Fernie Alpine Resort Travel Guide

Fernie Alpine Resort, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is one of the largest ski resorts in the country and highly popular with holidaymakers. Spread along the Lizard Range, Fernie boasts excellent powder, five bowls, picture perfect scenery and some extremely challenging skiing.

Its steep terrain has garnered a serious reputation and a certain mystique. It's the kind of resort that die-hard snowsport fans seek out to set their pulses racing. Tucked away as it is, over three hours from Calgary, perhaps the best part of Fernie is the lack of crowds with regulars trying to reserve its magic for themselves.

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy uncrowded open runs and more than 2,500 acres (1,011ha) of skiable terrain. Those taking a break from the slopes can explore the picturesque town of Fernie, three miles (5km) from the resort, or indulge in some fireside drinks and a post-mortem of the day's runs.

Skiing

Fernie offers some incredible snow conditions and can boast up to 29 feet (9m) of magical powder each year, with some of the steepest inbound terrain around. There is plenty of variety and terrain, although the resort is perhaps rather challenging for beginners.

A good idea is to take advantage of the free mountain tour to get orientated, as well as learning about potential avalanche zones. There is excellent snowboarding on offer too. Along with a half pipe and a terrain park, there is awesome natural terrain to explore. There are also plenty of ski schools for beginners, 10 lifts, and a vertical drop of 2,816 feet (858m).

Shopping

The resort of Fernie is by no means a celebrated shopping destination, but there are plenty of stores where holiday visitors can enjoy browsing (particularly on 2nd Avenue in downtown), including food, alpine sport stores, local arts, crafts and glassware shops, and jewellery and clothing stores.

Restaurants

Although relatively small and out of the way, there are plenty of dining options for holidaymakers to enjoy on and off the mountain, with Indian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and Italian cuisine to supplement the more traditional Canadian fare. There are both upmarket and more casual eateries on offer.

Nightlife

Fernie has a laidback, relatively quiet nightlife, so it's not for holidaymakers looking for a huge off-slope party. The Grizzly Bar is perhaps Fernie's most popular off-the-slopes hangout and attracts quite the crowd. Hosting thirsty skiers since 1962, visitors enjoy live music and dancing on weekends. There are some other venues selling cocktails and offering live music for visitors who are in search of some evening drinks and entertainment.

Holiday activities

Although the majority of holiday visitors to Fernie are there almost purely to hit the slopes, there are also a range of other activities on offer, including dog-sledding, sleigh rides, heritage walking tours of the old coal mining town of Fernie, snowshoeing, ice fishing, whale watching, and a relaxing day at the local spa. There are also several children's activities on offer at certain times of year.

Any negatives?

The skiing at Fernie is mostly aimed at advanced and intermediate levels, and can be a serious challenge for beginners. Those looking for serious nightlife, shopping, and extensive après-ski activities will be disappointed.