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!
Ski Run Bingo
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!
Community Appreciation Day
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, Fernie Alpine Resort will say ‘Thank You’ to local communities by offering a FREE day of skiing and riding to the residents of the Elk Valley – Fernie, Elko, Elkford, Grasmere, Jaffray and Sparwood as part of the annual Community Appreciation Day.
Please note that Photo ID and proof of local residency (driver’s license, pay stub, utility bill, etc.) are required to receive the lift ticket. Tickets are only valid on January 12 and snow checks will not be issued on complimentary tickets.
Complimentary tickets are available to Elk Valley Residents only. Cranbrook and area residents are welcome to enjoy Community Appreciation Day at Kimberley Alpine Resort on January 12, 2020.
A fundraising BBQ will also be held on Community Day, with all proceeds going towards a local charity, Fernie Friends for Friends. Community members can pick up a voucher that is valid for a discounted BBQ item in the daylodge.
In addition, Fernie Alpine Resort is inviting Elk Valley Residents that are brand new to the sport of skiing or snowboarding to enjoy a complimentary Telus Learn to Ski or Snowboard beginner group lesson on January 12 as part of the Community Day festivities. There will be ten adult and ten child spots available for a complimentary beginner group lesson, complete with lift tickets and rentals. Advance registration is required and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration for the Telus Learn to Ski/Snowboard lessons can be booked at Guest Services Snow School Desk or by calling 250-423-2406.
PLUS! Sports Alpine has a special sale for you on Community Day. On January 12th only – 25% off on outerwear and mid-layers!
The Jeep Summit Squad will be on the mountain this weekend as well – so be sure to stop by their Jeep tent in the plaza for some goodies!
A HUGE THANKS GOES OUT TO OUR BBQ SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPPORT!
– Ace Bakery
– KRAFT
– Campbell’s
– Cardinal Foods
CANCELLED – Griz Kidz Winter Carnival Presented by TELUS
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!
Holiday Sleigh Rides
Experience the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride over the Christmas Holidays!
DATES: Dec 21, 2019 – Jan. 4, 2020
TIMES: Sleigh Rides depart daily 1:00pm – 7:00pm (Dec. 23 & 24 – sleigh rides begin at 12 noon)
RATES: $15 per person
Private Sleigh Rides are available
Price: $165 (for up to 11 guests)
Contact Guest Services to book your Holiday Sleigh Ride!
Phone: 250-423-2435
Email: [email protected]
The Fernie Fun Tax: Pay and Play
“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
