Three Reasons to Visit the Legendary Fernie Alpine Resort
After another epic winter, we want to make sure Fernie is at the top of the list for any fans of steep and deep for 2018/19.
The reasons to visit are plentiful, but here are the three that keep us coming back...
1. Powder, Lots of It
With 1,190 cm of snowfall falling last winter on Fernie's five blissfully quiet bowls (Siberia, Currie, Timber, Lizard and Cedar), the skiing and riding were incredible. Many locals called it one of the best winters they can remember.
Fernie is located on the Powder Highway, the spiritual home of cat skiing. You are almost guaranteed super-dry, classic British Columbia powder and have two operators to choose from, Island Lake Lodge and Fernie Wilderness Adventures.
2. Steep Terrain
If you want steep you’ve got it - for anyone that’s a good intermediate or above, Fernie has some of the most challenging terrain in Canada.
Officially the terrain is 30% advanced and 40% intermediate, but if I'm being honest, the blues in Fernie are steeper than your average cruiser. The resort sees so much snow that they often leave many runs ungroomed, allowing for true bottomless powder turns.
3. Lizard Creek Lodge
A long time Ski Safari favourite, the 4*+ Lizard Creek Lodge has a superb early booking offer in place - stay 10 nights but only pay for 7 if you book by 31 August.
This ski-in ski-out property has studios through to three bedroom plus loft condos, an amazing slopeside outdoor heated pool and hot tub and the best place for après and food - Cirque Restaurant.
4. Castle Mountain
There is a very simple explanation as to why I've included Castle Mountain as a special surprise fourth option. A 90 minute drive from Fernie will give you one of the best day trips ever. Few resorts in North America can rival the amount of powder vs skier visits ratio that Castle offers. A true locals' mountain, with some of the deepest powder (1,164 cm last season) and steepest terrain in Canada.