your mind and body and get you ready for the rest of your weekend.
If it’s a beer and biking tour you’re looking for, we have it! Join our Peak to Park to Pint Bike Tour running Saturday afternoon. From the top of the Timber Chair, cruise downhill and enjoy the trails through Mt. Fernie Provincial Park. Pedal through town to reward yourself with refreshing samples of East Kootenay beers! And don’t worry about the kids, we have that covered – our guides will take the youngins on a guided nature hike with scavenger hunt followed by a pool party and BBQ dinner at Lizard Creek Lodge.
End your Saturday with an epic Mountain Top Camping Experience near the top of the Timber Chair. Take the chairlift up to your mountain top campsite. After a guided hike you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at Lost Boys Café – the bar will be open so enjoy an evening beverage while star-gazing from the deck. Wake up Sunday morning to stunning alpine views and have breakfast at the Café. You can either make your way back down the lift or continue your weekend fun by exploring the mountain by hiking and sightseeing.
Join us on Sunday in the Plaza for a special Pop Up Fernie Mountain Market. Local vendors will be onsite with fresh fruits & vegetables, home-baked breads and handcrafted creations.
And don’t forget to stop by the Adventure Cabin for their End of Summer Blowout SALE! 10-40% off selected hard & soft goods, as well as great deals on 2015 & 2016 SCOTT bikes all weekend long!
Our regular summer operations may have come to an end but the fall fun is just beginning – your weekend adventure awaits you!
A Guide to Thrive in Winter
Let’s get straight to the point; winter tends to overstay its welcome. With major snowstorms lasting into April earlier this year, Mother Nature definitely took longer than expected to bestow warmer temperatures upon us Canadians.
Living in this wonderful, snowy nation, there are some crucial lessons to learn in order to thrive in the ‘Great White North’. Most importantly, is realizing the importance of making the best of your environment and conditions (especially the long winter months we so often endure).
Our initial instincts are to stay warm and cozy during blizzard-stricken months, huddled indoors with blankets, warm drinks, a crackling fire and taking in an unhealthy amount of Netflix, while silently praying that our neighbour or significant other will shovel the walkway. Winters have such great potential though, why surrender such glorious opportunities to see the remarkable beauty Canada boasts in its backyard?
Exploring the outdoors throughout all four of our Canadian seasons is a revitalizing experience for us, which should be taken advantage of to refresh our frame of mind. It’s a chance to discover new adventures just a snowball’s throw away. We’re all familiar with making the most of warm temperatures during the summer months with patio season and backyard lounging in full swing. The winter landscape can be just as inspiring too, when given the chance.
If you need more convincing, here are a few of Canada’s premiere winter activity destinations:
Fernie, British Columbia
The shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs along 2nd Avenue in Fernie are some of the Canadian Rockies’ hidden gems, with surrounding mountain peaks looming over the glow of its downtown streets.
Located just down the road, Fernie Alpine Resort is home to some of Canada’s most legendary powder, with an average snowfall of 30ft. From epic downhill skiing to leisurely snowshoe and groomed cross-country skiing trails, the resort has activities for the whole family. It also offers plenty of weekly programs to get you outside and even yoga classes to help you find your winter Zen. Their on-mountain accommodations along with a local shuttle to town make for a perfect introduction to Canada’s winter activities.
Fernie Alpine Resort – Bowls of Glory
Kimberley, British Columbia
If you’re looking for a classic mountain town, you’ve found it. The town of Kimberley embodies the Canadian spirit with humble, welcoming locals and a relentless passion for nature. Kimberley is home to craft beers, great local dining, the oldest building in Canada and a variety of activities to enjoy outside.
With stunning scenery of the Kootenay mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is just minutes from town and offers great facilities and terrain for people of all skiing and snowboarding ability levels – from first-timers to seasoned slope shredders. Looking to stay on level ground? Try the area’s expansive snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing network or check out fat biking, one of North America’s favourite new activities (mountain bikes with wider tires for better grip in snow conditions).
The drive on the way to Kimberley Alpine Resort
Golden, British Columbia
One of the most famed locations along the Powder Highway, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the town of Golden are conveniently located along the TransCanada Highway and ready to provide you a mountain experience like no other. Drop into Whitetooth Brewing Co. for locally crafted beers, or the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre for an up-close learning session with these amazing animals.
Delving deeper into nature, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers Canada’s highest dining experience, the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at 7,700ft. Once you’re fueled up, hit the slopes of the Catamount Chair to learn the basics on your skis or snowboard, or bring your little ones to the tube park and natural ice rink at the base of the resort. Advanced skiers head to the top via the gondola for wide ranging bowls, ridges and chutes. If staying grounded is your preference, Golden is primed with world-class snowmobiling, along with plenty of rentals and tours available.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s kick ass terrain & views
Life’s too short – and winters are too long – to miss out on a lifetime of adventure. Let winter activities revitalize your soul and help you look forward to the inevitable snowfalls each year. Meet Mother Nature halfway on this one and discover how rewarding Canada’s winter climates can truly be.
Community Summit Fund
The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) is forever grateful for the passion of their employees, guests and especially the home towns where the resorts are located. In each town there are people who have supported the resorts for many years and in an effort to give back to these communities, the Community Summit Fund was born. 2007 marked the first year of the Summit Fund program, with an initial five-year commitment, RCR donated over $150,000 to over 100 community organizations. After the first five years, RCR decided to officially renew the Summit Fund indefinitely and continue to donate to organizations, schools and charities each and every month.
At Fernie Alpine Resort, our Community Summit Fund has helped transform the local Fernie community by supporting sustainable local projects that help create positive opportunities and outcomes for its citizens, especially youth.
In the last six months, we have donated just over $11,000 to 22 different local organizations and projects including:
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Fernie Chamber of Commerce – support of 2018 Griz Days
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Fernie Mountain Film Festival
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Freeski Competition support for local athlete, Andrea Byrne
Local athlete, Andrea Byrne – Freeski Competition support
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Fernie & District Arts Council – support of the Out of the Box: Dumpster Project
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Fernie Secondary School -support the ski/snowboard team to attend 2018 provincials, teaching classes on outdoor trapping traditions, new school fitness room equipment, annual scholarship program
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Emily Brydon Youth Foundation
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Fernie Alpine Ski Team – support of FAST Film Festival 2018
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Isabella Dickens Elementary School – support annual spring tea fundraiser
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Elk Valley Dolphins Swim Club – support club to attend swim meet
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Elk Valley Society for Community Living
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Canadian Adaptive Network – support Fernie Disability Awareness Night
A commemorative display celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Fernie Golf Club.
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Fernie Golf Club – support 100th anniversary commemorative display
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The Ghostriders Adventure Camp
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Wapiti Music Festival Society
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City of Fernie – support for Canada Day celebrations
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Fernie Heritage Cemetary and Restoration Society
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Fernie Tennis Community Association – support of East Kootenay Open 2018
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East Kootenay Foundation for Health – support for 2018 Starlite Ball Fundraiser
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Friends of the Fernie Heritage Library
The Community Summit Fund isn’t just about cash donations, but it’s also about being involved in the community ourselves. Our very own Robin Siggers is a great example of an employee giving back to the community. Robin is involved directly with the Fernie Ski Touring & Trails Club. He also volunteers his time working on the Fernie Dirt Jump Park – using the RCR loader, he moves dirt and shapes the jumps. On top of that, he’s a regular contributor to the Fernie Trails Associations crew – working nights maintaining the trails.
For more information on the Fernie Alpine Community Summit Fund and how to apply for a grant, please visit: https://skifernie.com/summit-fund/.
Supporting the Fernie & District Arts Council’s Out of the Box: Dumpster Project
Fernie Secondary School recipient of the Fernie Summit Fund Scholarship program, Elizabeth Pater
Support of the Elk Valley Dolphins Swim Club to attend competitions.
We’re looking at you Fall! Upcoming fall fun at Fernie.
You already know you love Fernie Alpine Resort in the winter and summer months, now it’s time to acquaint yourself with fall in the mountains! Choose your adventure from our new programs – whether you’re into delicious food, learning about health and wellness or mindfulness retreats and meeting new like minded people, you’ll find it in Fernie.
Foodie Fernie
Saturday, September 15th – Scenic Dinner at Lost Boys Cafe.
It’s a fact – food tastes better when you’re high..up on the top of a mountain! Join us for our first ever scenic dinner at Lost Boys Cafe, located at the top of the Timber chairlift.
September 21st to 23rd – Lobsterfest & adventure weekend!
Come for the lobster – stay for the non stop fun. Lizard Creek Lodge is hosting the lobsterfests to trump all lobsterfests, the rate for your weekend includes your accommodations, delicious lobster themed meals (5 in total) as well as a guided nature hike (did you know Fernie used to be an ancient sea bed?)
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Health & Wellness
September 28th to 30th – Women’s Trail Running Weekend.
Our second annual trail running workshop will be led once again my Magi Scallion, an avid trail runner based out of Golden, B.C. The registration fee for you weekend includes accommodations, massage, yoga class, trail running basics and food & beverage!
October 23rd to 28th – You & Your Body Wellness Retreat. 
Treat yourself, you deserve it! Your retreat package features 10 group classes focused on mind and body wellness, guided nature walks, healthy and mountain inspired meals, a self care welcome kit and your accommodations – all in a gorgeous mountain setting, the best spot to learn about your body & mind health.
November 2nd to 4th – Fall Yoga Retreat.
Recharge your mind, body & soul in the serenity of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, join Yogi Gordana Gigovic as she leads you through this invigorating all inclusive weekend. Book now, the rate includes you accommodations, nature walk, yoga lessons and all meals.
**Book before August 15th to take advantage of our Early Bird Rate!**
Plus don’t forget about everything that’s coming up before fall, including our new Throwdown Thursdays, trail running series, The Griz Kidz Summer Carnival and our brand new Perseid Meteor Shower viewing & Mountaintop camping event.
Booking links and more information on all above can be found on our online events calendar.
- Published in Blog
What to do & Where to Drink on your Powder Highway Summer Road Trip
Craft Breweries, quaint mountain towns, stunning rocky mountain views – those are the new experiences many people seek when planning at road trip. Road trips really are the best of all travelling worlds – without the major cost/headache of flying somewhere, staying semi close to your homebase while getting out and seeing the world at the same time. If you’re still looking to plan a fun, easy to manage getaway this summer or fall – here’s an itinerary all laid out for you. Less planning – more fun! It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you’re coming from Calgary in the south of the city or surrounding area, start at Fernie Alpine Resort – it’s an easy 2.5 hour drive when there’s no snow on the ground and it is home to perhaps the best known craft brewery scene of all our suggested locations. If you’re heading out from Calgary in the north or surrounding area, Kicking Horse might be the place for you to start your trip and do this whole circuit in reverse.
Fernie, B.C. – where the beer is local, but your server might be an import
Fernie is one of Canada’s great ski towns, not only has it been named ‘the coolest little town in North America’ by Rolling Stone Magazine, it’s also been named ‘the greatest Canadian outdoor town’ by Get Out There Magazine, in part because it truly is a year round outdoor destination with so much to do in the summer as well as the winter.
What to try – for a non boozy activity, try the Aerial Park at Fernie Alpine Resort. It’s a super fun afternoon where even adults find a challenge in the tree top obstacle course (perhaps do this one before the brewery tour, you might not want to have a hang over when 30 feet up in the trees)!
Where to drink – The Fernie Brewing Company is not just well known in Fernie, it’s well known in Calgary and branching out into many other major cities as well. But Fernie, of course, is the breweries home. The Fernie Brewing Co. building is located just as you drive into town (from the Sparwood/Calgary direction), they have a tasting room where you can try a flight of 4 beers for just $5 – which they donate to charity! Want to give back and drink at the same time? Fernie Brewing Co. is for you! Another fun initiative from the Fernie Brewing Co. is the Trail to Ale challenge, which is pretty much exactly what the name suggests, get more information on the Trail to Ale challenge on their website.
Photo | Fernie Brewing Company
Kimberley, B.C – a place to get away from traffic, full calendars and all things marked ‘urgent’
Kimberley is a town where you feel relaxed, like really relaxed. If you’re from the city when was the last time you can say you felt completely relaxed? 
Maybe it was on a nature walk, or in your backyard or maybe it’s only when you actually get out of the city. If you’re asking the questions where can I relax and forget about all my worries while on vacation – Kimberley is your answer.
What to try – swimming in gorgeous St. Mary’s lake, it’s super fun & super free! There’s not only swimming at St. Mary’s Lake you can also canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board, fish or just float! If you’re looking to rent some water sports equipment check out local company Kootenay Rafting for options. St Mary’s is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the region, Instagram worthy pictures for sure (and everyone needs to document their best vacations on Instagram). For even more options of what to try in Kimberley, check out my blog from last summer – ‘12 (plus) reasons to visit Kimberley this August’.
Where to drink – Overtime Beerworks in Kimberley may be the youngest of all the breweries on our list, starting in 2016 – don’t let that deter you though, their beers are brewed with the sophistication of a much older brewery and they’re quickly making a name for themselves further than just in Kimberley and are available in a variety of cities and towns in British Columbia and Alberta. All their beers are brewed in small batches, making each of them slightly different with the unique flare of each individual batch – try local favourites like the ‘Mountain Standard’ Golden Ale or the ‘Right About Now’ IPA.
Photo | Overtime Beerworks
Golden, B.C – the friendly mountain town
Golden is another one of those ultimate outdoor adventure towns on our list, with a TON to choose from in regards to outdoor activities. Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are frequently named in magazines with annotations such as ‘extreme’, ‘challenging’ and ‘adventurous’ and while it is 
all of those things, it’s also a place to chill out and enjoy adventures everyone can try. For example…
What to try – the Via Ferrata at Kicking horse Mountain Resort is an amazing experience not to be missed while in Golden. While it admittingly does look pretty hardcore, it’s actually a mountain climbing trek even novices can accomplish and feel comfortable while doing so. Via Ferrata courses are a series of iron rungs and handles mounted across the mountain face that novices and expert climbers can do, all the while strapped into to a safety harness – an added bonus of the Kicking Horse course is the suspension bridge you need to cross to get to the Via Ferrata course, it’s an experience in itself! In fact, if the Via Ferrata is still a little too hardcore for you – the Suspension Bridge can be done on its own without having to continue onto the full course. The sense of wonder and accomplishment you’ll feel after achieving the Via Ferrata course or just crossing the Suspension Bridge is enough to make anyone want a beer!
Where to drink – The Whitetooth Brewing Company is the place to go in Golden, not only do they offer their own unique and delicious beers (that goes without saying), their outdoor patio is one of the best in Golden with an epic view of the surrounding mountains. There are quite a few beers to choose from that fall into three categories – ‘West Coast Inspired’, Belgian Inspired’ and ‘High Gravity’ – no matter what type of beer you enjoy you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds here. The Brewery doesn’t have a huge capacity and is usually busy – they open at 2pm so make sure you go early and you might just get to sit here, I can’t think of very many better seats than that!
Photo | Whitetooth Brewing Company
- Published in Blog
FAR Trail Crew Update #2
It’s the final countdown…
We’re coming into the homestretch for opening day 2018. In less than 24 hours our doors will be ready to blast open for another Legendary summer of bike park operations, lift accessed hiking/camping and treetop adventures in our Aerial Park. Our to-do lists are long and with a severe storm watch in effect for today we’ve got to get back out there to get things in order for you before the rain falls, but here’s a quick update to wet your taste buds.
In our last crew report we told you about all the great work done on our Elk side trails this spring. Shout out to AERE Films who shot some amazing footage showcasing some of the tune-ups on Top Gun, Duff Dynasty and Deer Trail. You can check out the short video posted on our social media channels here. The dappled light kept much of our work shrouded in shadowy secret during the vid but there were quite a few hoots and hollers heard while they were filming – you’ll just have to come out and inspect those corners for yourself this weekend! We’ll have all Elk side trails open for you with the exception of Alternate Flight Pattern, Holo Bike and Kodiak Karnage. We’re working on a new section of bermy / jumpy trail on the Lower Lizard ski run to bring Elk side riders into the base. This is still a work in progress so, in the meantime, all riders will need to ride a short section of road to return to the plaza and the lifts. Please respect your fellow riders and other users sharing this road – SLOW DOWN.
With snow finally melting off our alpine zones, our crews have spent the last seven days focusing on our Timber side biking and hiking trails. Last Saturday, we hosted our first ever volunteer trail day work party. A solid crew of seven came out to kick off a rejuvenation project on Rumplestumpkin. The work continued all week as we repaired cribbing, rebuilt corners and took care of some other messy sections that needed love. There is still a lot of work to do here over the season but we’re pretty stoked on the great start and look forward to getting this trail back in primo shape for all you dark side riders. Current Timber side trail status – Upper TNT will remain closed for the weekend, however we will be offering Bike Thief, Bin Logdin, Lower TNT and Neverland in addition to the 4km alpine to valley bottom Rumplestumpskin. Hikers can access outstanding alpine views on the Siberia Ridge, Lost Boys Lookout, White Pass, Pika Pass and Milky Way Trails. Note – some of the hiking trails still have snow such as Pika Pass, but the trail crew has marked the trail and it will be a very “cool” hiking experience.
A few friendly reminders as we unleash summer on you. Many of our trails have changed and early season conditions exist across our mountain. Take it easy. Do a few slow inspection laps to scope out the changes, gauge your speed accordingly and get reacquainted. If this storm produces tonight, there could be blowdown and slippery conditions out there tomorrow. Watch for workers out on the trails and please stop to give us your feedback or voice any concerns you may have. For on-mountain emergencies please feel free to program the Patrol Emergency Number (250-423-2426) into your cell phones. Can’t wait to see everyone out there!
Nicole & The FAR Trail Crew
Photos by Nicole Matei & Nik Dunn
Volunteer trail day work party
Hiking Lost Boys Pass
Rumplestumpkin trail work
Pika Pass open for hiking
