Fernie Skiing and Snowboarding Guide

A hidden gem along BC’s Powder Highway, Fernie consistently boasts reliable ski depth and snow quality. A ski holiday in Fernie is on many skiers’ wish lists, and it’s easy to see why.
The historic town of Fernie is charming with its down-to-earth mountain culture and classic ski-town vibe. As a historical mining town, Fernie has such a cool vibe that Rolling Stone Magazine once dubbed it the ‘Coolest Town in North America.’ It doesn’t take long to see this for yourself as you stroll the main street, taking in the quirky stores and restaurants surrounded by spectacular mountain views that you can see from wherever you are in town.
However, the ‘coolness’ of the town of Fernie is only complementary to the legendary skiing and snowfall it provides. What Fernie skiers and snowboarders alike admire most is the top-quality powder and runs on offer, without the same expensive prices and intense foot traffic that many other great BC alpine villages receive.
So how to experience the best skiing/snowboarding Fernie has on offer?
 

1. Fernie Alpine Resort

When it comes to heaps of light powder and awesome terrain, Fernie Alpine Resort is consistently voted one of the top ski resorts in Canada.
Fernie is beautifully situated in the Lizard Range of the B.C. Rockies. Due to its advantageous location, it has a reputation for being home to the best powder in the Rockies. It’s often dry and fluffy, and the copious volume really makes Fernie a favourite. With enough snowfall in an average year to bury a 3-storey home, the likelihood of hitting great powder skiing at Fernie is almost guaranteed.
Under the soaring peaks of the Lizard Range, Fernie has five alpine bowls and a plethora of chutes and gladed tree runs. With a whopping annual snowfall of up to 37 feet and 2,500+ acres of skiable terrain, this small town ski resort has been on the radar of powderhounds and avid skiers for decades.
We love Fernie for it’s ski-in/ski-out access and the handful of great restaurants on the mountain, including the legendary Griz Bar. And as nearly one third of the mountain is deemed beginner terrain, it’s a perfect ski resort for a family vacation, but also provides some great steep shoots and wide-open groomers for seasoned runners looking for an exhilarating ski holiday.
Mountain Statistics
Vertical: 1,082 metres (3,550 ft)
Summit elevation: 2,134 metres (7,000 ft)
142 runs
10 lifts
www.skifernie.com
 

2. Cat Skiing

Some of the best cat skiing in the world is found in the Fernie area.
If you dream of floating through thigh-deep powder in vast, sugary-white bowls or swishing past quiet, snowy trees then you have got to try Cat Skiing. Surrounded by towering mountains, it’s just you and a small crew of like-minded, powder-hungry folks. Unlike skiing with the masses at the ski hill, when you’re Cat Skiing untouched powder is reserved purely for you and your crew.
There’s no contending with lift lines, just sit back and relax while the ‘cat’ crawls up the mountain, delivering you to the top of your next run. Cat Skiing near Fernie in B.C.’s Rockies is guaranteed to be one of the best ski days of your life.
For Cat Skiing around Fernie, we suggest Island Lake Lodge. Dopamine-enhancing ski flicks (starring Craig Kelly and co.) and major word-of-mouth put Cat Skiing at Island Lake Lodge on the map. The operation’s vast terrain includes Mount Baldy, Mount Fernie, part of the Lizard Range and Cedar Valley. You certainly couldn’t cover that much ground without the snowcat!
Details
1-888-422-8754
www.islandlakecatskiing.com
 

Visit Fernie

Fernie serves best for giving visitors a relaxed, more personal winter holiday experience while still reaping the benefits of a developed mountain town. If you’re looking to experience Fernie skiing and snowboarding in all it’s glory, check out our great selection of Fernie ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals. Many of our Destination Experts have first-hand knowledge of skiing/snowboarding in beautiful Fernie and can offer plenty of information on where to stay and offer great insider tips. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call us at 1-877-902-1616.