Fernie has a unique following amongst more experienced skiers and snow boarders. It is renowned for its steep and deep and its extensive off piste. Fernie is one of the best resorts for winter sports enthusiasts looking for new peaks to tackle and wanting a challenge, though mixed parties with beginners would all have a great time. In terms of size Fernie offers about 200km of terrain, but with lots of variety and off piste options, which is enough to keep you occupied for up to 2 weeks.
There is some doorstep skiing via the slopeside Alpine village area in the midst of the rugged peaks of the Rockies in British Columbia and is just four miles from downtown Fernie, an historic and pretty village with friendly and laid back locals. Fernie also has a reputation for excellent snow records, powder bowls, trees and few lift queues allowing you maximum skiing time on the slopes. It is a snowboarders paradise too, with high peaks, steep and deep terrain and spectacular scenery.
The opening of a lift to Polar Peak has given Fernie the biggest vertical in the Canadian Rockies (3550ft). Die -hard powder hounds should try the local snow-cat skiing. The evening complimentary shuttle makes it easy to explore the lively bars, restaurants and shops both in the Alpine Village and downtown Fernie.
Many new, good quality hotels and lodges are now available at the resort base village, with more developments being built. At present there are around a dozen or so hotels in the resort including the award-winning Lizard Creek Lodge which is a ski-in, ski-out luxury condominium/hotel featuring fine dining, spa, pool etc and the excellent Park Place Lodge.
