Fernie Alpine

Closed
Jack Lee
SnowPak Local Insider
Jack Lee
Pros
  • Tons of light, dry powder
  • World-class expert terrain
  • Nearby town of Fernie has dog sledding, climbing wall and more
Cons
  • Basic amenities at the base

Fernie Alpine Ski Packages

Lodging + Lift Tickets Discount Price
Lizard Creek Lodge
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
21% off $670
Park Place Lodge
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
16% off $635
Raging Elk Hostel
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
13% off $460

View all ski packages for Fernie Alpine

Overall

4.4

It's all steep and deep at Fernie Alpine. Upper terrain can be slow to open because of avalanche danger but when that happens, just duck down to the lower lying trees for storm skiing. The resort receives an average of 360 in of snowfall per year, which makes freshies easy to find and very plentiful. 

Best month to go

Late January to February

Avoid

March and April

Late January to February is the best time to visit Fernie Alpine as the holiday crowds would have disappeared and it’s also the period for the most snowfall and the driest powder. March and April generally see warmer weather that turns to the snow into slush.

FLY TO

Calgary International Airport

DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO

Fernie Alpine (3.5 hours)

Base of Fernie Alpine (Walk)

  • Limited number of accommodation from luxury hotels and condos to budget ski-in/ski-out hotels
  • Laid-back village
  • Limited dining and après ski options

Find accommodations around here

Fernie (5-6 mi)

  • Wide range of lodgings including luxury hotels to Airbnb rooms
  • Limited dining options though more than at the base of Fernie
  • Offers more off-slope activities than Fernie Alpine

Find accommodations around here

For beginners

Beginners will have loads of suitable runs here, most notably in the Lower Mountain area which is packed with green slopes. Never-evers can start near the base and use the Mini Moose Conveyor to practice on the bunny slope before jumping on the longer Elk Alternative run off Mighty Moose Platter. After that, any greens off Deer Chair are excellent progression trails!

For intermediates

There is plenty of terrain for intermediates to enjoy across Fernie, especially in Timber Bowl and Lizard Bowl. Our favorite run, however, is Currie Powder off the White Pass Quad in the Currie Bowl. There are some steep sections though most of it is relatively easy terrain. There is also incredible powder to be found on this trail and is great for spotting more challenging runs nearby.

For experts

From cliffs to mega steeps, ungroomed glades and gullies plus tons to explore in their legendary bowls, Fernie serves up some of the better challenging terrain compared to neighboring resorts. The steep shots off the Polar Peak and Currie Bowl have a well-earned reputation for being the best terrain here. From Polar Peak, make your way down the Cougar Glades in Currie Bowl, it's our favorite here! Don't miss the powder-filled backcountry or cat-skiing nearby!

Find freshies

Hidden powder stashes can be found wherever there are fresh tracks! The main trails tend to get tracked out quickly so it's worth venturing out. Our top tip would be to go into the trees because that's where the good stuff is, especially if you're willing to follow the long traverses! Trust us it's worth it.

Ditch the crowds

With minimal to no crowds or lift queues, Fernie is fantastic for those just looking to shred the slopes in peace. The only areas that may get congested are around the main intermediate trails but other than that, the resort is generally free of the masses!

Non skiers

Fernie holds a number of exciting concerts and events throughout the season but other than that there are only a small number activities that will keep non-skiers entertained. Instead, the town of Fernie nearby has a lot more on offer including dogsledding, snowshoeing, spas and a climbing wall and even curling!

Families

The Lower Mountain area is packed with family-friendly green slopes as well as beginner areas and slow zones. Our top trails for families would be Elk off the Elk Quad and Lower Lizard, both located in the slow zone! It's also not uncommon to see groups of little ones, as young as 5 years old, shredding the slopes together, that's how kid-friendly the slopes are!

Save up to 32% when you book a Fernie Alpine package!

View Fernie Alpine packages

Fernie Alpine Reviews

Very Good 4.2 / 5
based on 16 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 19, 2017
DMDan M.
expert snowboarder
Fernie Alpine resort is my dream place to snowboard. The snow is the best I have ever ridden and when it snows, it comes in ample amounts for the deepest inbound days ever. The size and layout of the resort is amazing. Even on busy days you can escape the crowds easily to find fresh tracks, and can always find somewhere new to explore. ... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 13, 2017
MSMatt S.
intermediate snowboarder
Fernie is epic, only a few hours from Calgary, has all the amenities you will need. On mountain is stellar with pow for days, easy parking lots and a great little village. The town itself is gorgeous with heaps of hikes/snowshoeing/cross country for non riding days.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 11, 2017
ARAustin R.
expert skier
Such an amazing please, everyone is so friendly and helpful!. Snow quality is like no place I've skied before just so dry and endless. Lift lines are only bad during the holidays which is expected.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 08, 2017
ASAlex S.
intermediate snowboarder
Was in Fernie last Feb and it didn't not disappoint, 1.5ft fell in the week we were there! Unreal backcountry, never seen anything like it. Pretty steep resort and a good drive out from the town but uncrowded and definitely worth a visit... More
Poor!1 / 5Sep 27, 2007
RRick
not so great
Superb!5 / 5Jan 05, 2006
AAndrew
set up very nicely never encounter flat spots and always an easy way down , HEAVEN