In recent years Fernie Alpine Ski Resort has become one of the top destination ski areas in North America. Attracted by the varied terrain — including five enormous bowls — and deep powder, legions of snow lovers have begun taking ski holidays in Fernie Alpine Resort. But despite its newfound status as a Mecca for powder hungry downhillers, Fernie is still one of the least crowded large mountains in the Rocky Mountains.
The six chairlifts and four surface lifts at Fernie Alpine Ski Resort service 2,400 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 2,800 feet. Almost everything in-bounds can be skied, including some hair-raisingly steep natural chutes and bowls. As if that is not enough to attract adventurous skiers and snowboarders, there are some awesomely challenging bowls and glades in the unpatrolled out-of-bounds areas accessible from Fernie Alpine Ski Resort.
For advanced skiers and snowboarders, ski holidays in Fernie Alpine Resort are dreams come true. Some of the terrain at Fernie is so steep and deep in snow that it must be regularly closed due to fears of avalanches. When they is open, the steep runs at the top of the mountain are as exhilarating as any piste in the world.
Each of the five in-bounds bowls at Fernie Alpine Ski Resort has some challenging expert terrain. At Cedar Bowl, try Steep & Deep or Gorbie area. At Lizard Bowl, the runs off the Saddle are breathtaking; further down Freeway is a nice steep path out of the bowl. Currie Bowl, on the other side of the Saddle from Lizard also has some nice steep runs and the glades at Siberia Bowl are worth checking out too.
Intermediate skiers can also try their luck on the bowls;
each one has an area that is groomed. It is easy to dip
from the groomed runs on Lizard, Currie, or Cedar bowls
into gentle trees and knee-deep powder fields. Cascade
and Bow runs on Lizard bowl are nice wide-open areas great
for mastering the art of powder skiing. Timber Bowl is
the place for gentle tree runs.
Beginners should expect a trial by fire on ski holidays in Fernie Alpine Resort. This is a great place to come if you are just starting to get the hang of skiing or (especially) snowboarding. The green runs are no bunny slopes, but expect to improve by leaps and bounds if you come to Fernie Alpine Ski Resort for a long trip. The deep powder is perfect for taking risks, safe in the knowledge that your falls will be gently cushioned. First timers can begin off the small Mighty Moose lift, progress to the runs off the Deer Quad, then head up Great Bear lift for some real treats.
Located about two hours from Calgary's Airport, Fernie Alpine Resort is fairly isolated. The atmosphere is casual. There are après ski bars in the nearby town of Fernie, but they are all laid back affairs. There are slopeside condos and quality hotels in town, but they all have a good skier-friendly appeal. Ski holidays in Fernie Alpine Resort are about one thing: skiing.
