Fernie

A World Class Resort

Over the past years Fernie has seen a huge transformation from sleepy backwater ski resort to a world renowned haven for winter sport enthusiasts. Primarily skiers and snowboarders alike flocked to Fernie for the legendary powder conditions the area provides. With over 29 feet of snow in a season that is comparatively shorter than other Canadian resorts, powder days are a certainty. The 2008 season proved to be an epic on with over 1,100cm of snow falling; in one week alone 170cm fell! Fernie experiences what is known as 'Champagne' powder, which is lighter and dryer due to Fernie's distance from the coast, creating unforgettable condtions. People still visit for the unbelievable snow, but also for a huge ski area (4th biggest in Canada), a wide range of accomodation, lively nightlife and an unrivalled atmosphere generated by welcoming, laid-back locals.

NONSTOP's Fernie Background

- Fernie Facts
- Awards & Accolades
- Location
- Getting there
- Climate
- History

Fernie Facts

2,500 acre
Terrain:
44% Expert
34% Intermediate
22% Beginner
Five open bowls
220Km Downhill Pistes
15Km Cross Country Trails
10 Ski Lifts
1930m Highest Lift

Fernie Awards & Accolades

• "Coolest Town in North America" Rolling Stone Magazine (2000)
• "Best Ski Town, Best Powder, and Best Deck Party in Canada!" Ski Magazine (2006)
• "One of the top six powder destinations on the planet" Fall Line Magazine (2007)

Location

Fernie lies on the Elk River in the south eastern corner of British Columbia in the Lizard range of the Rocky mountains. As one of the largest and oldest communities in the area it serves as something of a regional centre.

Getting to Fernie

By Air:
Calgary airport is serviced by the majority of national and international airlines and is only 3.5 hours drive to Fernie.

By Road:
From Calgary: Driving to Fernie can provide an excellent oppurtunity to view the spectacular scenery of the area. The more scenic and shorter route into Fernie is along the Cowboy Trail (Highway #22); however in adverse weather conditions it is advisable to take the alternative route mentioned below. If the weather is fine then follow Highway #2 out of Calgary to Highway #22 via the town of Black Diamond. After about an hour of driving you’ll come to the Crowsnest Highway (Highway #3), where you need to turn right (west). Continue on this road to Fernie. (3.5 Hrs approx.)

Poor Weather Conditions:
Head south on Highway #2, towards Fort Mcleod until reaching Highway #3. Turn west onto Highway #3 and stay on till Fernie. (4 Hrs approx.)

Climate

The mountain ranges surrounding Fernie help protect the area from extreme temperatures and create fantastic winter and summer conditions. The topographical profile of the local valley and mountains means that Fernie has its very own micro-climate. Temperatures in the winter average at around -11C and in the summer temperatures in the day average at over 25C. In the winter around 360cm of snow can be expected in town at 1068m altitude. Up on the hill a monstrous 875cm of snow can be expected creating the world renowned powder reputation of Fernie. Although this is not Canada's highest annual snowfall as Fernie has a shorter season (mid December to mid April) there are far more powder days within each season. Not just content with quantity? Well, the quality of the snow is different to that of other resorts in the Rockies. As it is situated much further inland than other resorts based closer to the pacific coast, the snow is much dryer and lighter, and is often referred to as 'Champagne Powder'.

Fernie History

The Ghostrider Legend
Fernie, originally a coal mining town, experienced a challenging start as a town. Successive fires in the early 20th century reduced the primarily wooden town to ash. Determined locals rebuilt the town, learning from previous mistakes, and replacing timber with bricks. Many attribute Fernie’s unfortunate start to a curse placed on the area by an angry Indian chief and his daughter. The curse was placed on Fernie by the tribe’s medicine woman on request of the Indian chief due to William Fernie’s (a founder of the town) unfaithful love interest with the chief’s daughter. On a summer’s evening, the Indian and his daughter can apparently be seen riding out of the shadow of Mount Hosmer’s south face in pursuit of WIlliam Fernie.

Although sounding like a dodgy camp fire story told by a local drunk, politicians and local tribe’s attempted to lift the curse by smoking peace pipes in the early 1960’s! The area has prospered since its early challenges with even a Winter Olympic bid in 1968. So, it would appear the politician’s and local tribe’s peace efforts were successful. But if you're not sure and you're in the area, spark up that peace pipe and quash that bad boy curse!!

Coal Mining
Fernie’s prosperity occurred due to discovery of vast coal deposits in the Elk Valley area, just outside the town. As soon as the infamous William Fernie established rail links into the area, the region flourished. Worker’s from all over the world dashed towards Fernie in hope of a better life, adding significantly to the areas culture and character. Without the mining industry it is extremely doubtful the area would not have risen from the vast wilderness.

Although the area is now dominated by recreationally orientated industry, coal remains a vital part of the economy. Some of the largest mines in the world still reside in the Elk Valley area with many locals working as their forefathers did.

The Ski Area
The ski area was first opened in 1963 by a group of local enthusiasts. This first ski area lay the roots for the world class ski resort Fernie is today by cutting runs through trees, building lifts and founding infrastructure. In 1998, the resort was purchased and renamed Fernie Alpine resort. With the construction of new lifts, the ski area instantly doubled and building began on the alpine village at the base of the resort.