Fernie Ski Holidays

Fernie was originally an old coal mining town that was established in 1897 by William Fernie. There is a huge amount of snowfall over Fernie every year, in fact, there is an average of over 30 feet which is fantastic. The resort is located a little way up the hill from the Elk Valley floor. There are regular buses that run between the town and mountain giving easy access to the skiing and boarding on offer. Stay in the likes of the ski in/ski out Lizard Creek Lodge for access to the mountain and a little bit of luxury. Alternatively, the Timberline Lodges have a variety of accommodation from hotel rooms to 2 bedroom loft condos and are well priced. Fernie is 3hrs 30mins from Calgary but you can always incorporate it into a twin centre trip with the likes of Banff/Lake Louise.

Fernie Ski Resort Apres Ski

The apres ski in Fernie is not glitzy or showy like the resorts of Aspen of Beaver Creek. In downtown Fernie there is more variety of bars and some late night partying to be had.

Fernie Ski Resort Bars

Try the Griz bar which has a real Rockies feel to it or the Pub Bar and Grill which also serves great food.  The Brickhouse Bar and Grill also has occasional music as well as a great atmosphere.

Fernie Ski Resort Restaurants

The Fernie Hotel & Pub. as well as having an excellent pub. serves superb fish and chips. If you fancy burgers and beer, try Northern or Rusty Edge. For lunch try Max Restaurant – Park Place Lodge and, if you like your bagels, you won’t get any better than Big Bang Bagel. Yamagoya serves amazing Japanese cuisine while The Curry Bowl offers great Asian food.

Fernie Ski Resort Activities

Off the slopes there is an Arts Centre and a theatre for those looking for some culture. Alternatively, head to the aquatic centre and use the pool, hot tub, steam room and water slide.

Fernie usually has a light blanket of fresh powder snow to greet you in the morning. There are five fantastic bowls that drop down from the ridge of the Lizard Range. Beginners will find a good nursery area with two lifts for learning on before heading to the Deer and Elk chairs. Intermediates will enjoy the finely groomed runs that are ideal for cruising on. If you are feeling a little adventurous and wanting to try out some powder skiing or boarding then the easier ungroomed terrain in the bowls is a great starting point. More advanced skiers and boarders will love the steep bowls and beware that the double black diamond runs are really steep. It is a good idea to hire a guide and head off into the back country or go on a snow cat ride for something different to the norm.

Season Start / End: 2/12 – 16/4
Opening Times: 09:00 – 16:00
Total Slope Length: 2504 acres
Easy Runs: 19
Intermediate Runs: 41
Difficult Runs: 75

MOUNTAIN STATION ALTITUDE: 2134m
VALLEY STATION ALTITUDE: 1052m
TOTAL SKI LIFTS: 10
CHAIR LIFTS: 7
DRAG LIFTS: 2
MAGIC CARPETS: 1