Why Fernie Alpine is Highly Rated for Intermediate Skiers

Fernie Alpine has earned the 2025 bronze award: Best for Intermediate Skiers - North America by offering exceptional progression opportunities across its varied terrain. With a remarkable 4.64/5.00 rating in this category, it's clear why so many Snomad users praise its intermediate-friendly features. Tommy, an intermediate skier, highlights that "there was a good mix of beginner friendly trails and higher level blues/blacks" that helped keep things interesting while building confidence. Ian, an intermediate snowboarder, points out that Fernie has "the most varied terrain and spectacular scenery of any of the Canadian resorts," making it perfect for developing skills across different conditions. The resort's layout cleverly divides terrain by ability level, with Stephanie noting how "the mountain kind of has sections and chairs with terrain targeted to ability level together," allowing intermediates to progress at their own pace.

What truly distinguishes Fernie for intermediate skiers is how it balances challenge with accessibility. The long blue runs provide ample opportunity for skill development without overwhelming riders. Josela, an intermediate snowboarder, loves that "the runs are long" with minimal lift waits, allowing for maximum practice time. Jarred, another intermediate skier, explains that while there's "lots of traversing on the mountain which can be a little more difficult," it's "definitely worth the time and effort" as these traverses lead to incredible terrain that builds confidence. Our reviewers frequently mention how the varied bowls offer progression routes that encourage intermediates to push their boundaries safely. As Sam succinctly puts it, "no other place can compete for run variety," making Fernie a standout destination for skiers looking to advance their skills.

Want to know if this resort is right for you? Read our full resort guide to see how Fernie Alpine stacks up across all 20 of our community-rated categories!