Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia is renowned for its frequent powder dumps and varied Rocky Mountain terrain. Spanning 2,504 acres (1,013 ha), Fernie boasts five main bowls, tree-lined runs, and near-endless off-piste potential, particularly for advanced skiers looking for steep and deep conditions. The resort base is slope-side, with the nearby town of Fernie (just 7 km / 4.3 miles away) offering additional dining and nightlife options. Whether you’re after mellow greens for family skiing or the biggest vertical lines in the Rockies, you’ll find a laid-back Canadian Rockies vibe and genuine local charm in both resort and town.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Fernie ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let's get started!
Fernie is located in south-eastern British Columbia, Canada, near the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rockies. Roughly 91 km (56 miles) east of Cranbrook.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Renowned for deep, dry snowfall | Base altitude around 1,052 m (3,451 ft) |
| Five alpine bowls | Limited high-speed lift coverage |
| Extensive tree skiing | Town is not right at the base, but 7 km (4.3 miles) away |
| Fewer crowds | Harsh weather at times |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Fernie has to offer.
Fernie excels for beginners in the Mini Moose and Mighty Moose zones at the base, offering wide, gentle slopes and an adjacent ski school. Once novices gain confidence, they can hop on the Deer Chair or the lower mountain blues. Tree-lined greens near the village provide an easy progression path, though caution is advised if venturing into the bowls, Fernie’s terrain can be steeper than it appears on paper.
Intermediates will relish the blues and easier reds threading through each bowl. Timber and Cedar Bowls, in particular, host well-groomed trails through pines, perfect for scenic cruising. The Blue “Falling Star” extends 5 km (3.1 miles), offering a signature top-to-bottom experience. Many other mid-pitch runs let intermeds explore lightly gladed terrain or short steeps, while typically short lift queues ensure maximum mileage.
Fernie thrives on advanced terrain, 75 difficult runs sprawl across the five bowls, with steep lines off Polar Peak, chutes bridging Lizard and Cedar, plus moguls in Currie’s high ridges. Storms frequently refresh these upper bowls with deep powder, though avalanche control may close sections temporarily. For advanced skiers seeking challenge, areas like Knot Chutes or Snake Ridge deliver tight tree skiing, while the ridge between Lizard and Cedar can offer epic lines in fresh snow.
Fernie’s average 11 m (36 ft) of snowfall nurtures an off-piste paradise with steep glades, bowls, and sidecountry expansions. The “Face Lift” near Currie or “Cedar Ridge” in Cedar Bowl often hold leftover powder pockets. For bigger adventures, consider a day of snowcat skiing, whisking you to more remote slopes by tracked vehicle. Always carry proper avalanche gear, watch weather reports, and possibly team up with a guide or join a cat-ski operator for maximum safety and enjoyment.
Snowboarders love Fernie’s consistent powder, treed glades, and rolling terrain. The mountain typically sets up a small terrain park less a freestyle mecca than a freerider’s dream. The Crisp Kootenay dryness fosters playful stashes on the edges of each bowl, with enough variety to entertain novices and advanced boarders. Chairs lead to all main bowls, so few T-bars hamper the ride.
The 2024/25 ski season at Fernie started on December 4th and is expected to run until April 14th, although these dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday, be sure to explore our Fernie deals for the best ski offers available.
Fernie offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 16 cm (6.29 in) and 13 cm (5.11 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 4.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 17 cm (6.69 in) and occurs more frequently, averaging 5.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the third week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Fernie, with an impressive 19 cm (7.48 in) of snow over 5.5 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 9 cm (3.54 in) of snow over 3.4 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 16 cm (6.29 in) | 4.9 days |
| January | 13 cm (5.11 in) | 4.9 days |
| February | 17 cm (6.69 in) | 5.1 days |
| March | 14 cm (5.51 in) | 4.8 days |
| April | 9 cm (3.54 in) | 3.4 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Fernie’s on-hill dining and town eateries present a diverse spread, from quick slope-side bites to gourmet experiences. Highlights include:
Fernie’s nightlife is laid-back rather than frantic, emphasising pub culture and social gatherings. Highlights include:
Download Fernie Alpine resort base area map here
