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Tag: Kids

Griz Kidz Adventurer Challenge (Presented by Helly Hansen) 2022

Friday, 05 August 2022 by Karen Pepper

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

   

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DIY Arts and Craft Packs 2020

Wednesday, 02 December 2020 by Emma Padgett

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!

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6 breathtaking views and awesome adventures you won’t believe are less than a days drive from Calgary

Tuesday, 21 July 2020 by Cali Burk

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

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It's the weekend! Where's your favourite patio with a view in Fernie? #ferniestoke

A post shared by FernieBC (@tourismfernie) on Jul 10, 2020 at 4:20pm PDT

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.

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Whether you take a hike or go by bike, be sure to stop, take a moment and soak up those views 👀 #HiFernie 👋 📸 on 07.06.20 . . . . . . . . . . #lovefernie #ferniealpineresort #fernie #bikefernie #hikefernie #ferniebikepark #ferniestoke #kootrocks #canadianrockies #photooftheday #hellobc #getoutside #kootenay #explorebc #explorekr

A post shared by Fernie Alpine Resort (@ferniealpineresort) on Jul 6, 2020 at 12:17pm PDT

Golden, B.C
Hiking & Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse

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Pictured: if the stories your parents told you about their commute to school were true. 📷: @ajsergent . . . . . #thishorserules #goldenrules #goldenbc #kootrocks #explorebc #beautifulbc #beautifulbritishcolumbia #britishcolumbia #explorecanada #canadianrockies #rockymountains #purcellmountains #hikebc #hike365 #hellyhansen #feelalive #photooftheday #getoutside #kickinghorse #kickinghorsemtn #liveyouradventure #whererockies #exploremore

A post shared by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (@kickinghorsemtn) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:23pm PDT

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).

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Cruising up Terminator until the end of the month. 📷: @alpinewithv . . . . . #thishorserules #goldenrules #goldenbc #kootrocks #explorebc #beautifulbc #beautifulbritishcolumbia #britishcolumbia #explorecanada #canadianrockies #rockymountains #purcellmountains #viaferrata #photooftheday #getoutside #kickinghorse #kickinghorsemtn #liveyouradventure #whererockies #exploremore @hellobc

A post shared by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (@kickinghorsemtn) on Sep 19, 2018 at 12:32pm PDT

Kimberley, B.C
Hiking & Biking

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When it rains look for rainbows. 📷Leanne Albertson . . . . #mykimberley #kimberleyalpineresort #agoodplacetobe #kimberleybc #instadaily #photooftheday #eastkootenays #kootrocks #rainbows #thatviewtho #rainyday #destinationbc #explorebc #visitkimberley #kootenaylife #views

A post shared by Kimberley Alpine Resort (@kimberleyalpineresort) on Jun 7, 2020 at 5:24pm PDT

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!

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There is something so calming about watching a waterfall. 🎥@shannonbjarnason . . . . #marysvillefalls #waterfalls #calming #mykimberley #agoodplacetobe #kimberleybc #instadaily #videooftheday #tourismkimberley #kootrocks #powderhighway #destinationbc #explorebc #eastkootenays #beautifulbc #kootenaylife

A post shared by Kimberley Alpine Resort (@kimberleyalpineresort) on Apr 30, 2020 at 9:31am PDT

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

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It's a beautiful day in the mountains to enjoy some downhill biking and then relax by the pool! Our pool is open to our guests on a reservation basis. Please speak to front desk agents for more information. . . . . . . . . . #lovefernie #lizardcreeklodge #cirquerestaurant #ferniehotelpool #ferniealpineresort #fernie #ferniestoke #kootrocks #kootrocks #canadianrockies #photooftheday #hellobc #canadianskiresort #kootenay #powderhighway #explorebc #explorekr #ferniehotel #fernieonmountainaccomodation

A post shared by Lizard Creek Lodge (@lizardcreeklodge) on Jul 3, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT

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

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Crafts day – Christmas Decorations 2019

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 by Emma Padgett

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.

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Crafts day – Winter themed

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 by Emma Padgett

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.

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Ski Run Bingo 2019

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 by Emma Padgett

Fun on-mountain activity for the whole family, a great way to explore Fernie Alpine Resort.

Thursday 26th December

Thursday 2nd January

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!

 

 

 

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CANCELLED – Griz Kidz Winter Carnival Presented by TELUS 2020

Wednesday, 11 December 2019 by Karen Pepper

Due to the ongoing concern regarding COVID-19, the Griz Kids Winter Canival event will be cancelled.  Please visit skifernie.com for further updates.

 

Family fun is coming to Fernie Alpine Resort for our annual Griz Kids Winter Carnival!

The plaza will be abuzz with FREE games and activities for kids 12 and under.

The best part is that all the activities are free of charge!

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The Fernie Fun Tax: Pay and Play

Tuesday, 10 October 2017 by Angie Abdou

“HOLD TIGHT, FÉLIX! WE’RE COMING TO GET YOU!”

“I’M IN DEEP! BUT I’VE STILL GOT ONE SKI.”

“10-4! WE’RE ON OUR WAY. RESCUE MISSION INITIATED!”

The nine-year-old boys climb up the mountain through hip-deep snow to save Félix. In reality, they’re directly under the Bear Chair, and they climb about five yards, but in their imaginations they’re deeply immersed in a backcountry survival situation.

Sadly, I see mere snippets of the mission on a shoddy helmet-cam recording. I missed their remote, life-and-death adventure entirely. Why? Because I had the brainstorm of not getting a season’s ski pass that year. Here’s my logic: I’m the hockey mom so that sport takes me away from Fernie a few weekends. I work in Alberta so lose other potential ski days there. I decided “it’s not worth it.” Or more precisely, I decided I am not worth it. Everyone else in my family has a season’s pass, even if they don’t make it up to the hill every weekend.

When I saw that video of my favourite nine-year-old boys, rosy cheeked and fired-up on adventure, I wished I’d been there. After two years with no ski pass, I’m declaring project No-Pass a failed experiment.

Because you know what happens when I don’t have a season’s pass? I don’t go skiing. In the morning, I decide I should wait until after lunch and get the half-day rate. Already I’ve missed the best part of the day: fresh powder. By noon, while the rest of my family flies high, energized by fresh air and exercise, I’m hitting the post-lunch lethargy. So I decide maybe I’d better stay home instead: there’s laundry to do, emails to answer. When the family comes in at 4:30 giggling about a day of snow fun, I’m grouchy because I’ve spent the afternoon folding clothes and scanning social media. But I’ve saved money!

That saved money will not be what I remember when my kids have grown and gone.

My husband always tells me: “You’re not supposed to think about getting a season’s ski pass. It’s the Fernie Fun Tax. Like any tax, you pay it and then you forget about it until the next year.” He has paid his Fernie Fun Tax every year since 1995. He has never once regretted it.

He’s right. In two years, I missed many fun days on the hill. Katie’s first ski race. Crazy Helmet Day. Ollie’s first black diamond run. Pink-clad Katie straight-lining full speed into the SLOW sign (I know, ski patrol friends, not funny, totally not, obviously).

This year my experiment draws to a close. When it comes to Ski Fernie, I am all in: season’s pass, priority parking, new gear. When my kids look back on their 2018 ski season, I will be woohooing my way down Red Tree right beside them. I can’t wait.

See you up there, Fernie Friends!

Photos by Powder Matt, Rob Heule & Mark Eleven Photography

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The Best Family Mountain Bike Trails in Fernie

Monday, 31 July 2017 by Tanya Koob

My family loves touring new towns on our bikes and the best loops always include at least one playground, a bike park, a stop for ice-cream, and a spot to cool off. Fernie has all of that in a short 8 to 15 km loop (depending on which trails you link together.)

The Main Town Loop combines several easy trails that are all relatively flat. As a family, you will enjoy pleasant trail riding on well-maintained gravel or dirt paths.  Most of the loop is double track and Chariot-friendly as well. The only challenging sections for us have been on the Old Stumpy Trail (which can be bypassed.)

The loop can be started at multiple locations downtown Fernie but we like to start at the dirt jump and skills park beside the aquatic centre and spray park on the corner of Pine Ave & Ridgemont Drive. We play at the bike park to warm up on the pump track and jumps, and then visit the spray park at the end to cool off. There’s also a short beginner mountain bike loop located behind the dirt jump park that helps kids gain an easy introduction to single track riding.

Once you’ve managed to convince the kids to leave the bike park, cross Ridgemont Drive and find the trailhead for the Kootenay Elk Trail.  This easy trail poses no challenges as it crosses over a boardwalk and small wetland area (image shown). You’ll soon reach a junction for the Old Stumpy Trail and the Downtown Connector Trail. The connector trail makes a beeline for Maiden Lake and is the easy trail option. At the lake you’ll find a small rocky beach area and a great spot for a dip in the cool water if you’ve packed swim suits with you.

If you’re up for a challenge, take the Old Stumpy Trail and Great Northern Trail for a longer loop to Maiden Lake. This extension has some tricky spots and you’ll have to walk bikes when you come to a few short sets of stairs. Regardless of the technical bits on Old Stumpy, it’s a beautiful trail with an “old growth forest” feeling to it. It’s also a short ride until you reach the much easier Great Northern Trail which parallels the Elk River.

Once you’ve reached Maiden Lake, the riding gets extremely easy for a while as you continue on the Emily Brydon Trail along the Elk River and connect to the Dogwood Trail heading for the town Boat Launch. Shortly after the boat launch, go around the corner and then cross a small bridge. Here you’ll get on the Brewery Creek Trail heading for an old barn (main/top image). The bike tour ends with a short introductory section on the Coal Creek Heritage Trail (where you probably won’t want to be wearing white shoes since the trail is practically made of coal dust!)

You’ll end up back at the aquatic centre from where it’s a short drive or bike ride over to the Happy Cow Ice-Cream Store off Highway 3 (between 5th and 6th Street.)

Progressions for easy – intermediate family mountain biking

Once the kids have cut their teeth on the Town Loop, it’s time to move on to some other great intro-trails that are a bit more technical and offer a “real” mountain biking experience.

The Coal Creek Heritage Trail – This trail is divided into two sections, The Lower Coal Creek Heritage Trail and the East Coal Creek Heritage Trail.  We rode a 9 km section of the trail and started from the “Townsite” parking lot on the East part of the trail. To find the parking lot, drive 6.3 km up Coal Creek Road from town, turn left at the bridge onto First Creek Rd. and look for the Trailhead Kiosk, 3 km further along on the left.

This is a classic “truck drop” ride (meaning, you drive up, drop the kids off, and they bike back down to town.) Either arrange the ride with a shuttle or plan to have an adult bike back up for the vehicle (as we did) because making the kids ride UP Coal Creek would not be a lot of fun for anybody. Fortunately, the bike park and spray park are right at the end of the trail so kids will not be bored while they wait for somebody to go fetch the truck.

While this is considered a “beginner” trail, I was pretty new to mountain biking when we rode it and I had to walk a few hills. Gears and hand brakes are imperative for safety and enjoyment on the ride.

 

Montane Trails – The Montane area has a bunch of new trails, starting from the old barn/coal creek bridge. On these trails you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Lizard range, Mt Fernie and the 3 sisters.

Recommended loops:

TransCanada Trail to Montane North (This is the easiest loop in the Montane trail system.)

Montane North (image shown) to the TransCanada Trail to Montane / Ruby’s Way to Montane Blue for Evyr to Montane. (This loop is a little more challenging with some uphill sections.)

And I’ve had two separate families tell me how much they love the new Montane Blue for Evyr Trail, a fairly easy section of the loop above. The ride can be completed by riding on Montane, a double track trail and a smooth easy ride.

Biking the Ridgemont Trails with Older Kids and Teens – For families ready to move on to some solid intermediate trails, Ridgemont has plenty to offer with hill climbs, fun downhill riding, flowy corners, obstacles and beautiful scenery.

Recommended Loops:

Head up Cemetery bi-pass (image shown) and continue on to the junction where ‘KiddieUp’ is the middle of 3 trails that branch off.  It is full of easy switchbacks to keep the grade bikeable for the young ones, and give them plenty of practice cornering.  To complete a loop take a right onto the logging road, and about 200m down you can take another right onto ‘What’s up Doc”.

For something longer and more challenging, you could put together nearly any combination to make an excellent loop. Cemetery Bypass, Kiddie Up, Queen V, Ecoterrorist, Eric’s Trail, and Broken Hip are all intermediate trails that are popular with families riding with older children and teens.

Information on all trails here can be found on the Trail Forks website.

Progressing to Downhill Mountain Biking at Fernie Alpine Resort

Register for a Kids Freeride Mountain Bike Camp and let professional coaches introduce the kids to lift-accessed downhill riding at Fernie Alpine Resort.

The theme of the camps is “Teaching kids to ride hard and safe.” In the camps, kids learn basic downhill riding skills, gain confidence, learn to ride steep lines and to tackle challenging terrain at the resort. Discounted lift tickets and bike rentals are available for camp participants.

The resort will be holding four camps this summer for kids ages 8 – 16 and each camp runs for two consecutive days mid-week. Meanwhile, mom and dad will find no shortage of entertainment at the resort’s bike park. Adult lessons are also offered including the brand new mid-week Trail Warrior Camps for adults. These 3-day camps are designed for cross country riders interested in developing downhill bike skills.

My family has a gigantic list of trails we want to ride this summer so we’ll see you out there with huge smiles on our faces. My 8 year old (below) will be leading the way and will be yelling back at me to stay on my bike and to stop wussing out on every corner. 😉

Special thanks to Leanne Nanninga and Coleen Hughes for contributing to this story with trail suggestions, route information, and photos.

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Fernie’s Top Hikes and Best High-Altitude Picnic Spots

Wednesday, 12 July 2017 by Lisa Kadane

Ask any Fernie resident why they chose to settle down in the mountain town and they’ll tell you they stayed for the summer. It’s a cliché, but it’s true—the season of long, sunny days is when everyone heads outside to mountain bike, fly fish, canoe or lace up the boots for a hike.

The backcountry in this corner of B.C. is gorgeous, with wildflower meadows, ancient cedar forests and imposing limestone peaks. Here are the best trails—and epic picnic spots—for getting your Rocky Mountain high in Fernie.

 

 

Polar Peak Loop

Lift-assisted hiking at Fernie Alpine Resort is a great ROI—you gain altitude without breaking a sweat, and get to spend more time savouring the views. This five-kilometre round-trip trail is arguably one of the best—and most challenging—hikes in the region once the snow melts from the Lizard Range crest. Ride up Timber Chair and then walk up the access road toward Polar Peak. At the saddle, turn left and begin the trail, a thrilling ridge traverse where intrepid hikers navigate sections of rocky outcrops using a cable. The 360-degree views from this hair-raising hike are spectacular—to the west, the shimmering expanse of Lake Koocanusa; to the east, downtown Fernie and the Flathead Mountains. If you’re brave, peek over the cliff walls to see where all that snow gets blasted during winter avalanche control.

 

Lost Boys Loop

Berry picking, boulder scrambling, and great views of Fernie far below—this hike has it all. As a bonus, the Lost Boys Loop is perfect for families, and we’ve hiked it with our kids a number of times. From the top of Timber Chair, the 1.7-kilometre trail descends through dense forest to the Mammoth Droppings, a cluster of limestone boulders that have toppled down from Mammoth Peak, part of the Lizard Range. From there, the path climbs 100 metres to the Lost Boys Lookout for views of alpine meadows and the Elk River down in the valley. Don’t forget to look for ripe huckleberries, and fossils embedded in slabs of limestone, along the way.

The Lost Boys Observation Deck

 

Heiko’s Trail

This momentous day hike, also called the Mountain Lakes Trail, tackles 20 kilometres and crosses three mountain passes in the remote backcountry between the trailhead off the Hartley Creek Road and its terminus at Island Lake Lodge. The trek is a stunner because of its diversity—in a nine-hour day we ascended through a rainforest, watched a waterfall explode out of a hole in the side of a cliff, explored a cave and gained a total of 1,200 metres elevation. I’m not gonna lie—the final five clicks down to Island Lake Lodge felt like a slog. But I will say this: beer on a sunny patio never tasted so good!

 

Old Growth Trail

Ancient cedar trees, giant moss-covered logs, and a wide trail that gently ascends to Island Lake are the top draws on the kid-friendly Old Growth Trail. Look for the trailhead at the 4-kilometre mark on the road that cuts through Mt. Fernie Provincial Park on its way up to Island Lake Lodge. The hike is well maintained and well marked and — important to note for children — easy! It gains just 250 metres over four kilometres. After, reward the little troopers with a canoe ride on Island Lake (rent one for an hour from the lodge), or an ice-cold lemonade on the lodge’s patio.

 

Best Picnic Spot

If you like lunch al fresco with alpine views, score a table on the patio at Lost Boys Café, at the top of Timber Chair at Fernie Alpine Resort. This sunny spots juts out over Timber Bowl and offers a panorama of area peaks including the Three Sisters, Mt. Fernie, Ghostrider and the Flathead Range of the Canadian Rockies across the valley. Those who prefer a little physical exertion before refueling can hike up to the top of Polar Peak for a bench break (no tables up there) with a bird’s-eye view into Fernie’s “back of beyond.”

Lunch at Lost Boys Cafe at the Top of the Timber Chairlift

 

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