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Fernie Alpine Village Ski Resort Review

Wertu ski expert
May 1, 2024

Nestled in a Rocky Mountain wonderland with generous snowfall, Fernie serves up fresh tracks in five expansive powder bowls and some of the longest runs around. Best of all, mid-week skiing is blissfully uncrowded.

Fernie Alpine Village overview

Stats

4.1
/5
Rating
1052
m
Resort height
2134
m
Summit

KM of slopes

42
Beginners
58
Intermediates
42
Experts
142
Total

Best for

Fun
Intermediates
Experts
Boarders
Off-piestes
Poor
Fun
Couples
Fun

Fernie Alpine Village for beginners

Beginners rating -
42
Perfect
Offering a generous spread for skiers, beginners can delve into a whopping 30% of the 2,500+ skiable acres. Gentle slopes by the Mighty Moose chairlift are perfect for first-timers, while the Deer Chair introduces a variety of green runs. And for those ready to elevate the experience, the high-alpine Great Bear Express quad beckons with the excitement of bowl skiing in the Lizard Bowl.

Fernie Alpine Village for intermediates

Intermediates rating -
Intermediates
Perfect
Fernie rolls out the red carpet for intermediates with long runs and hardly any lift queues. However, it's not all smooth sailing; some of the terrain can get pretty steep, so a glance at the piste map is recommended. For the choicest blue runs, Timber Bowl and Cedar Bowl are where you want to be, offering winding groomers set among pine trees.

Fernie Alpine Village for advanced

Advanced skiers rating -
Experts
Perfect
Adrenaline junkies, Fernie has got the steep and deep you crave. The black diamond runs under Polar Peak will give your skills a real audit. The chutes and powder pockets scattered between trees are like a candy shop for thrill-seekers. Opting for a local guide can elevate the experience, especially around the ridge between Lizard Bowl and Cedar Bowl.

Fernie Alpine Village for snowboarders

Snowboarders rating -
Boarders
Perfect
Snowboarders will find the wide, cruise-friendly slopes in Fernie to their liking, ideal for carving your way down. While the resort doesn't have its own snow park, it more than makes up for it with its diverse terrain that allows for natural features to do the tricking.

Fernie Alpine Village for off-pistes

Off-pistes rating -
Off-piestes
Perfect
Fernie is off-piste heaven, averaging an 11-meter snow dump each winter. From wooded glades to open powder bowls, the landscape offers a smorgasbord of terrain options. A local guide can be your golden ticket to those hidden lines. If you're up for an exclusive experience, consider a day of snowcat skiing away from the main ski area.

Fernie Alpine Village for families

Families rating -
Fun
Perfect
Fernie ensures even the youngest members of the family have a ball. There's a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained and active, beyond the usual skiing and snowboarding. Got some movie buffs? Head to the cinema. For the adventurous, there's a climbing wall, curling, and even helicopter rides. Wellness comes in the form of a leisure center and a swimming pool. And for those looking to experience the snow differently, options like snowmobiling, snowcat skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe walking are available.

Fernie Alpine Village apres-ski

Apres-ski rating -
Perfect
Poor
Nightlife in Fernie is more about the cozy pub scene than raving nightclubs. Darts, pool, and live music are the order of the evening. Fernie Taphouse is the town's classic; with its gastropub menu and lively themes, it sets the bar high. The Pub Bar & Grill offers local brews and hearty snacks, with a patio view that steals the show. And when it comes to après, no one does it like Griz Bar, especially on sunny days when the terrace becomes the hotspot.

Fernie Alpine Village

food scene

Fernie Alpine Village food scene

Fernie ensures even the youngest members of the family have a ball. There's a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained and active, beyond the usual skiing and snowboarding. Got some movie buffs? Head to the cinema. For the adventurous, there's a climbing wall, curling, and even helicopter rides. Wellness comes in the form of a leisure center and a swimming pool. And for those looking to experience the snow differently, options like snowmobiling, snowcat skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe walking are available.