Thu, 12/16/2010 - 9:46pmResort check: Fernie, Canada

Just like riding backcountry, but most of it is inbounds!

Photography: Henry Georgi | Words: Rachel Devlin

 

Fernie has long held a cult status amongst Canucks, and now the Brits are getting in on the action.

The resort is the original powder paradise. It has an average annual snowfall of almost 9m, and more than enough steep stuff to keep experts happy. Bizarrely though the terrain really suits novices, making it ideal for groups of mixed ability.

The 2500 acres pack in an awful lot of variety, ranging from good beginner stuff at the bottom of the ungroomed chutes to a huge number of steep runs in the trees.

Arrow (in the Lizard Bowl, accessible off the Great Bear Express) has great early season snow coverage and an overall great intermediate, cruiser run. From there, skiers can head back up the Great Bear Express to Cedar Bowl and enjoy the newly enhanced Cruiser run, which underwent extensive clearing over the summer to open it out even more.

 

Fall-line’s favourite runs

Fernie has five legendary bowls that offer unique and vast terrain for all levels. Some unique and popular runs include:

• BEAR – a fantastic intermediate cruiser that is both a local and family favourite

• FALLING STAR – it’s the longest run at just over 5km, so great for getting those legs working

• SNAKE RIDGE – more suitable for the advanced skiers in a group

• MORNING GLORY – an advanced run that requires a bit of a hike up and joins in with Falling Star but well worth it with deep powder stashes, gladed terrain and a side-country feel

• DEER – for newbies and nippers, this is a green run running from the top of the Deer Chair and runs directly through the centre of the Minute Maid Wilderness Area

• DEAR AND ELK – the runs accessible off the Deer and Elk chair are spot on for families skiing together with different ability levels in the group

 

Where to eat

There’s a surprising amount to choose from in terms of on-mountain dining options, certainly enough to satisfy a range of budgets, including: Gabriella's (Italian), Kelsey's Bar & Grill (for families and après), and Lizard Creek Lodge (the most gourmet of the three).

 

The nightlife

The Griz Bar, which is located in the plaza of Fernie Alpine Resort, is known for the best après ski, with daily food and drink specials to keep you interested, as well as live music – and this place is known for the longest table slide, which is a great way to lose your teeth once the beers have taken hold.

 

Freeriding

You’ve got plenty of options here; Curry Bowl, Snake Ridge, Siberia Ridge, Knot Chutes, and the Saddle. The combination of deep snow and steep terrain makes Fernie a great mountain for advanced skiers.
There are backcountry routes you can take with guidance – some even include an overnight camp – and snowcat operations in other nearby mountains.

 

Freestyle

Then head for the Fernie park, which is pretty long with a range of tables from small to medium, as well as a collection of rails and features such as a step-up. There are plans to beef it up this season, with multiple lines for improved progression for novice through to expert riders, and the addition of several new boxes and rails each season.

 

Accommodation for cheapskates and more…

Wolf's Den Lodge is a great ski-in/ ski-out, economy accommodation choice for those on a budget, while both Timberline Lodge and Lizard Creek Lodge provide a more luxury experience in modern suites.

 

Are there any liftpass deals?

Again, discounts of up to 10% are available for people who are booking early or in groups. The standard price for a six-day pass for adults is about $450 Canadian dollar or $350 Canadian dollars for 13 to 17 year olds; and $150 Canadian dollars for children under 13 (children under six go free).

 

Fernie Alpine Resort vital stats

Season: November to April
Lifts: 10
Base elevation: 1068m
Top elevation: 1925m
Vertical descent: 857m
Night skiing: yes
Terrain: 2500 acres
Trails: 5.1km
Beginner terrain: 30%
Intermediate terrain: 40%
Advanced terrain: 30%

www.skifernie.com

 

Getting to Alberta and BC, Canada

Vancouver and Calgary are the two main airports for most Canadian resorts. Air Canada, British Airways and Canadian Affair serve them.

 

Big White (1)

This resort is easily  accessible via Vancouver or Calgary on connecting flights to Kelowna BC. Connecting flights are 40 minutes or an hour respectively, and regular airport shuttles connect to the resort a further
hour away. It’s roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver.

 

Fernie (2)

Fernie Alpine Resort is located in the southeast corner of the BC Rockies on Highway 3, approximately 60km from the Alberta and US borders. The transfer time from Calgary is just over three hours.
 

Panorama (3)

Although Panorama Mountain Village is located in BC; most international guests arrive via Calgary International airport. Regular transfers are available between Calgary and Panorama Mountain Village. A great
alternative is to grab a car and hit the road giving you the other Rockies destinations on route. Transfer time will take up to four hours.
 

Whistler | Blackcomb (4)

Pacific Coach's YVR-Whistler SkyLynx is a scheduled bus service between Vancouver International airport (YVR) and Whistler Village. They have ticket counters at the Domestic and International Arrivals
areas of YVR (www.pacificcoach.com/whistler). The coach costs about £30 and takes about two-and-a-half hours.

 

Public Transport

Canada’s rail service is quite pricey, but it is a great way to see the country, and there are cheaper options for those who book in advance. Go to www.viarail.ca for more information. If you really want to keep costs down, you could try Greyhound – purveyors of cheap but grueling coach journeys. And you’re never too sure who you’ll be traveling with. Fall-Line’s Rachel spent her Greyhound journey with a comatose drunk using her shoulder as a pillow (www.greyhound.ca).