Fernie Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort Opens on Friday, November 29th, 2024!
Fernie, BC – We are getting ready to open on Friday, thanks to recent snow storms coming through with nearly 100cms in the last week, we are expecting all our lifts to be open! Check out our Snow Report (to be updated soon) for more information on runs open and services available.
(Photo from November 25th, 2024)
Snow Report
Mountain Cams
The Griz Bar is undergoing some upgrades! Our Carpentry team have been working hard for the past few months, giving the front half of the Griz Bar some love. The solarium was due for replacement, so we took the opportunity to open up the interior and level the floor. The space feels more open, flows better, and will ensure we are set up to deliver the best experience possible to our guests. The Griz Bar will still be the number one place to Apres Ski in the valley, see you there for a cheers and a high five once the lifts start spinning.
Terrain Modifications & Improvements
‘The specific way the ice and water receded from the valley many years ago, coupled with the types of rock and soil in the area, has left a particularly steep section that runs across Fernie Alpine Resort’, says Mark Ormandy, Area Manager at Fernie Alpine Resort. ‘Over the years we have made many changes to this terrain in each of our 5 bowls, linking our beginner & intermediate runs on the upper mountain, to the lower mountain, in turn, making these areas more accessible for both our staff and grooming teams, while enhancing the skier experience. The work we have completed in Siberia, Currie, and Lizard Bowls are a continuation of this work,’ he continued.
Some specifics about what our team have been working on includes;
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.
Gilmar Trail / Lower Barracuda
We’ve smoothed and resurfaced the trail for better skiing and snowboarding in the early season.
Siberia Ridge
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.
Meet Mark, our newly appointed Area Manager at Fernie Alpine Resort;
Why did you choose to live in Fernie?
‘Fernie is just a fantastic place to live (and visit). With an amazing group of passionate residents, great café’s and restaurants, and an abundance of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Like many Kiwi’s and Australians, I came here for the skiing, and stayed because of the whole experience Fernie and the surrounding area has on offer.’
What’s your favourite run(s)?
‘On a powder day my most memorable runs have been in the Snake Ridge area of Cedar Bowl. For a quick fix during lunch Lizard Bowl Laps are hard to beat.’
‘We are excited for you to come and see what we have been up to,’ said Mark.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Releases
Farmer’s Almanac Agrees, it’s a La Niña Winter
Environment Canada and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have already declared the upcoming 2024.2025 winter season a La Niña phenonmenon and now Farmer’s Almanac agrees.
According to the Almanac; ‘La Niña, which refers to the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is expected to develop and hang on through the season. Taking into account the effect La Niña has on the weather, along with our long-standing formula, we anticipate the winter of 2024-25 will be wet and cold for most locations.’ Which is music to winter sports enthusiasts ears. Read more on the Farmer’s Almanac website.
Get ready for winter, it could be really snowy on the Powder Highway of British Columbia! It’s time to get your ski gear ready & plan your winter ski vacation. Winter Early Booking offers are on now.
Book Fernie Alpine Resort
Book Kimberley Alpine Resort
Book Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort – What’s New for the 2024.25 Winter Season
Fernie, BC – it’s that time of the year, Griz time! As we get ready for the winter season our team is a bunch of busy bees. We want to thank all those who visited this summer and we want to thank everyone in the community for sharing the stoke for the winter season! Big shout out to all of you who have already purchased your season pass, if you haven’t purchased yours yet they are on sale with our Fall Sale until October 11th.
Order Now
Don’t forget about lessons; children’s programs fill up fast, plus we have programs for adults too. TELUS Winter Sports School Multi Week programs are on sale until October 11th.
Order Now
Do your snow dance and send good tidings to the Griz! Winter is coming soon, get ready! Check out what’s new and exciting for the upcoming season;
Griz Bar Renovations
Our famous Griz Bar has been ‘keepin’ rippers ripped’ since 1962, and not much has changed in that time, so it’s time for a facelift. Don’t worry though, the rustic charm we all love will remain, huge improvements will be made to the atrium, including a new roof and opening up the area for more potential seating.
Grooming Fleet Additions
Two of Prinoth’s newest machines will join our fleet, designed to meet the European “Stage V” emission standards, one free cat and one winch cat. These two beauties are the most efficient machines in their class, wonder what Gary the Cat will think about that? Meow!
Snowmaking Upgrades
We have added 3 new lance guns to our existing fleet. These guns demand less electricity, which makes more efficient use of our current hydrants and allows us to make the most of snowmaking weather windows.
On-Mountain Brushing Program
Our brushing team has been on the mountain since May and will continue work through the fall. Our friendly mower cat will be out on the mountain again to prep the runs for good early snow coverage, providing earlier and better access to all your favourite spots! We will also have large machines completing earthwork/terrain modifications, improving flow in a few areas around the mountain.
Our Early Bird Vacation Offers have been released. Book before September 30th and save up to 20%! Book now.
Follow Fernie Alpine Resort;
Youtube • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Releases
Will it be another La Niña Winter? What is Environment Canada predicting?
Canada – We interrupt your summer with a snowy update. La Niña winter is in the forecast!
You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about La Niña or sometimes El Niño, so what do they really mean? During El Niño, trade winds weaken, warm water is pushed back east, toward the west coast of the Americas resulting in areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual. Now La Niña is what we really get excited about. La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña events, trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. The cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward. This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and colder events with more percipitation (snow!) in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Check out the Environment Canada map at the bottom of this email to see the percipitation predictions for the upcoming winter.
Now we know these are just predictions so don’t stop doing your snow dance. We sure hope the snowier than normal ski season returns this winter! Cheers to La Niña!
We have been busy doing summer grooming at Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. We have a custom built mowers that attach to a grooming cat and can give the slopes a sweet hair-cut so they are ready for those first flakes.
Don’t forget to plan ahead if you’re thinking about booking a ski holiday or weekend getaway as space books up quickly. Book your vacation on our website or email our vacation specialists to inquire about early booking offers at [email protected].
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter • Facebook • Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort – Summer NEWS
| Even though the mountains are still a blanket of whiteness, biking, hiking, and summer fun are on our minds.
We are stoked to announce that our lifts (yes, that’s plural!) will be spinning this summer for lift-accessed biking, hiking, and sightseeing. Opening Day is set for Saturday, June 22, only a few short months away! The Elk Chair will operate daily (open late on Thursdays) and offer downhill bike trails for novices through experts, as well as a wide variety of hiking trails and Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre. NEW this summer – the Elk Grove Forest Playground! This new playground is an adventure-filled ground-level playground located at the top of the Elk Chair. It promises to be a unique, fun-filled experience for kids and families.
Bike races return with the Fernie BC Cup / Canada Cup DH Race (Dunbar Summer Series) on July 6 & Our Summer Mountain Adventure School will be offering all the favourites – Kids Mountain Adventure Camps, Kids Freeride Bike Camps, Adult DH Clinics, and Specialty Guided Hikes are all back on the summer schedule for 2024. Stay tuned to our website and our social media for details on all of our programs, events, and early bird season pass sale information! |
More exciting news – the Timber Chair will be open for biking, hiking & sightseeing this summer – Saturdays (starting July 13th), along with Holiday Weekend Sundays (Aug. 4 & Sept. 1). The Timber Chair accesses awesome advanced / expert technical downhill terrain (2150 vertical feet!), as well as spectacular alpine hiking and sightseeing. Lost Boys Café (located at the top of the Timber Chair) will be the place to be on Saturday afternoons this summer, enjoying a cold drink and grooving to the tunes at our Music On The Mountain events.
7 and our popular weekly SCOTT Race Series (presented by Dakine). This year, Youth, Adults and Masters will race on Thursday Nights, with the Kids racing on Wednesdays, alongside an exciting new category, ‘Intro to Racing’. If you’re new to the world of racing, our Downhill Development Series offers a welcoming and laid-back environment suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun-filled introduction to the thrill of racing.- Published in Blog, Fernie, Press Releases, Summer
Bucking the Trend: Polar Peak, Where Skiing Gets Wild!
Fernie, BC – While the resort ski industry is embracing the “easy does it” mantra, our friends up north in Canada are throwing caution to the wind, and it’s all happening at the legendary Polar Peak at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Polar Peak has always symbolized awe-inspiring heights, towering 7,000 feet above sea level with a hair-raising vertical descent of 3,550 feet. But things have taken a radical turn this year – we’ve said goodbye to the notion of an “easy” way down. Forget about those comforting cat tracks and groomed slopes; they’re old news.
Instead, picture this: a permanent snowcat perched at the Peak, ready to pounce into action at the first sight of fresh powder. This means quicker openings after epic snowfalls, giving you more opportunities to rip down the untouched terrain. Polar Peak has transformed into a snow beast that’s always hungry for more powder, and it’s here to satisfy your cravings for steeps, speed and excitement.
But that’s not the only ace up our sleeve – we have six triple black diamonds and 16 double black diamonds – promising an adrenaline-packed experience.
This is not the place for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-octane adventure for the adrenaline junkie in you. Polar Peak is untamed, unpredictable, and unapologetic in its approach. With no groomed slopes, no cat tracks, and no hand-holding, you have to be ready to tackle steep terrain and conquer ever-changing snow conditions. This is the real deal, where Mother Nature reigns supreme, and you’re just a visitor in her domain.
While some ski areas might make it easier for everyone, we’re ramping up the thrill factor. Buck the trend and embrace the wild side of skiing on Polar Peak. It’s a rollercoaster ride on snow that’s edgier, steeper, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever before. So, grab your gear, summon your courage, and prepare for an adventure like no other – Polar Peak is where skiing and riding get wild!
See more here – The Guide to Polar Peak.
Check out ‘From the Peak’, a video following the remarkable skiing of Dave Keenan as he makes his way from the top of Polar Peak to the base of Fernie Alpine Resort. It was expertly filmed via drone by Dylan Siggers, a native of Fernie who honed his filming and skiing skills in these very mountains.
From the Peak is available now on on Fernie Alpine Resort’s Youtube Channel. Fernie Alpine Resort will open for the winter season on Saturday, December 2nd.
Youtube • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook
Fernie Alpine Resort
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort Opening Day This Weekend!
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- Published in Press Releases
RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES JOIN THE EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS
STARTING WITH THE 2023/24 SEASON, EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE FIVE COMBINED DAYS AT THE RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
- Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
- 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.
5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.
“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”
Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:
- Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
- Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two-thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
- Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain, including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
- Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
- Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable freestyle area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.
Purchase Now Before Prices Rise
Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.
Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adults, AU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.
The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.
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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.
ABOUT RCR
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, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.
- Published in Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort Extends Winter Season and adds Spring Celebration Events
Fernie, BC – We’re continuing the celebration of our 60th Anniversary for Fernie Alpine Resort by extending the winter season closing day to Sunday, April 17th.
“As March is usually our snowiest month, we invite you to keep your powder skis ready, your sunblock handy, spring carving skis set to go and most importantly, enjoy our spring weekend events. Celebrate our ski and ride community, and 60 years of snow loving fun!” says Matt Mosteller, “We are grateful and thankful to all who have shared their passion for skiing with us for 60 years! A special shout out to all of our team, friends and family who live in Fernie and don’t forget to thank the Griz as well”, added Mosteller.
We’re looking good for spring, keeping the spirit of skiing alive into middle April. Plan now to book your ski and stay package so you don’t miss spring events – including live music and après parties.
Mountain Pop Up Tour with Shred Kelly – March 26th – more information
Fernival – April 9th & 10th
Live Music from Stage Fright and Live Wire on Saturday and local band “Hark Raving Sirens” will be playing on Sunday, both will be in the Plaza and a free live show for all ages. Tentatively our annual Powder, Pedal, Paddle event will be held on Sunday.
Book your accommodations for Fernival with this package.
Get more information on both events on our Events Calendar.
Fernie Alpine Resort • Vacation Deals • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
OPENING DAY – DECEMBER 10TH!
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT ANNOUNCES OPENING FOR WINTER SEASON 2020/21!
Fernie Alpine Resort will open for skiing & snowboarding on December 10th, 2020 at 9 am.
Our team has worked tirelessly to prepare our operations for your arrival, and we are looking forward to kicking off the 2020/21 skiing and riding season. While we all share the joy for sliding on snow, this season will look different. We have put in place a comprehensive COVID-19 Safety Plan developed in collaboration with the Canada West Ski Area Association.
This set of rigorous procedures and operating plans is to help ensure our guests, staff and community have a safe winter in Fernie. Our plans have been reviewed by Interior Health, the Elk Valley Hospital and they lead the way in North America for Best Practices for Winter Operations 2020/21.
We understand that many of us in our community feel the uncertainty of this pandemic. We recognize that opening the resort will make some of us anxious and stressed. That is why it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the guidelines that we have put in place, as we all want a long season, and a safe skiing and riding experience.
Due to our safety protocols surrounding the COVID Virus and looking to create a safe environment for our guests, this season we will be closely monitoring lift capacity and ticket sales to help ensure that we can manage daily the number of people at Fernie Alpine Resort. Day lift tickets will be available at our resort ticket windows daily. On high demand days, only a certain number of day tickets will be sold – so one should use the opportunity to pre-purchase your lift tickets online to guarantee you get the ski day’s you want on those days. We do anticipate some periods of higher demand, so to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you pre-purchase your lift tickets online and in advance as some dates may sell out.
Skiing and snowboarding provide a much-needed outlet in winter, providing mind and body benefit, and we are looking forward to sharing our wide-open spaces with each of you.
To adapt our operations for this winter, we have made many changes, including the following:
1. Masks are required to be worn throughout the entire resort, inside all buildings, in lift lines, while riding lifts, in shuttle buses, parking lots and our Plaza.
2. Reservations are required to dine in any of our indoor restaurants.
3. We have eliminated all outdoor shelters and gathering places, like the fireplace at Bear’s Den, Slopeside Café Patio, Yurts, etc.
4. Our lift loading procedures will ensure physical distancing.
5. We have eliminated touch points in systems and transactions.
6. We have eliminated bag storage in all buildings.
7. Seasonal lockers will be for ski/snowboard storage only, no boots or clothing.
8. Our teams are required to be fully outfitted in masks with filters, shields where needed, and Plexiglas barriers to protect all.
9. Dining spaces will be separated by Plexiglas where needed.
10. Washrooms will have reduced capacity to ensure no crowding.
11. Childcare will not be offered.
This season will look very different. By following these procedures and with your patience and respect, we will have a snowy, fun ski & snowboard season.
Please take the time to read the Know Before You Go section on our website for more information and any updates – https://skifernie.com/covid-19/winter/.
Please keep in mind that early season conditions do exist on the mountain. Take your time and continue to pray for snow.
Thank you!
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Press Releases, Winter
