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Fernie Alpine
Canada Ski Resorts, British Columbia Ski Resorts
About Canada’s Fernie Alpine Resort
For skiers and snowboarders on the hunt for powder, Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia is their paradise. The mountain averages 29 feet of annual snowfall. With over 2,500 acres of terrain, 2,800 feet of vertical and five wide-open bowls featuring ridges and glades, there’s no shortage of places to roam. Off the mountain, riders and boarders can choose from an abundance of ski-in ski-out accommodations, explore a historic mining town filled with a rich restaurant scene, lively après and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Along Canada’s famous Powder Highway, Fernie Alpine Resort is one of Canada’s hidden gems, but Ski.com’s team of Mountain Travel Experts hasn’t just read about Fernie Alpine Resort; they’ve ridden its slopes, dined across town and experienced the mountain firsthand. They’re eager to share their knowledge with you to help you build a dream Fernie ski package.
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5 best things about Fernie Alpine according to our Mountain Travel Experts
When to visit Fernie Alpine Resort
If you’re planning a Fernie ski package, chances are you’re searching for powder. Fernie Alpine gets the most snow in February, which makes it a great time to visit. March is another great choice as temperatures warm up and snowfall continues.
Where to stay in Fernie Alpine
A Fernie ski package can feature accommodations at either the base of the ski resort or in the town of Fernie. Staying in downtown Fernie offers a livelier, authentic mountain experience. There are boutique hotels, budget lodges and vacation rentals. Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance, with a convenient and affordable shuttle to get you to the slopes. For ultimate ski convenience, staying at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort is best. At the base, skiers and snowboarders can choose from ski-in ski-out condos, lodges and hotels.
Find LodgingGetting around Fernie Alpine
The resort offers a $5 shuttle service that runs between the town of Fernie, the resort and various accommodation areas, making it easy to navigate between the slopes and village amenities. Once on the mountain, everything is walkable, with ski-in ski-out access from most accommodations.
How to get to Fernie Alpine
Riders and boarders can pick between two airports for their Fernie ski package.
- Calgary International Airport (YCC): 195 miles away, 3.5-hour drive, with nonstop flights from many major airports
- Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC): 62 miles away, 1-hour drive, with daily flights on Air Canada, Pacific Coastal and WestJet
Tunnel49 Adventure offers a daily shuttle to and from YCC, and if you’re renting a car, you’ll find well-maintained roads and stunning mountain scenery along Highway 3, although winter tires or chains are required on many routes.
Skiing in Fernie Alpine
With a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, Fernie Alpine Resort offers something for everyone. With 145 trails, there’s everything from steep trees and chutes to gentle, groomed pistes and leg-burning moguls. Beyond the named trails, Fernie Alpine is also home to an abundance of backcountry terrain accessible by ski touring or cat skiing. Combine all the terrain options with Canada’s best snow, and you have an unmatched ski experience.
Expert tip: Fernie Alpine Resort offers daily complimentary mountain tours for skiers and snowboarders, which provide visitors with expert knowledge of the mountain.
Lift Tickets and Ski Pass Access
- Epic Pass: Includes 7 total days at the resorts of the Canadian Rockies — perfect if you’re exploring Canada’s Powder Highway
- RCR Rockies Card: A discount card where cardholders receive their first, fourth and seventh ski days free, along with daily discounts
- Daily lift tickets: Purchasing in advance is the best way to save money
Tip: Book early for the best pricing and talk to a Mountain Travel Expert to discover what pass is right for you.
Best Runs in Fernie Alpine
For beginners
For beginners
- Beginners can access the Moose Beginner Area at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort with a magic carpet and T-Bar lift. This area is free for children and discounted for adults
- A ski and snowboarding school offering group and private lessons for all ages
- The Deer Chair offers access to nearly a dozen green runs, allowing for a smooth progression to longer, more varied terrain
- Take the Great Bear Express quad up to experience high-alpine skiing and riding for beginners
- Once you have some confidence, experience Fernie’s famous bowls thanks to Lizard Bowl’s wide-open, gentle descent
For intermediates
For intermediates
- Fernie Alpine Resort is both beginner-friendly and an expert’s paradise, but intermediates will find a smaller section of the mountain dedicated to them. This offers a great opportunity to progress
- For easy intermediate runs, try Bear and Dancer in Lizard Bowl then head to Timber Bowl for runs like Silver Lining and Heartland
- Once you’ve gained confidence at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, you can start exploring the upper mountain, which offers more challenges
- Morning Glory is one of the easiest black runs at Fernie
Expert runs
Expert runs
- About 30% of Fernie Alpine is rated expert terrain
- Polar Peak, at a striking 7,000 feet above sea level, with a 3,550-foot descent. The area is home to 22 runs, 16 of which are double-black diamond, and 6 are triple-black diamond
- You won’t find many groomed black runs; it’s mostly off-piste
- Currie Bowl has some great challenges for experts with runs like Currie Glades and Sky Dive
Family vacations in Fernie Alpine
- Embark on a snowshoe adventure
Explore Fernie’s winter wonderland on foot. Family-friendly routes include Fairy Creek Falls, the Sherwoody Lookout loop in Mount Fernie Provincial Park, and in-town trails like Old Stumpy or the Ridgemont and Montane networks.
- Check the event calendar for kid-friendly programs
From Kindergym at the Fernie Family Centre to Toddlertime and Storytime at the Fernie Heritage Library, there’s always something happening.
- Choose a Fernie ice skating rink for some classic fun
Outdoor skating is a winter classic in Fernie. Lace up at Annex Pond, Maiden Lake or the seasonal rink at the Courthouse. On colder days, head indoors to the Memorial Arena for public skating.
- Discover the Fernie Arts Station
The Fernie Arts Station, housed in a restored building, features rotating exhibits, workshops and special events throughout the winter season, including programs designed for kids.
- Hop on a fat bike for winter exploration
Fat biking has taken off in Fernie. The town’s legendary summer mountain bike trails transform into epic winter riding routes, offering a new way to explore the snowy landscape on two wheels.
Ready to Plan your Dream Getaway?
Connect with an Fernie Alpine Expert to get started.