Griz Kidz Adventurer Challenge (Presented by Helly Hansen)
BECOME A GRIZ KIDZ ADVENTURER!
KIDS – For the rest of the summer, adventure up the mountain to learn about plants, animals, fossils, safety tips, and the natural landscape that makes up Fernie Alpine Resort!
Pick up your Griz Kidz Adventurer Booklet from Guest Services for free with the purchase of a child’s lift ticket (12 and under) or season pass.
Complete five activities in the booklet and return to Guest Services to get your Griz Kidz Adventurer Pin. You will then be entered into a prize draw for a kids Helly Hansen Kids Backpack!
Plus, kids visit Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre up at the Bear’s Den to check out Helly Hansen sustainability challenge for your chance to get a bonus entry into the prize draw.
The event is aimed at kids 5-12yrs old. For adults and kids that are older you can check out the Helly Hansen Hiking Challenge taking place for the month of August – Details on that event can be found here: https://skifernie.com/events/helly-hansen-hiking-challenge-2/
Huge thanks to our Griz Kidz Adventurer partner Helly Hansen. Helly Hansen has a great selection of technical, durable and comfortable children’s gear to set your little one’s up for all their outdoor adventures. Check out the complete kids line at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca/kids-juniors
Get the Girls Out! International Women’s Day at Fernie Alpine Resort
This weekend Fernie Alpine Resort is celebrating International Women’s Day with SheJumps! You can play the online Get the Girls Out! game all weekend (Friday – Sunday) and meet up for in-person activities on Sunday, March 6 at the Elk Base.
SheJumps Get the Girls Out! is a national campaign to unite women as they support, challenge, mentor, and inspire each other in the outdoor sports world.
Due to COVID precautions, our 2022 event will follow a hybrid model using a virtual scavenger hunt through the Goosechase app and a few on-hill games at Fernie! This gives participants the flexibility to engage with the SheJumps community at the level at which they are comfortable.
Beginning on Friday, March 4, 2022, participants can begin playing the Get the Girls Out! event using the Goosechase app on their phone. Registration for the event is free, and you’re connecting with people from around the world and also your local community. Win points by completing the missions. Then, meet up with SheJumps co-founder and executive director, Claire Smallwood, on Sunday at the Elk Base to participate in some on-hill challenges at Fernie Alpine Resort. The virtual game is live until Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 7 p.m. MST.
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Andrea Byrne and Oliva Johnson – SheJumps Ambassadors. Photo: Emma Polit
Golden Girafficorn Hunt – find the golden ‘girafficorns’ on the mountain and bring it back to the booth to be entered to win a prize!
- Photo challenges – Snag a picture with your shred buddies and upload it to social media tagging @shejumps and @ferniealpineresort, we’ll choose a winner at the end of the day!
Can’t make it to the ski hill? No worries! Using a mobile app, participants complete outdoor-themed missions to earn points and receive prizes from SheJumps partners. The Goosechase challenges feature 150 activities to complete and earn points. From nature breakdancing to drawing SheJumps’ signature Girafficorn to outdoor safety and preparation challenges, Get The Girls Out! gives women and girls an accessible way to enjoy time outside.
Get the Girls Out! and International Women’s Day reminds us that we can build a world where difference is valued and celebrated, and a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Getting outside is an easy and fun way to celebrate the power of community and the importance of outdoor play.
Read more about the event at Fernie Alpine Resort here.
Questions? Contact SheJumps [email protected]
Photo: Jason Hummel
A FAR Out Summer – Family Hike
During this summer’s first heatwave, it was extremely challenging to find things to do with the kids. With a Park Pass at Fernie Alpine Resort, and it being community week, I decided on an exciting, lift-access hiking adventure… I mean, how could they say no to a ride up, and a hike (downhill!) to the base?
Let’s be realistic, they said no. They are eight and six years of age, and pretty much immediately say no to anything we suggest! But somehow, I managed to entice them (somehow meaning the promise of a slushie upon completion) and off we went.
Armed with snacks, drinks, caps and sunscreen, we were well-prepared for the experience ahead. Even with the hot temperatures, the lift ride was comfortable and very entertaining. Examining the terrain below, remembering the names of the runs we skied just months prior, and noticing how many of the bike trails are the tree trails we enjoy so much in winter. Discussing whether they would be keen to try them on a bike one day. Watching the DH bikers head down at full speed, feeling both fully impressed and a tad anxious. “That looks scary!” although I catch a bit of curiosity in their eyes.
As we reach the top, the girls chat about the hike – Daisy Lane. The name is everything and they’re ready to explore. Exiting the lift, we follow the signs and easily find our way. It’s nearing the end of the day, so it’s like we have the mountain to ourselves. We can hear the bees buzzing and the birds chirping as we begin our descent under the Bear chair. After awhile, the girls recognize that unique feeling in their quads… the jiggly ‘walking down steep terrain’ feeling. I tell them, “it’s just making your legs stronger!” and they take it in stride.
We connect a few trails and get some relief from the sunshine, and the conversation jumps from there’s Fernie to how much longer to which flavour of slush we should get. As the base comes into view, we decide on a detour to hit the kids’ aerial park – perfectly situated in the shade of the beautiful cedar trees. They so wish they could go onto the ‘real’ aerial park, but know they need to grow a bit before they’re allowed, “it’s something to look forward to!” We look up to the platforms and ladders floating in the sky.
At long last, we reach the car. Our legs are covered in dust, we have a sweaty glow, and a cold and sweet slush has never tasted better. Next time, we’re keen on one of the hikes at the top of the Elk Chair. They’ve got their eyes set on taking the lift down… and another slush, of course.
For details on all hiking opportunities at Fernie Alpine Resort, visit their site which also includes a map!
Griz Kidz Adventurer Challenge (Presented by Helly Hansen)
BECOME A GRIZ KIDZ ADVENTURER!
This summer, adventure up the mountain to learn about plants, animals, fossils, safety tips, and the natural landscape that makes up Fernie Alpine Resort!
Pick up your Griz Kidz Adventurer Booklet from Guest Services for free with the purchase of a child’s lift ticket (12 and under) or season pass.
Complete five activities in the booklet and return to Guest Services to get your Griz Kidz Adventurer Pin. You will then be entered into a prize draw for a kids Helly Hansen Adventure Prize Package!
The event is aimed at kids 5-12yrs old. For adults and kids that are older you can check out the Helly Hansen Hiking Challenge taking place for the month of August – Details on that event can be found here: https://skifernie.com/events/helly-hansen-hiking-challenge/
Huge thanks to our Griz Kidz Adventurer partner Helly Hansen. Helly Hansen has a great selection of technical, durable and comfortable children’s gear to set your little one’s up for all their outdoor adventures. Check out the complete kids line at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca/kids-juniors
DIY Arts and Craft Packs
This year we are unable to host our usual holiday craft afternoons. So instead, we are giving out FREE arts and craft packages for guests to take and complete from the comfort of their own home!
Let your imagination run wild and get creative with our winter-themed craft packages. Pick up your package from your hotel reception or guest services. Limited to 1 package per child. Craft packs will be available from December 19 – January 2, 2020
Want to know what else is going on over the holidays? Click Here for the complete schedule!
6 breathtaking views and awesome adventures you won’t believe are less than a days drive from Calgary
If you live in Calgary, you’re actually pretty lucky to! Being able to live in a beautiful urban area surrounded by gorgeous mountains is certainly something to be thankful for. On top of the views, being so close to seemingly endless outdoor adventure and activities are an accolade many cities don’t have to brag about. If you’re looking for outdoor fun while maintaining social distance, here are a few suggested short staycations to consider.
Fernie, B.C
Views from town and the top of the mountain
Our first location is one that is already many Calgarians’ favourite short trip to make, Fernie, B.C. An easy 2.5/3 hour drive from the south end of Calgary along the Cowboy Trail you’ll drive right into Fernie’s town site, where you are literally surrounded by mountains on all sides. Continue through the town to Fernie Alpine Resort and you will not be disappointed. The views of the Lizard Range from the base of Fernie Alpine Resort are breathtaking enough, but by taking a ride on the Elk Chairlift you’ll get a view of the valley of Fernie, B.C that can’t be matched.
Golden, B.C
Hiking & Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse
Continuing on, let’s go to Golden, B.C, home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and just a 2.5 hour drive from Calgary’s north side. One of the unique aspects of Kicking Horse is the view of 6 National Parks from the peak of the mountain. And guess what, the peak of the mountain is easily within your reach! Kicking Horse has gondola accessed hiking and dining that offer some of the most stunning views you’ll find. And if you’re looking for something a little more to get the adrenaline pumping, the views from Via Ferrata are intense not just due to the views but due to the fact that you’re dangling off the side of a mountain or the suspension bridge (all while harnessed in of course).
Kimberley, B.C
Hiking & Biking
People love to describe Kimberley as a hidden gem in the rockies – and that’s exactly what it is. You’ll need to turn off the main highway to find this town but trust us, it’s worth the time. Not only can you hike up the ski hill at the resort to take in some of the gorgeous views of the town from the top of the mountain, but Kimberley, like the others above have an array of trail networks in and around the towns. One of the places that is a must do while in Kimberley is the short walk to the Marysville waterfalls, it’s another one of those hidden gems you don’t expect to find so easily and is definitely worth the short trek out to it!
Places to stay along the way
Even though you can easily visit any one of these towns and get back to Calgary in a day, staying overnight is always a nice option to have!
✅ Gorgeous slopeside mountain views
✅ Outdoor patios & in hotel restaurants offering take out
✅ Outdoor pools & hot tubs
✅ Close to all activities & adventures
✅ Convenient and safe – all our suites have full kitchens
Both of our feature properties at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort feature all of the above, making either location a great basecamp for your quick getaway or longer staycation.
See special offers at Lizard Creek Lodge
See special offers at Trickle Creek Lodge
We realize this can be a difficult time to consider travelling, before heading out on your trip check on the Alberta & British Columbia government website for any guidelines or restrictions at your time of travel. To see what safety procedures and routines we have put in place visit our resort or hotel websites.
Fernie Alpine Resort COVID information.
Feature Photo by Powder Matt
Family Weekend Ski Run Bingo
Fun on-mountain activity for the whole family, a great way to explore Fernie Alpine Resort.
Complete a run on the bingo card, take a picture of you & your family on the run (try to include the run name in your photo if possible) and mark it off. Aim to complete 5 in a row on the bingo card – vertical, horizontal or diagonal. Tag your photo to #lovefernie
Pick up your FREE bingo card from the Plaza between 9:00-10:30am or anytime from Guest Services.
Join us for Apres at Slopeside cafe anytime between 2:30-4:00pm, redeem your bingo card and be in the chance to win prizes!
Crafts day – Christmas Decorations
Get creative with your Christmas decorations. A drop-in afternoon of arts and crafts, staff will be there to facilitate.
2:30-4:00 pm.
Located at Slopeside Cafe.
No cost or bookings required.
Crafts day – Winter themed
Let your imagination run wild and get creative with our winter-themed craft session. A drop-in afternoon of arts and crafts, staff will be there to facilitate.
2:30-4:00 pm.
Located at Slopeside Cafe.
No cost or bookings required.
Family Weeekend PhotoScavenger Hunt
This free activity takes place all over the resort and is fun for the whole family. The clues will lead you to areas on-mountain and around the base area. Find as many clues as you can and take photo evidence of you & your family. Don’t forget to post your selfies on Facebook or Instagram and hastag #lovefernie
Pick up your FREE Scavenger Hunt card from the Plaza between 9:00-10:30am or anytime from Guest Services, and the hunt is on!.
Join us for Apres at Slopeside cafe anytime between 2:30-4:00pm, redeem your scavenger hunt card and be in the chance to win prizes!
