Specialty Hike – Berries, Trees & Other Useful Plants 2025
Berries, Trees & Other Useful Plants: An All Natural Foodie Tour
On this hike we show you how nature is not only tasty, but useful as medicine, material and even for cleaning your dishes! Plus, explore the mystical, 800-year-old Old Growth Grove and discover how it gives away the secret of Fernie’s incredible amounts of powder snow in the winter.
Explore and find out more about the mountain, the secrets it has to offer, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on one of our specialty hikes! Each hike has a different theme and is fully guided by our experienced, professional staff. Hikes are 4 hours in length and go from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
DIFFICULTY
The Berries, Trees & Other Useful Plants hike is moderate in difficulty with uneven/rugged terrain.
WHAT TO BRING
- Daypack
- Lunch / Snacks / Water
- Additional clothing (mountain weather & temperature can change quickly!)
- Be sure to wear sturdy footwear!
- Camera/Phone for Photos (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
COST
$69 + GST per person (includes lift ticket)
– Open to guests 17 years of age and older*
– Minimum of 3 guests are needed to run the hike (maximum number 10 guests)
*Families with youth or younger children looking to book a hiking experience can book one of our private guided hikes here: https://skifernie.com/purchase/guided-hiking-tours/
REGISTRATION
LIMITED SPACE! Call our Summer Adventure School at 250.423.2406 or email us at [email protected].
Specialty Hike – The Secret History of Trees
The Secret History of Trees
Uncover the story behind the burnt-out stumps that dot much of the mountain and how they’re part of a curse from Fernie’s past. Explore the mystical, 800-year-old Old Growth Grove and discover how it gives away the secret of Fernie’s incredible amounts of powder snow in winter.
Explore and discover more about the mountain and its secrets, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on one of our speciality hikes! Each hike has a different theme and is fully guided by our experienced, professional staff. Hikes are 4 hours long and go from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
DIFFICULTY
The Forestry hike is moderate in difficulty with uneven/rugged terrain.
WHAT TO BRING
- Daypack
- Lunch / Snacks / Water
- Additional clothing (mountain weather & temperature can change quickly!)
- Be sure to wear sturdy footwear!
- Camera/Phone for Photos (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
COST
$69 + GST per person (includes lift ticket)
– Open to guests 17 years of age and older*
– Minimum of 3 guests are needed to run the hike (maximum number of 10 guests)
*Families with youth or younger children looking to book a hiking experience can book one of our private guided hikes here: https://skifernie.com/purchase/guided-hiking-tours/
REGISTRATION
LIMITED SPACE! Call our Summer Adventure School at 250.423.2406 or email us at [email protected].
Specialty Hike – Birds & Wildlife 2025
Birds & Wildlife: Creatures of the Forest
People aren’t the only animals that call Fernie home. Some, such as deer, can be seen all over town and some, such as the cougar, are elusive and rarely seen by people. Join our guide as they show you the vibrant array of creatures that can be found here, how to identify tracks and scat, and what to do if you run into a bear.
Explore and find out more about the mountain, the secrets it has to offer, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on one of our specialty hikes! Each hike has a different theme and is fully guided by our experienced, professional staff. Hikes are 4 hours in length and go from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
DIFFICULTY
The Birds & Wildlife hike is moderate in difficulty with elevation gain and some uneven/rugged terrain.
WHAT TO BRING
- Daypack
- Lunch / Snacks / Water
- Additional clothing (mountain weather & temperature can change quickly!)
- Be sure to wear sturdy footwear!
- Camera/Phone for Photos (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
COST
$69 + GST per person (includes lift ticket)
– Open to guests 17 years of age and older*
– Minimum of 3 guests are needed to run the hike (maximum number 10 guests)
*Families with youth or younger children looking to book a hiking experience can book one of our private bubble group hikes here: https://skifernie.com/purchase/guided-hiking-tours/
REGISTRATION
LIMITED SPACE! Call our Summer Adventure School at 250.423.2406 or email us at [email protected].
Specialty Hike – Fossils & Geology 2025
Fossils & Geology: A 380 million-year-old history lesson
Why are the rocks in the Lizard range upside down? And how does Polar Peak tell the story of a mass extinction event 360 million years ago? Find out the answers to these questions and more as we traverse ancient sea beds, uncovering the remnants of the sea creatures that lived in ancient times.
Explore and find out more about the mountain, the secrets it has to offer, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on one of our specialty hikes! Each hike has a different theme and is fully guided by our experienced, professional staff. Hikes are 4 hours in length and go from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
DIFFICULTY
The Fossils & Geology hike is moderate in difficulty with elevation gain and some uneven/rugged terrain.
WHAT TO BRING
- Daypack
• Lunch / Snacks / Water
• Additional clothing (mountain weather & temperature can change quickly!)
• Be sure to wear sturdy footwear!
• Camera/Phone for Photos (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
COST
$69 + GST per person (includes lift ticket)
– Open to guests 17 years of age and older*
– Minimum of 3 guests are needed to run the hike (maximum number 10 guests)
*Families with youth or younger children looking to book a hiking experience can book one of our private group hikes here: https://skifernie.com/purchase/guided-hiking-tours/
TO REGISTER
LIMITED SPACE! Call our Summer Adventure School at 250.423.2406 or email us at [email protected].
Trail Crew Update: Spring Prep is Underway!
Spring is finally doing its thing, and the snow on the lower mountain has melted back enough for our trail crew to get to work! As the snowline continues to retreat up the mountain, our trail crew has officially hit the ground running to prepare for an awesome summer of riding.
Elk Side Trails: Inspected and Noted for Maintenance
With the lower mountain now mostly clear of snow, the team has been able to access and walk the majority of the Elk Side trails. Each one has been carefully inspected, with notes taken for upcoming maintenance, improvements, and repairs. This early prep work is essential to ensuring a smooth, fun, and safe ride for opening day.
Rakes, Shovels, and the Mini-Hoe
The crew kicked things off last week, focusing on raking out debris, reshaping corners, repairing erosion, and smoothing out wear and tear from last season. It’s hands-on, dirty work—but our team wouldn’t have it any other way.
Looking ahead to next week, we’ll be bringing in the mini hoe to help with heavier machine work on key sections. This will allow us to speed up progress and ensure everything is dialled in just right for a smooth summer flow.
Please Stay Off the Trails Until Opening Day
We know it’s tempting to get out there early, especially with the sunshine calling—but all trails are currently closed until our official opening day on June 21st. Riding on soft, unmaintained trails can set back the hard work underway and delay opening. Help us out by respecting the closures so we can open with trails that are safe, smooth, and ready to rip.
Mark Your Calendar: Opening Day – June 21st, 2025
We can’t wait to welcome riders back to the mountain. Until then, keep those bikes tuned, the stoke high, and we’ll see you soon!
—
The Fernie Alpine Resort Trail Crew
Snow Dreams presented by Corona 2025
Get ready for the ultimate Reading Week celebration at Fernie Alpine Resort with Snow Dreams, presented by Corona! This two-day event brings together mountain adventure, great music, and epic fun!
Thursday—kick things off by warming up your vocal cords and unleash your inner rockstar at Karaoke Night by Top-o! Sing your heart out to classic hits or modern jams, and let the good times roll.
Friday—it’s the Ultimate Reading Week Party at The Griz Bar, where DJs Flatspin and Angie Mo will keep the energy high all night. Dance, sip on a cold Corona, and share stories from the slopes.
Before you hit the party, don’t forget to carve up the amazing terrain and snow at Fernie Alpine Resort—the mountain’s calling! Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, there’s no better way to work up a thirst before the fun begins.
Pack your bags, gather your crew, and join us for Snow Dreams. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss!
There is no cover to attend either event, but get there early to avoid the lines! These are 19+ events (ID required)
Schedule:
Thursday, February 20th – Karaoke Night
8:30pm – 11:00pm: Karaoke at the Griz Bar with Top-O
Friday, February 21st – Snow Dreams Party
8:00pm: Doors
8:30pm – 11:30pm: DJ’s Flatspin and Angie Mo spinning tunes
Please party responsibly – The Fernie Stoke Town Shuttle is available to get everyone to and from town.
Schedule, pricing and where to purchase shuttle tickets can be found here: https://tourismfernie.com/maps-travel/transportation/local-ski-shuttle
Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose
The Mighty Moose lift will be open, and the slope will be lit up from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ski under the lights and enjoy this fun experience with your family!
A Lift Ticket or Season Pass is required to access the lift and slope.
Your daytime lift ticket is valid for night skiing (on the same day), or night ski-only tickets are available at Fernie Alpine Resort Rental Shop for $36.95.
*Please note: Night Skiing will pause briefly at approx. 4:45 pm for 10-15 minutes while our cat crew freshens up the slope with a quick groom.
2024/25 Night Skiing Schedule:
Dec 26 – Jan 4
Feb 15-17
Every Saturday from Dec 28 – March 29
Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose
The Mighty Moose lift will be open, and the slope will be lit up from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ski under the lights and enjoy this fun experience with your family!
A Lift Ticket or Season Pass is required to access the lift and slope.
Your daytime lift ticket is valid for night skiing (on the same day), or night ski-only tickets are available at Fernie Alpine Resort Rental Shop for $36.95.
*Please note: Night Skiing will pause briefly at approx. 4:45 pm for 10-15 minutes while our cat crew freshens up the slope with a quick groom.
2024/25 Night Skiing Schedule:
Dec 26 – Jan 4
Feb 14-16
Every Saturday from Dec 28 – March 29
Tiny Turns, Big Confidence: A Parent’s Guide to the Griz Kids Centre
At 8:45 AM on a snowy New Year’s Day, we entered the Hall of Fame hallway at Fernie Alpine Resort, ready to drop off our 3-year-old, Sylas, for his first full day at Griz Kids Centre. Tucked between Legends Restaurant and Slopeside Café in the Cornerstone Lodge, this cozy, welcoming space promised a day of learning, laughter, and maybe even a few tiny turns! (See resort map here).
The Program: Fun, Safety, and Ski Skills
Griz Kids Centre caters to tiny adventurers aged 3 to 5, combining the excitement of skiing and snowboarding with the comfort of a licensed daycare facility. With half-day programs available, we chose the full-day package, which included two one-hour semi-private ski lessons, and opted for the snacks and lunch add-ons.
Indoor Fun Meets On-Snow Progression
The indoor play area was an instant hit! With plenty of toys, a quiet corner with books, a nap space, and even a mini bowling lane, he excitedly ran inside and immediately started playing.
The proximity to the Moose Learning Area, featuring a magic carpet and platter lift, made lesson transitions seamless. Sylas was paired with the same instructor for both lessons, which helped build a sense of trust and familiarity. With a 2:1 student-to-coach ratio, his instructor tailored activities to keep the lesson fun and engaging.
Exceptional Care and Communication
Halfway through the day, we got a call from the Griz Kids team. Sylas, still mastering potty training, had an accident. I had forgotten to pack extra clothes, but the staff reassured me they’d taken care of it, even washing his clothes and providing a spare outfit. Their attentiveness and understanding were a huge relief, and we were able to continue to ride without stressing!
Parents Paradise
While our little guy enjoyed his day, my partner and I carved out time to explore Fernie’s legendary powder. Knowing he was in great hands allowed us to fully enjoy our runs and even squeeze in a leisurely lunch at the Cirque Restaurant. When Sylas wrapped up his second lesson, his little shred crew was there to greet him with big smiles and high fives. Fuelled by their stoke, he couldn’t wait to keep riding with them!
Why Griz Kids Centre Is Worth Every Penny
For families, the Griz Kids Centre is a game-changer. It’s not just about skiing; it’s about building confidence, independence, and a love for the mountains. The combination of professional instruction, attentive care, and engaging playtime made it a highlight of our Fernie ski vacation. Sylas had the time of his life, and so did we.
Local to Fernie? The Griz Kids Centre isn’t just for visitors—it’s also a fantastic option for local families. Whether you’re looking to give your little one a fun introduction to skiing or need a safe and enriching space for them while you get in some solo laps, the Griz Centre is here to make your ski days stress-free. Plus, midweek visits mean smaller group sizes and a more personalized approach—perfect for locals looking to take full advantage of this incredible resource.
Tips for Parents:
- Pack Extra Clothes: Even if your kiddo is potty-trained, accidents happen.
- Book in Advance: Spots fill up quickly, so reserve early, especially in peak season.
- Communicate Special Needs: The staff is accommodating, but a heads-up about allergies or specific preferences is always helpful.
- Trust the Process: The staff are pros at making kids feel comfortable and excited.
- Celebrate their Accomplishments: Wrap up an epic day of learning by treating your little shredder to a cake pop from Slopeside Café.
If you’re heading to Fernie Alpine Resort with little ones, trust me—this is the way to do it! Book your child’s spot at Griz Kids Centre by emailing [email protected] or phoning +1 250-423-2406.
- Published in Blog, Fernie, Winter, Winter Sports School
Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose
The Mighty Moose lift will be open, and the slope will be lit up from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ski under the lights and enjoy this fun experience with your family!
A Lift Ticket or Season Pass is required to access the lift and slope.
Your daytime lift ticket is valid for night skiing (on the same day), or night ski-only tickets are available at Fernie Alpine Resort Rental Shop for $36.95.
*Please note: Night Skiing will pause briefly at approx. 4:45 pm for 10-15 minutes while our cat crew freshens up the slope with a quick groom.
2024/25 Night Skiing Schedule:
Dec 26 – Jan 4
Feb 14-16
Every Saturday from Dec 28 – March 29