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Tag: Vacation

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

Tuesday, 21 July 2020 by Cali Sammel

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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A Guide to Thrive in Winter

Tuesday, 21 August 2018 by Cali Sammel

Let’s get straight to the point; winter tends to overstay its welcome. With major snowstorms lasting into April earlier this year, Mother Nature definitely took longer than expected to bestow warmer temperatures upon us Canadians.

Living in this wonderful, snowy nation, there are some crucial lessons to learn in order to thrive in the ‘Great White North’. Most importantly, is realizing the importance of making the best of your environment and conditions (especially the long winter months we so often endure).

Our initial instincts are to stay warm and cozy during blizzard-stricken months, huddled indoors with blankets, warm drinks, a crackling fire and taking in an unhealthy amount of Netflix, while silently praying that our neighbour or significant other will shovel the walkway. Winters have such great potential though, why surrender such glorious opportunities to see the remarkable beauty Canada boasts in its backyard?

Exploring the outdoors throughout all four of our Canadian seasons is a revitalizing experience for us, which should be taken advantage of to refresh our frame of mind. It’s a chance to discover new adventures just a snowball’s throw away. We’re all familiar with making the most of warm temperatures during the summer months with patio season and backyard lounging in full swing. The winter landscape can be just as inspiring too, when given the chance.

If you need more convincing, here are a few of Canada’s premiere winter activity destinations:

Fernie, British Columbia

The shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs along 2nd Avenue in Fernie are some of the Canadian Rockies’ hidden gems, with surrounding mountain peaks looming over the glow of its downtown streets.

Located just down the road, Fernie Alpine Resort is home to some of Canada’s most legendary powder, with an average snowfall of 30ft. From epic downhill skiing to leisurely snowshoe and groomed cross-country skiing trails, the resort has activities for the whole family. It also offers plenty of weekly programs to get you outside and even yoga classes to help you find your winter Zen. Their on-mountain accommodations along with a local shuttle to town make for a perfect introduction to Canada’s winter activities.

Fernie Alpine Resort – Bowls of Glory

Kimberley, British Columbia

If you’re looking for a classic mountain town, you’ve found it. The town of Kimberley embodies the Canadian spirit with humble, welcoming locals and a relentless passion for nature. Kimberley is home to craft beers, great local dining, the oldest building in Canada and a variety of activities to enjoy outside.

With stunning scenery of the Kootenay mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is just minutes from town and offers great facilities and terrain for people of all skiing and snowboarding ability levels – from first-timers to seasoned slope shredders. Looking to stay on level ground? Try the area’s expansive snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing network or check out fat biking, one of North America’s favourite new activities (mountain bikes with wider tires for better grip in snow conditions).

The drive on the way to Kimberley Alpine Resort

Golden, British Columbia

One of the most famed locations along the Powder Highway, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the town of Golden are conveniently located along the TransCanada Highway and ready to provide you a mountain experience like no other. Drop into Whitetooth Brewing Co. for locally crafted beers, or the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre for an up-close learning session with these amazing animals.

Delving deeper into nature, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers Canada’s highest dining experience, the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at 7,700ft. Once you’re fueled up, hit the slopes of the Catamount Chair to learn the basics on your skis or snowboard, or bring your little ones to the tube park and natural ice rink at the base of the resort. Advanced skiers head to the top via the gondola for wide ranging bowls, ridges and chutes. If staying grounded is your preference, Golden is primed with world-class snowmobiling, along with plenty of rentals and tours available.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s kick ass terrain & views

Life’s too short – and winters are too long – to miss out on a lifetime of adventure. Let winter activities revitalize your soul and help you look forward to the inevitable snowfalls each year. Meet Mother Nature halfway on this one and discover how rewarding Canada’s winter climates can truly be.

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Snow, snow, snow = Fun, fun, fun

Tuesday, 06 February 2018 by Cali Sammel

Here at Fernie Alpine Resort we’ve been getting hammered hard with snow since the beginning of 2018, plus there’s much more on the way!  We received nearly 250 cms over just 3 weeks at the end of January (315 cms total in January) and The Weather Network predicts we’ll be getting more over the next few days.

After our deep January we’re at over 25 feet year to date already with over 50 cms in the last week, Polar Peak lift has been buried for a good part of the season!  A storm cycle is moving in from the Pacific this week bringing ‘widespread snowfall to the Rockies’, with some parts of British Columbia seeing 30 – 50 cms (skiers & snowboarders rejoice)!

This season is a powder pleaser, which is expected to continue into our spring skiing months.  What better time than to book your Spring Ski Vacation now?  See our Hot Deals page for offers like 3rd night 50%, 4th night FREE, midweek specials and long stay deals (book before February 28th for these special offers).

Plan your spring vacation around one of our year end events – this year is the 10th Anniversary of Fernival and we’re planning the biggest and best party year! With headliners Sloan on Saturday, April 14th, stopping by as part of their 20th Anniversary tour and fresh off releasing their brand new album on April 6th!  The Fernival party continues into Sunday, April 15th with a performance by BC/DC, one of our favourite bands to have at the resort.  Also part of our Fernival weekend is the long standing tradition – the Raging Elk PPP (Powder, Pedal, Paddle) event and the Slopesoaker pond skim.

For now, please excuse us as we continue to dig out.
Come out and visit us soon!

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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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How to do a Pow Day Proper. The Raddest Way to the Ultimate Fernie Experience.

Thursday, 19 January 2017 by Abby Cooper

When you cross the Elk River and wind your way into the town of Fernie you’ll automatically feel like you’ve entered a winter wonderland. The quaint streets are lined with lights that illuminate the taller-than-your-car snow banks, signalling the first hint that this place is a powder junkies dream destination. The town its self is loaded with a unique history, scenic views, things to do, places to see and experiences to be had. If you’re driven by skiing educed face shots, then the first thing on your Fernie hit list should most definitely be Fernie Alpine Resort.FullSizeRender (1)

With a snowfall average of 11 meters per a season you can expect quite a few powder days in this town! The absolute best way to do a pow-day proper in Fernie? One word, early.  While Fernie Alpine Resort is known to hold the snow stashes for days after a storm, there is nothing like having first pick of what you want to lay a fresh line into! With over 2500 acres of skiable terrain you’ll be able to get freshies a few laps in a row if you don’t hit snooze! The best mornings start with early ups and a lift line coffee snagged at Slopeside Café on route to the lift of your choosing! It’s an experience that everyone should part take in at least once, if not adapt to your regular ski vacation regimen! When the wide open bowls and runs have been checked off the list head into the Fernie’s legendary tree skiing for even more untouched powder! When your legs are starting to feel the burn from lapping 1080m vertical long runs coated in powder it’s time to call it a day on the slopes, but not a finished day. The ultimate Fernie experience encompasses another activity before après begins!

29053739565_5c836be289_zFat tire bikes are an awesome way to see the sights in town, explore the groomed cross-country trails or rip up the snowy single track. New to fat biking? No problem, Fernie Alpine Resort has rental bikes, groomed trails and guided programs. Maximize your day by hitting the resort early and hard, then snag a bite at Lost Boys Café or at The Griz Bar before heading one a Discover Fat Biking clinic at 1:30pm. Enjoy two hours with a guide who will show you the ropes of fat biking on groomed trails and maybe even some wilder single track if you dare! Evening Ride and Dine packages are also offered on Thursdays that include headlamps, dinner at the scrumptious Cirque Restaurant and an evening adventure that won’t be forgotten! Regardless of whether you fat bike in the afternoon or evening one thing is certain, and that is that you should follow it up by heading to the Stoli Ice Bar!

The Stoli Ice Bar is an experience unlike any other. The sub zero ice room feels like an ice castle and is almost cozy feeling when you’re snuggled up in a Helly Hansen parka! Open from 11am-10pm daily the Ice Bar is waiting for you to sample some of the most sought after vodka’s from around the world! Each experience is yours for the making as you choose from a variety of vodka options and sip from a ice glass. There’s nothing more rewarding and most definitely refreshing than ending your day with a salute to the mountains with an ice glass cheers in warm company. What happens after the Stoli Ice Bar is up to you, might we recommend a nightcap next to the Cirque Restaurant’s fire place to warm up? We look forward to seeing your memories being made, be sure to share them with us on social media by hashtagging #LoveFernie to give us all a case of the FOMO (fear of missing out)!

Stoli Ice Bar at Fernie Alpine Resort

Stoli Ice Bar at Fernie Alpine Resort

 

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Fernival, Fernie’s Favourite Festival

Wednesday, 04 January 2017 by Cali Sammel

Fernie (located in British Columbia, Canada) is getting more and more well known for a lot of exciting things, including (but certainly not limited to);

 

 

 

 

 

Averaging more than 30 feet of snow every single season (that Fernie factor pow),

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and this was just the pre season!

Having an awesome (and totally gorgeous) ski town – once named Coolest Town in North America by Rolling Stone Magazine,

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The Town of Fernie, BC

Having even more awesome locals to chat with at local bars during après ski and last but certainly not least throwing one epic year end FREE outdoor festival year after year (the biggest concert in the Rockies)!

Platinum Blonde

Fernival 2016

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The people of Fernie have an interesting affinity for the 80’s.  This is not an uncommon sight to see (photo right), and one which begs the question, why do people in 80’s wear always pose in a lunge?

Whatever the reason for the 80’s lunge is, Fernival has catered to this ongoing love affair in many of our previous 8 festivals with acts including Trooper, Spirit of the West and Platinum Blonde!

This year, the 9th annual festival is getting a fun little shake up turning the one day event into two – starting with a classic rock cover band, The Backroad Traveler Band to get the fill of our favourite classics in, moving to Skratch Bastid, the nationally popular DJ to entertain us before the final act – Wide Mouth Mason!  Do it all again the next day with the high energy AC/DC cover band aptly named BC/DC.  Did we mention it’s all free?

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FREE FERNIVAL FUN!

Fernival takes place in the plaza at Fernie Alpine Resort, surrounded by an alpine village offering a variety of hotel, condo and ski in/ski out accommodations to fit the smallest and largest of groups.  Meaning after a day of this type of partying….

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Shotski – a Fernie Tradition

you barely have to stumble more than a snowballs throw away to get to your home for the weekend.  And if riding is all you’re after – Fernie is known for its heavy snowfall along with a mild climate, making it one of the best places to spring ski!  With the balmy temps you can forgo wearing that ski jacket and head out in a bunnyhug (hoodie for those who might not know our western Canadian slang) or sometimes even a t-shirt at the end of the season here!  Don’t forget to top it all off with the SlopeSoaker event on Sunday afternoon and watch brave/crazy participants attempt to cross our pond in wacky outfits for the ultimate ski bum event title.

slopesoaker

So be one of these people this April!

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And attend Fernival in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada!

Fernival is on April 15th & 16th, 2017.

Photos by: Burrrlapz, Henry Georgi, Cali Sammel and Robin Siggers

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Griz on Tour & New Ms. Griz Webcam

Saturday, 24 December 2016 by Karen Pepper

Everyone who is familiar with Fernie knows the legend of the Griz, and anyone who checks the snow report knows that we have our own Griz standing faithfully next to our snow stick on the Mountain Cams section of our website.

What you may have missed however, is that over the summer months our little Griz took a vacation from his post! His adventures were documented over the course of the summer on the griz_on_tour instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/griz_on_tour/).

After wrapping up his job at the hill for the winter and getting his affairs in order, Griz started his adventure on June 28th with a post of him in a field with his beloved resort in the background.

His posts continued on a regular basis where he was observed behind a steering wheel, going on hikes, wishing everyone a good morning, making friends, and enjoying a nice cup of Tim’s coffee.

Griz’s adventures took him all around the Elk Valley; to campgrounds, recreation sites, from mountain meadows to peaks and everywhere in-between. He took a dip in a river or two to cool off, visited the Skookumchuck duck pond, and even found his way to Calgary’s Mountain Equipment Co-Op!

Throughout his tour, Griz encouraged people to adventure every day, explore their surroundings, respect the environment, be bear aware and most of all to appreciate the beauty of our mountains.

Fernie Alpine Resort was happy to welcome the Griz back to his post when the snow started to fly, where he faithfully reports the snowfall each night via his live webcam (skifernie.com/conditions/mountain-cam/).

Ms. Griz webcamJoining Griz this season on the mountain will be his sweetheart Ms. Griz! She’ll be working out of Currie Bowl and will be hard at work with Mr. Griz reporting snowfall via her own live webcam at the bottom of Polar Peak Chair.

Photos of Griz on Tour:

Griz in a fieldGriz at the steering wheelGriz in the grassGriz with Tim'sGriz campingGriz day use areaGriz in a mountain fieldGriz on a mountainGriz and a canyonGriz in the alpineGriz in the riverGriz at a waterfallGriz with the Skookumchuck ducksGriz at Calgary MECGriz at the Fairy Creek bridge
Griz and bear aware

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Save on your ski vacation by booking early!

Monday, 19 September 2016 by Cali Sammel

Book your ski vacation to your happy place for the upcoming season and save! We have early booking packages with offers like third night free plus kids ski for free with packages booked before November 30.

Visit the Early Booking Vacation Offer page for more information.  See all our available packages, visit our Ski RCR Vacation site.  From the Ski RCR Vacation website you can book online, chat with a reservation agent online to ask any questions you might have.  Give us a call at 1-800-258-7669 to speak to a vacation booking specialist over the phone.

Don’t forget to book your ski vacation before November 30th, 2016 in order to take advantage of the savings!

far-leaderboard

 

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NEW Lost Boys Camping Experience
Wednesday, 13 July 2016 by Cali Sammel

Lost Boys CampingThis summer will be the debut of an epic camping experience in British Columbia, the first of its kind in North America! Sleep among the stars and wake up to spectacular alpine views near the top of the Timber Chair and Fernie’s famous mountaintop restaurant, the Lost Boys Café.

Our camping package includes your lift ticket, campsite, guided hike, delicious raclette dinner, s’mores by the campfire, and breakfast. Top quality tents from Northface are also available to rent. Camping is offered on Saturday nights starting on July 16th!

Pricing
Adult – $149.99*
Youth – $49.99*
Family (2 adults & up to 2 youth) – $349.99*
Children 5 & under are freeLost Boys Camping

Northface tent rentals
Optional tent rental fee – $20*
Sizes available include –2, 3, 4 & 6 man

To book your Lost Boys Camping Experience, call 250-423-2435.

Your camping experience starts at 4:00 pm at base of the Timber Chair, then it’s up the lift to your camping area to set up your campsites (hosts are available to assist).  After a guided hike you’ll enjoy a raclette dinner at Lost Boys Cafe followed by S’mores by the campfire.  The next morning after breakfast at Lost Boys Cafe and camp clean up make your way back down the chairlift or feel free to explore the mountain more by hiking and sightseeing.

More information about hiking at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Photos by Nicole Matei
*Add taxes

 

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