Fernie is renowned for it’s high level of average snowfall. Is the powder really that awesome?
Situated in the south east corner of British Columbia the closest airport is Cranbrook, although due to limited flights it can be cheaper and easier to transfer from Calgary. Fernie has 12 lifts servicing 112 runs. With a good level of average snowfall, powder days are good although many runs are not open after a large dump. Avalanche control have a lot to do here.
So what’s this powder really like? Powder days tend to be busy on the hill causing queues, especially for first lift, as many people take the morning off work for dumps of more than 10cm. The mild climate means the snow is wet, causing the runs get tracked out and bumpy fairly early in the day. If you are lucky enough to get first tracks it’s worth it, if not it’s hard work riding the moguls created by the morning rush. That said if you happen to be in the queue when they open either the Currie, Ceder or Lizard bowls you could be in for an awesome waist deep run.
They have one park, which is rails only, as RCR (the resort management) have decided to do away with jumps this has caused some what of a debate in the town as to whether they have done the right thing or not. Natural hits can still be found around the mountain if you know where to look and there are plenty of trees. Fernie has a good selection of runs and terrain to keep you entertained during your stay for everyone from the advanced riders to families, it is easy to find new challenges every day. The terrain is fairly steep and has a good variety of blue, black and double black runs. Apart from crowding caused by the regular avalanche closures there is usually plenty of room on the slopes and limited lift queues. Queues tend to occur over national holidays and weekends when people from the local towns and cities migrate to Fernie for some riding or skiing.
In terms of accommodation there is a choice of whether to stay in the town or at the resort 3 miles down the road. Most of the bars and shops are in town. Ski bus runs every hour for $3 each way or in the evening from the resort to and from town $1. Make sure you book early as due to it’s size and popularity, there is limited accommodation in Fernie. We booked a condo in town, as it worked out cheaper and put us closer to the night life. Fernie has a reasonably good, although slightly limited night life with 5 pubs to choose from in town and 1 at the resort. There is also a good selection of eateries around the town, and a couple on the resort. The popularity of the resort means that the prices here are inflated as with most ski resorts, beer, food and accommodation can be a little pricey.
On the whole Fernie is a good reasonably well run resort with plenty of powder. Unfortunately the grooming of the runs is limited, as is the terrain suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Due to the amount of powder here avalanche closures are a constant fixture. For all those total beginners out there, the powder levels allow for a softer landing whilst learning. And for those who want a good challenge and who don’t mind a very strong antipodean feel this is a good resort. We did a season here and did not get bored of the hill, the Griz (snow god) blessed us with over 10 meters of powder.
For official information on Fernie’s facilities and prices check out. http://www.skifernie.com
Opening of the Currie Bowl