What the FERNIE?
That’s exactly what I said after my first visit to this epic resort, but in a good way! Fernie Alpine Resort is without a doubt one of the best places to ski in British Columbia, Here’s Why.
Table of Contents
Skiable Acreage & Skiable Vertical
Fernie Alpine Resort boasts 2,500 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 1,082 meters (3,550 feet), all spread across 5 amazing alpine bowls.
Total Lifts
With 10 lifts, including two high-speed quads, two regular quads, and three triple chairs, Fernie’s lift system is fairly efficient and the Polar Peak chair is a must-hit if you want to experience the highest terrain the resort has to offer, reaching over 2,100 meters with insane panoramic views.
Location & Accessibility
Located in southeastern British Columbia, Fernie is tucked away in the Lizard Range of the Rockies, about a 3-hour drive from Calgary. It’s a bit more off the beaten path than some resorts, but that’s part of its charm. The drive down to Fernie is spectacular. If you’re flying in, you can either drive from Calgary or fly into the smaller Canadian Rockies International Airport, which is just over an hour away.
Navigating the Mountain
There are five bowls at Fernie: Timber Bowl, Currie Bowl, Lizard Bowl, and Cedar Bowl. All of them rock and have unique character. If you want to access some of the big terrain high on the mountain, you’ll find yourself taking a lot of taxi rides up the Timber Bowl Express & White Pass Quad to get as high up as possible. Fernie’s width means you will have to do a bit of traversing and ridge riding to get to some runs, but it doesn’t eat up much fall line at all and is still doable for snowboarders. If you’re visiting, even just for a day, make it a goal to ski every bowl and lift on the mountain at least once. It makes for a really fun flow.
Beginner Terrain
Fernie is more well-known for its challenging terrain, but that doesn’t mean beginners are hung out to dry. About 30% of the resort is dedicated to beginner-friendly runs. The Deer Chair and Elk Quad provide access to several wide-open green runs that are perfect for first-timers or those looking to build confidence. You’ll also find some easier slopes weaving through the trees on the lower mountain.
Intermediate and Carving Runs
For those who prefer playing around on sharp edges, they’ll love ripping the Fernie groomers. There are loads of long rolling groomers to get you going mach chicken and set down some carving turns. One of my favorites was Falling Star, which is a carver from top to bottom. I also loved Cruiser off the Bear Chair and Dancer to Lizard.
Typically at many mountains, alpine terrain can be quite unapproachable for intermediate riders. This isn’t really the case at Fernie. Every bowl offers a skiing experience suitable for riders who aren’t quite ready to tackle black and double black runs yet.
Advanced/Expert Terrain
Fernie has some of the most creative and exciting advanced terrain around. Once you step off the White Pass Chair, you can take a look at the ridges on either side of Currie Bowl going down. Or, if you want to get weird and steep, you can ski over some tires on the way into Lizard Bowl. I wish I could give you favorites, but there’s no bad call. I just kept skiing either side of the bowls and dropping into new lines. It was awesome—full Fernie freedom, baby.
Extreme Terrain
If you’re looking to get spicy, Fernie has a few areas worth checking out. The Polar Peak has the most extreme terrain coming down from the summit, with some super steep and somewhat exposed lines. The Polar Peak chair has a very bad track record of being open, so you can’t really rely on it. But if you line up a bluebird day with the lift open, take advantage and ski every possible line.
If Polar Peak is not open, there are still some extreme areas to check out. The Knot Chutes are an awesome steep option right off the White Pass Chair, or head over for a quick bootpack to Snake Ridge, where you can ski some steep trees and chutes. There are lots of natural features at Fernie, so you can dial up the extreme factor pretty quickly depending on your line choice and how you ski it.
Tree Skiing
There is tree skiing absolutely everywhere. I was skiing sick tree lines every lap. The best way to get to know some of the specific lines would be to lurk my Fernie skiing videos from last season.
Bowls
Fernie’s five bowls are the heart and soul of the resort. Each offers its own personality, from the more mellow lines of Lizard Bowl to the steep pitches of Cedar Bowl. It’s a fun game to get to the top of each chair and scope out your line down the bowls before you ski it.
Terrain Parks
For the freestyle skiers and boarders, Fernie has a solid terrain park setup. Located off the Deer Chair, the park has jumps, rails, and boxes for all skill levels. While Fernie isn’t known as a terrain park mecca, it’s got enough features to keep the park riders somewhat entertained.
Lift Lines
I never waited in a single line at Fernie. But, during peak season, you are likely to run into some wait times on big pow weekends and vacation days. However, if you switch up the chairlifts, you can always find an area where other people aren’t giving enough love.
Snow Conditions & Climate
Fernie is famous for its powder, with the resort receiving around 29 feet (9 meters) of snow annually. The average temperature is around -5°C, which is super nice. It’s one of the snowiest resorts in the Rockies, and its relatively dry snow makes for epic powder days.
Backcountry Access
Fernie and the surrounding peaks have plenty of touring opportunities. I haven’t done any backcountry research here, but there’s definitely lots of potential in the lizard range.
Family
Fernie is also family-friendly, with lessons and programs for kids, a tube park, and plenty of easy terrain to explore. Mighty Moose is the go-to beginner area for little ones, and with so much space, families can easily find their own pockets of the mountain to enjoy.
Views
The views from Fernie are unreal. I was blown away when I saw the massive snow wall after my first trip up the White Pass Chair. Standing on top of Polar Peak is worth the price of admission alone. The Lizard Range is absolutely electric, and these are some of the best views you’ll find from a ski resort in the Rockies.
Tickets & Passes
Fernie is part of the Mountain Collective and Epic Pass, so if you’ve got either, you’re in luck. The RCR Rockies Card is also a great option for those looking to spend more time at Fernie, offering discounts and flexible day passes across all Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
My Honest Opinion
Fernie Alpine Resort is a must-visit for anyone who loves powder, trees, and diverse terrain. Sure, it’s not the easiest place to get to, and the weather can be a bit unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure. Whether you’re a powder hound or a family looking for a unique ski experience, Fernie has something for everyone. It’s a mountain that’s raw, wild, and absolutely worth every turn.
