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Guided Hiking Tours

Explore Fernie’s alpine terrain with experienced local guides. Discover scenic ridgelines, wildflowers, fossils, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views on lift-accessed hiking adventures for all ability levels.

Guided Hiking Tours at Fernie Alpine Resort

Experience the mountains from a new perspective with guided hiking tours at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed alpine walk, a family-friendly adventure, or a more challenging summit experience, our knowledgeable local guides will help you discover the best of Fernie’s summer landscape.

Explore hidden viewpoints, alpine wildflowers, fossil beds, wildlife habitats, and scenic ridgelines while learning about the history, geology, and ecology of the Canadian Rockies.

  • Fernie Alpine Resort Ridge Walk
  • Polar Peak Guided Hike

Discover Fernie Beyond the Chairlift

Experience the mountains from a new perspective with guided hiking tours at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, our tours combine scenic alpine hiking with stories of the landscape, geology, wildlife, and history that make Fernie one of the most unique mountain destinations in British Columbia.

Ride the chairlift into the alpine and explore hidden viewpoints, fossil beds, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking ridgelines while learning about the natural environment surrounding the resort.

Perfect for:

  • Families
  • First-time alpine hikers
  • Visitors to Fernie
  • Photography enthusiasts
  • Nature lovers
  • Adventure seekers

Elk Side Guided Hikes

Discover iconic Fernie terrain on the Elk side of the mountain, featuring alpine bowls, old-growth forests, fossil-rich landscapes, scenic traverses, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints.

Old Growth Magical Forest

Easy to Moderate | Half Day (3 Hours)

A unique guided hiking experience that traverses the mountain toward an incredible Old Growth Western Red Cedar forest.

This scenic tour follows predominantly downhill terrain while passing spectacular viewpoints and lush mountain landscapes before reaching the ancient forest ecosystem.

  • Old-Growth Western Red Cedar Forest
  • Scenic traversing terrain
  • Spectacular mountain views
  • Relaxed hiking pace
  • Unique forest ecosystem

$304 for up to 3 guests
$84 per additional guest

Megasaurus / Run Abi Run

Moderate to Advanced | Half Day (2.5 to 3 Hours)

Beginning at the top of the Elk Chair, this adventurous alpine hike climbs through lower Lizard Bowl before traversing the iconic “Three Fingers” ski runs visible from town.

The trail continues through Currie Bowl before descending via Run Abi Run along the edge of ski terrain and past the top of Deer Chair, eventually returning to mellow terrain near the resort plaza.

  • Alpine bowl hiking
  • Scenic ridge traverses
  • Views of iconic ski terrain
  • Lizard & Currie Bowl access
  • Dynamic mountain landscapes

$304 for up to 3 guests
$84 per additional guest

Skeleton Flats

Easy to Moderate | Full Day (5 Hours)

A stunning alpine hiking experience climbing through the Dancer avalanche path before connecting with the Summer Road and the remarkable terrain of Skeleton Flats.

This unique alpine ecosystem supports abundant wildflowers and wildlife, as well as fossil-rich limestone formations dating back to ancient shallow seabeds. Along the route, hikers may encounter moose, bears, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

The views from the top of the Facelift showcase the incredible scale and beauty of the surrounding mountains.

  • Fossil-rich limestone terrain
  • Wildflower meadows
  • Avalanche path ecosystem
  • Expansive alpine viewpoints
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities

$494 for up to 3 guests
$114 per additional guest

Griz Face

Moderate | Full Day (5 Hours)

This rewarding alpine hike ascends through Lizard Bowl, climbing into spectacular high-alpine terrain with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Elk Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

As the elevation increases, opportunities for wildlife viewing become more frequent, with alpine meadows and rugged scree slopes providing habitat for pikas, Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels, and other mountain wildlife. Along the route, hikers will pass through vibrant wildflower zones and fossil-rich limestone terrain that dates back to ancient shallow seabeds.

The breathtaking views from the top of the Facelift showcase the immense scale and beauty of Fernie’s alpine landscape.

  • Spectacular Elk Valley views
  • Alpine wildflower meadows
  • Fossil-rich limestone terrain
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • High-alpine hiking experience

$494 for up to 3 guests
$114 per additional guest

Timber Side Guided Hikes

Explore Fernie’s quieter alpine terrain on the Timber side of the mountain, featuring rugged ridgelines, panoramic viewpoints, sub-alpine forests, and scenic alpine meadows. These hikes are available on weekends and stat holidays.

Mammoth to Lost Boys Lookout

Moderate | Half Day (3 Hours)

Ascend through beautiful sub-alpine forest before reaching the massive debris field of an ancient landslide. From there, the trail connects to the Lost Boys Lookout trail, leading hikers to a scenic observation deck with sweeping south-facing views toward Lake Koocanusa.

The return route descends through alpine meadows back toward the top of the Timber Chair.

  • Sub-alpine forest hiking
  • Ancient landslide terrain
  • Panoramic viewpoints
  • Alpine meadows
  • Lake Koocanusa views

$304 for up to 3 guests
$84 per additional guest

Berry Back Ridge

Moderate to Advanced | Full Day (5 Hours)

A spectacular alpine ridge hike connecting the top of the Timber Chair to Megasaurus. This rugged route traverses Timber Bowl and climbs onto Diamond Back Ridge, offering unique perspectives of Currie and Timber Bowls along the way.

The ridgeline features scenic alpine terrain, dramatic viewpoints, and a true backcountry feel within the resort boundary. A small cliff band must be navigated near the Megasaurus connection point, making this hike best suited for confident hikers with sturdy footwear.

  • Rugged alpine ridgeline hiking
  • Panoramic views of Timber & Currie Bowls
  • Remote mountain terrain
  • Scenic alpine meadows
  • Unique geological features

$494 for up to 3 guests
$114 per additional guest

Specialty Guided Hiking Tours

Discover the hidden stories of Fernie’s alpine environment through immersive specialty guided hikes led by experienced local guides.

These unique hiking experiences combine spectacular mountain scenery with fascinating insights into the natural history, geology, wildlife, wildflowers, forests, and ecosystems of the Canadian Rockies.

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, curious explorers, and guests looking to experience a deeper connection to the mountain.

Polar Peak Guided Adventure

Difficult | Full Day (5 to 6 Hours)

At over 2100 metres, Polar Peak offers one of the most spectacular alpine hiking experiences in Fernie, featuring breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the Elk Valley, Alberta border, and Lake Koocanusa.

Led by ACMG-certified alpine hiking guide Duncan Maisels, this advanced guided adventure begins at the Timber Express Chair before climbing through Lost Boys Pass, Elephant Head, Timber Bowl, and Currie Bowl ridgelines en route to Polar Peak.

This experience is designed for adventurous and experienced hikers comfortable with rugged alpine terrain, exposure, scrambling sections, and steep terrain assisted by fixed wire cables.

  • Spectacular 360° mountain views
  • Ridgeline alpine hiking
  • Polar Peak summit experience
  • Advanced alpine terrain

Dates

  • July 18
  • August 1
  • August 15

$219 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

  • Fernie Alpine Resort Ridge Walk

Nature & Educational Specialty Hikes

Explore Fernie’s mountains through guided educational experiences focused on wildflowers, fossils, wildlife, forests, and useful alpine plants.

Mountain Wildflowers:
More Than Just a Pretty Face

Moderate | Half Day (4 Hours)

JULY 12

Take a stroll through Fernie’s colourful sub-alpine meadows and discover why alpine wildflowers are much more than beautiful scenery.

Learn how these resilient mountain plants support the alpine ecosystem while exploring vibrant summer landscapes filled with seasonal blooms.

  • Alpine wildflower meadows
  • Guided ecological interpretation
  • Scenic sub-alpine hiking
  • Educational nature experience

$89 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

Fossils & Geology:
A 380 Million-Year-Old History Lesson

Moderate | Half Day (4 Hours)

JULY 19

Travel through ancient seabeds and uncover Fernie’s remarkable geological history while exploring fossil-rich alpine terrain.

Learn why the rocks in the Lizard Range appear upside down and discover how Polar Peak reveals evidence of a massive extinction event that occurred over 360 million years ago.

  • Fossil-rich limestone terrain
  • Geological interpretation
  • Ancient seabed exploration
  • Educational alpine hiking

$89 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

Birds & Wildlife:
Creatures of the Forest

Moderate | Half Day (4 Hours)

JULY 26

Discover the incredible variety of wildlife that calls Fernie home, from commonly spotted deer to elusive mountain predators rarely seen by humans.

Learn how to identify animal tracks and scat, understand mountain wildlife behaviour, and gain valuable bear awareness knowledge while exploring Fernie’s alpine environment.

  • Wildlife interpretation
  • Animal tracking education
  • Bear awareness information
  • Scenic alpine hiking

$89 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

The Secret History of Trees

Moderate | Half Day (4 Hours)

AUGUST 2

Explore Fernie’s fascinating forest ecosystems while uncovering the stories hidden within the mountain landscape.

Discover the history behind the burnt-out stumps scattered across the mountain and visit the mystical 800-year-old Old Growth Grove while learning how these ancient forests influence Fernie’s legendary winter snowfall.

  • Old Growth forest exploration
  • Forest ecology interpretation
  • Ancient cedar grove
  • Fernie history & ecology

$89 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

Berries & Other Useful Plants:
The All-Natural Foodie Tour

Moderate | Half Day (4 Hours)

AUGUST 9

Learn how Fernie’s alpine plants have traditionally been used for food, medicine, materials, and practical everyday purposes.

This fascinating guided hike combines edible plant education with scenic alpine hiking and a visit to the remarkable 800-year-old Old Growth Grove.

Highlights

  • Edible plant education
  • Traditional plant uses
  • Old Growth forest experience
  • Scenic alpine hiking

$89 + GST per person
Includes guided hike and lift ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Guided Hiking at Fernie Alpine Resort

Yes. All guided hikes must be pre-booked in advance.

We recommend booking at least 48 hours prior to your preferred tour date, as availability is limited and some hikes require minimum participant numbers.

Guided hikes can be booked online (below) or through the Summer Adventure School.

Please call 250.423.2406 or email camps@skifernie.com for assistance.

Yes. Chairlift access is included with all guided hiking tours unless otherwise specified.

Please note that some hikes are only available when specific chairlifts, including Timber Chair, are operating.

We recommend bringing:

  • Sturdy hiking footwear
  • Water and snacks
  • Weather-appropriate layers
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Small backpack

For full-day hikes, additional food and water are strongly recommended.

We offer guided hikes suitable for a range of abilities, from relaxed scenic walks to more advanced alpine adventures.

Please review the difficulty ratings carefully before booking.

Difficulty Levels

  • Easy
  • Easy to Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Moderate to Advanced
  • Difficult

The following hikes are generally best suited for families and beginner hikers:

  • Old Growth Magical Forest
  • The Secret of the Trees
  • Mountain Wildflowers
  • Berries & Other Useful Plants

We recommend reviewing hike durations and difficulty levels before booking with younger children.

Some hikes have recommended minimum ages based on terrain difficulty and duration.

The Polar Peak Guided Adventure is open to guests aged 17+ years.

Please contact the Summer Adventure School if you have questions about specific hikes.

Mountain weather can change quickly and guided hikes may be modified, delayed, or rescheduled depending on alpine conditions.

Guest safety is always the top priority.

Some hikes involve uneven terrain, steep sections, scree slopes, or extended climbing.

Moderate to Advanced and Difficult hikes require a higher level of fitness and comfort on rugged alpine terrain.

No prior hiking experience is required for beginner-friendly tours.

However, advanced hikes such as Berry Back Ridge and Polar Peak are best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with alpine terrain and exposure.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guests may encounter:

  • Marmots
  • Pikas
  • Squirrels
  • Birds of prey
  • Deer
  • Moose
  • Black Bears
  • Grizzly Bears

Your guide will also provide wildlife awareness and mountain safety information throughout the hike.

Hiking poles are optional but recommended for longer hikes and tours featuring uneven or rugged terrain.

Group sizes are intentionally kept smaller to provide a more personal, enjoyable, and educational hiking experience.

Private guided hikes are priced for up to 3 guests, with additional guest pricing available.

Yes. Private guided hiking experiences are available and ideal for families, groups, photographers, or guests seeking a more personalised alpine experience.

Fernie’s guided hikes combine breathtaking alpine scenery with fascinating insights into:

  • Local geology and fossils
  • Wildlife and ecosystems
  • Alpine wildflowers
  • Forest ecology
  • Mountain history
  • Hidden viewpoints and lesser-known trails

Many tours also feature lift-accessed terrain, allowing guests to experience more of the alpine environment with less climbing from the base area.

Experience Fernie’s Mountains Through a Different Lens

From fossils and wildflowers to wildlife and alpine ecosystems, Fernie’s specialty guided hikes offer unforgettable mountain experiences that combine adventure, education, and breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

For more information, please contact our Summer Adventure School at 250.423.2406 or email us at camps@skifernie.com.

PARTNERS
RCR is inclusive. Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
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