Fernie ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Fernie
Overview
Fernie Alpine ski resort in Elk Valley, British Columbia is one of Canada's most exciting and action packed ski resorts. Surrounded by so much natural beauty, Fernie is a popular resort for all levels of skier and boarder and is a firm family favourite.
Après-ski
The après-ski in Fernie is lively and fun with some great bars both on and off the slopes and several fantastic restaurants and cafes serving up local and international cuisine. The apres-ski typically kicks off at the base of the slopes in the Griz Bar with live music before heading in to town.
Families
Fernie is well known for its great family facilities and kids day care. The Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Trail in the woods is not to be missed either - great fun with an educational twist!
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1067m |
| Top lift | 2134m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 2500 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 14 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively |
Fernie Ski Area
With an average snowfall of 37 feet, snow is virtually guaranteed enabling you to enjoy the 140+ runs, bowls and gladed tree areas. With the ski terrian stretched over 2500 acres between 1067m and 2134m giving a max vertical of 1,067m -, it is an incredible winter sports playground for skiers and boarders.
Around 70% the pistes are graded for beginners and intermediates with the remainder for advanced riding giving some ridiculously steep terrain from top to bottom. Then there is the back country - with a guide, you will discover deep powder bowls and trails that rival the best in Canada. Exploring the vast back-country terrain can be via snowcat, heli-skiing or on touring skis.
Beginners
Around 30% of the pistes in Fernie Alpine Resort are geared up for beginners with most of these in the Lower Mountain area where the ski schools meet.
Higher up in Lizard Bowl, beginners can experience high mountain skiing with linked pistes back in to Lower Mountain and in to the resort.
Intermediate
An intermediate's paradise is the best way to describe the skiing at Fernie with so many on and off-piste routes to choose from across 5 bowls plus some superb tree skiing.
Advanced
Fernie is known for its steep terrain and copious amounts of off-piste where skiers and boarders can explore the back bowls and back-country itineraries coming off the top of Polar Peak.
Taking the Polar Peak lift provides quick access to the various ridgelines above the back and front powder bowls such as Lizard, Cedar and Siberia where you will find some fantastic deep off-piste itineraries to challenge the best.
Cross-country
Nordic skiing is very popular and there are 14km of groomed trails in the resort. For the more adventerous, you can try off-track cross-country skiing at Ridgemont. This involves short climbs before reaping the benefits - wide skis and good edges are required.
Snowcat and Heli-Skiing
If you can handle most of the terrain at Fernie meaning you are a strong intermediate skier/boarder or better then why not try snowcat or heli-skiing. The snowcat skiing experience around Island Lake is considered by many to be the best in the world with 7000 acres to enjoy.
Featured chalets & lodges
With a variety of lodging options from ski-in/ski-out condos, lodges and chalets to 5-star hotels, Fernie caters for all budgets and tastes
Many families opt for the convenience of staying in a self catering vacation rental such as a lodge or condo as this allows more flexibility especially with very young children and they are great value for money.
See all rentals
Our view on Fernie ski resort
A superb resort for all the family at any time of year with so many things to see and do no matter what age. A few suggestions for your ski holidays...
- On those bad weather days where skiing is not an option, the aquatic centre in Fernie is a great way to spend some time - it has a wade-in pool for toddlers and water slides
- Snowshoeing is getting more popular and is a great way to explore the mountain at a more sedate pace
- Try out some of the treatmets at one of the spa and wellness centres
- For an excursion, take a trip to Lake Louise - roughly 4 hours drive north of Fernie in the Banff National Park. This is probably one of the most photographed places in the Canadian Rockies with the famous Chateau Lake Louise at the side of the lake overlooked by the mighty Victoria Glacier
Ski resorts similar to Fernie are Kicking Horse and Whistler.
