Fernie ski resort, British Columbia

• Beginners

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• Intermediates

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• Experts

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• Snow Record

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• Families

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• Charm

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• Apres Ski

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• Weekends

Excellent snow record - great for those who like steep and deep powder. A  favourite with serious skiers and snowboarders. Five large open bowls offer good challenging skiing plus lots of easy and intermediate runs. Although it is one of fastest growing resort in North America but it is still small, friendly and relatively crowd free.

In favour of Fernie

Fernie caters well for intermediates and advanced skiers, but not so well for beginners, as there a few groomed cruising runs. Snow cat skiing is available nearby which opens up more of the back country area. Fernie also has a 'First Tracks programme'. 

The actual ski resort is 3 miles from the town of Fernie; a shuttle bus operates between the town and the ski area. It is possible to stay in either the town or at the base of the mountain. More than half of the groomed runs are for beginners and intermediates, which balances the abundance of consistently steep and even fall lines, tree-runs and wide-open knee-deep powder bowls for the experts. Fernie offers excellent childcare with both day and evening fun programmes

For trail map please click: http://www.skifernie.com/themountain/trailmap.asp

Disadvantages:

You need to go into Fernie town (3 miles) for both entertainment and shopping. The lift system has gaps and you find you have to traverse to some of the best terrain.  After a big snowfall it can take time for some of the bowls to open due to avalanche control.

Non-Skiing Activities:

snowmobile and dog sledding tours Horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoeing

Accommodation

Lizard Creek Lodge is the most luxurious property located at the base of the mountain. It is ski in ski out, with excellent facilities and stunning views and comes highly recommended.  The Snow Creek Lodge,  is more reasonably priced option located just above Lizard Creek Lodge and with doorstep skiing. The Timberline Lodges are a more modest option also located at the base of the mountain. You can ski back to the and only a short free shuttle to the base of the ski lifts.