Ski Fernie Alpine Resort is situated in the southeast corner of the B.C. Rocky Mountains. It has a reputation for excellent powder skiing. Total vertical drop is a little over 1,082 m (3,550 ft), with a top elevation of around 2,134 m (7000 ft). Average annual snowfall is about 915 cm (almost 30 ft), to enjoy on 2,504 acres. Ski season usually begins early December and runs until late March or early April.
Ski Fernie offers great mountain biking for everyone, with some of the best mountain trails in the Canadian Rockies.
The season begins June 20 on the 26 maintained trails (beginner to expert), which are available by lift access. Fernie hosts numerous mountain biking events.
The hiking and horseback riding around Fernie is spectacular with a multitude of wildlife species, mountain meadows full of wildflowers, and forests of spruce, fir and old growth cedars.
There are many ways to enjoy the winter at Fernie. The family can have fun in a sleigh pulled by Belgian and Percheron draft horses or take an evening snowmobile tour. Traditional forms of travel such as dog sledding or snowshoeing tours are a wonderful way to experience the spectacular mountain scenery.
In the summertime the Rocky Mountain rivers in the Fernie area offer a wide range of paddling experiences, from gentle and relaxing float trips to challenging whitewater rafting trips for the more experienced paddler.
Fishing is available on a variety of easily accessible nearby lakes plus fly-fishing in the beautiful Elk Valley. Guided trips on the Elk, Wigwam and Flathead Rivers are available.
Another popular summer activity is playing on one of the local Golf Courses, including the 18 hole course at Fernie Golf & Country Club, with it's spectacular mountain views in every direction.
The ski hill itself is about 5 km from the town of Fernie, population 5,200. Many of the buildings in the downtown neighbourhood are originals that have stood for almost 100 years.
The town has over 25 restaurants, 4 coffee shops, a movie theatre, 10 bars, over 100 retail stores, indoor aquatic center (with water slide and 28-person hot tub), fitness center, bowling alley, tennis courts, and 5 parks.
The Fernie ski area is criss-crossed with biking, hiking and snowmobile trails that offer a variety of terrain for all levels of cross-country skiing.
