Fernie Alpine Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
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Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Fernie Alpine

Top Rated for
4.68 (119 Ratings)
Powder Zones
4.64 (118 Ratings)
Off-Piste
4.57 (21 Ratings)
Intermediates
4.54 (123 Ratings)
Tree Runs
4.44 (55 Ratings)
Advanced
4.43 (123 Ratings)
Overall Rating
Ranked
76th
of 230 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.43
From 123 Reviews
142
Total Runs
3451
Bottom Elevation
7001
Top Elevation
2504
Skiable Terrain

Fernie Alpine Overview

Fernie Alpine Resort, located in the heart of British Columbia's Rockies, is renowned for its legendary powder and expansive terrain. Situated just 5 minutes from the authentic mining town of Fernie, this ski resort offers visitors a rare blend of world-class skiing with small-town Canadian charm.

The resort spans across five alpine bowls on Lizard Mountain, providing skiers and snowboarders with 142 marked runs between the elevations of 1051.86m and 2133.9m. With 7 chairlifts and 3 drag lifts serving this expansive terrain, there's plenty of mountain to explore without the crowds you might find at more commercial resorts.

Our Snomad community rates Fernie exceptionally highly, giving it 4.43/5 for overall experience. The resort particularly excels in powder zones (4.68/5), off-piste terrain (4.64/5), and tree runs (4.54/5), making it a paradise for powder hounds and adventurous skiers.

"The experience was good, the snow is always amazing and there's lots of powder days. One of the best resorts in Canada. Definitely need more then 1 day to explore everything."
Fernie Alpine
Ege
advanced snowboarder
"Love Fernie for the powder! The runs are long, there are many ski lifts so the wait times are less than 2 minutes. The mountains are very quiet. Cant wait to visit again."
Fernie Alpine
Josela
intermediate snowboarder

The Skiing in Fernie Alpine

Fernie's terrain is a playground that truly comes alive when the snow falls. The five bowls offer distinctly different skiing experiences, with multiple options for intermediates (4.57/5), advanced skiers (4.44/5), and experts (4.36/5).

One Snomad community member liked that "there's something for everyone at Fernie. What I like best is that skier/boarders of all levels can enjoy the hill together as the terrain is varied across all 5 bowls." While the resort does cater to all abilities, it particularly shines for those seeking more challenging terrain.

Zach, an expert skier, explains: "Fernie is a hill for people who want to ride complex terrain and deep pow. There is terrain for all abilities to challenge themselves, and excellent slack-country access."

The off-piste and tree skiing options are truly exceptional, earning 4.54/5 for tree runs. A user who is an advanced snowboarder said: "So much snow this place is steep and deep with amazing open tree runs. One of British Columbia's quieter resorts, but still next level."

The resort's mogul fields (3.59/5) and terrain parks (2.81/5) are less impressive, with many users noting the limited park features. As Adam, an expert skier, puts it: "You don't go to Fernie Alpine to show off your fit or your G turns. You go for that legendary powder."

"Great resort for advanced skiers and boarders who are looking for powder/off piste & bouncing through the trees. "
Fernie Alpine
James
expert skier
"Great offpiste. Tricky for beginners and some big cat tracks for the snow boarders to watch out for. Be careful of out of bounds."
Fernie Alpine
Vicky
advanced skier
Ranked Highly For
icon for Powder Zones
Powder Zones
12th of 235 worldwide
icon for Tree Runs
Tree Runs
11th of 233 worldwide
icon for Off-Piste
Off-Piste
14th of 226 worldwide
icon for Intermediates
Intermediates
19th of 118 worldwide

Eating Out in Fernie Alpine

Fernie scores 3.94/5 for eating out, with options both on the mountain and in town. On-mountain dining is described by users as somewhat limited and pricey, though the quality is generally good.

"On hill dining is limited but Cirque at Lizard Creek Lodge is on point," notes Rick, an expert skier. Several users mention that venturing into the town of Fernie offers a better selection of restaurants and cafes.

Jenna, an advanced skier, shares: "The town is picturesque with some great coffee shops and places to eat." This sentiment is echoed by many, with Cathleen adding that "the town of Fernie offers so much and it's great to stroll up and down the main drag."

The contrast between on-mountain dining and town options is something to consider when planning meals during your ski holiday. While you might find basics and a few gems at the resort itself, the five-minute drive to town opens up a much broader culinary experience.

The Après-Ski in Fernie Alpine

The après-ski scene in Fernie scores 4.00/5 in our ratings, reflecting its laid-back Canadian vibe rather than the raucous party atmosphere found in some European resorts.

Hannah, an intermediate snowboarder, notes: "Always great snow and powder! Getting more and more busy over the years, but what resort isn't? The vibe is great overall, including nightlife and après!"

The town of Fernie itself offers more vibrant nightlife options than the mountain base. Liam, an expert snowboarder, enthuses: "The town of Fernie is electric for a night out. Sick ski hill too."

For those looking for a more relaxed end to their ski day, the resort area provides comfortable options. As Rob, an advanced skier, points out: "The après ski was great. The town is 5 mins from resort."

Our reviewers mention that the authentic, friendly atmosphere extends to the après scene, making it welcoming for all types of visitors, from families to hardcore ski bums.

Fernie Alpine for Families

Fernie earns an impressive 4.41/5 for family friendliness, with many aspects of the resort catering well to family groups.

William, an advanced skier, praises the resort as "Family friendly, great village and super services. The snow is usually pretty amazing and the temperatures are very good." The ski school quality (4.21/5) is also highly rated, giving parents confidence that their children will be in good hands.

Taryn, an advanced skier from Canada, shares a detailed perspective: "The ski school is fantastic for young kids, teaching them the foundational skills necessary. The lessons for both older kids and adults is fantastic, super friendly and knowledgeable instructors that help to improve your abilities."

Some users note that parts of the mountain can be challenging for absolute beginners. As Vicky, an advanced skier, warns: "Great off-piste. Tricky for beginners and some big cat tracks for the snowboarders to watch out for." However, there are dedicated learning areas and plenty of intermediate terrain for progressing families.

The quiet slopes (4.23/5) are a significant benefit for families, with Sean noting that his "Family loved the quiet powder runs."

Accommodation in Fernie Alpine

Accommodation in Fernie receives 4.13/5 in our ratings, with options both at the resort base and in the town itself.

Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is available at the mountain base, which many users appreciate. Taryn mentions: "There are plenty of ski in/out accommodations that my family normally stays in, and they've all been pretty good but our favourite is Lizard Creek Lodge."

Staying in town is also a popular option, with the short five-minute drive to the slopes not presenting much of an inconvenience. Jenna notes: "I've always stayed in town and the drive to the hill is manageable and parking hasn't been an issue when I've gone."

The range of accommodation types suits different budgets and preferences. Some of the user reviews reference the excellent value found in town compared to slope-side options. Ian, an intermediate snowboarder, explains: "It has the most varied terrain and spectacular scenery of any of the Canadian resorts and a wholly authentic town which is very different from a purpose made ski resort."

The majority of users think that whether you choose to stay on the mountain for convenience or in town for variety, both options provide a good base for exploring everything Fernie has to offer.

"Residents very friendly and helpful. Slope side accommodations were excellent"
Fernie Alpine
Bruce
advanced skier

Environment and Sustainability in Fernie Alpine

Fernie Alpine Resort operates under Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), which has implemented various sustainability initiatives across its properties. The resort has focused on reducing energy consumption through more efficient snowmaking equipment and lighting upgrades.

Wildlife conservation is a priority, with dedicated habitat protection zones and educational programs about local ecosystems. The resort has also implemented waste reduction strategies, including recycling programs and efforts to minimize single-use plastics.

Public transport options between the town and resort help reduce the carbon footprint of visitors, while the compact nature of the resort minimizes the environmental impact of infrastructure development.

While Fernie may not be at the forefront of environmental innovation in the ski industry, its efforts reflect a growing commitment to balancing outdoor recreation with environmental responsibility in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Fernie Alpine Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It

Based on our user reviews, these are the top 5 favourite aspects of Fernie Alpine:

Based on the Snomad user reviews, here are the five most celebrated aspects of Fernie Alpine Resort:

  1. Powder and Snow Quality: An overwhelming number of users rave about the exceptional powder. As Sameer, an advanced snowboarder, puts it, "the powder days are magnificent." Many describe it as some of the best and most reliable powder in Canada.

  2. Tree Runs: The tree skiing, particularly in Cedar Bowl, is frequently highlighted. Travis mentions that "Tree runs in the Cedar Bowl are amazing and have great snow conditions the majority of the time." Users love the varied terrain and accessibility of tree skiing for different ability levels.

  3. Bowls and Off-Piste Terrain: The five distinct bowls offer incredible variety. Stephanie, an advanced skier, loves "how the mountain kind of has sections and chairs with terrain targeted to ability level together." The Lizard Bowl and Cedar Bowl receive particular praise.

  4. Uncrowded Slopes: Many users appreciate the lack of lift queues and the ability to find quiet slopes even days after snowfall. As one intermediate snowboarder notes, "It's also a quieter hill which makes finding powder easy."

  5. Advanced/Expert Terrain: For skilled riders, the challenging terrain is a major draw. Ed, an expert snowboarder, describes it as "a powder paradise" with "plenty of expert/extreme in-bounds terrain including chutes and mandatory drops."

Fernie Alpine Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better

Based on our user reviews, these are the top complaints about Fernie Alpine:

Based on our user reviews, here are the five most commonly mentioned drawbacks about Fernie Alpine Resort:

  1. Expensive lift passes - James, an expert skier, mentions "crazy expensive lift passes" while Jack says "lift ticket is extortionate." Greg specifically notes how the resort raises rates during holidays, making it "not affordable for families."

  2. Outdated lifts - Ege points out that "some of the lifts are very slow and old" while Michael mentions that "high speed lifts not quite as good as some resorts." Kelly adds that "chairlifts are old and could use some high speed upgrades."

  3. Weak terrain park - Multiple snowboarders mention the limited park features. Ege states "the parks are not great," Kylar notes there's "only a big rail park," and several users mention the lack of jumps.

  4. Weather inconsistency - Greg warns that "it can just as easily rain on you if you're unlucky," while Yuxi suggests that "if bluebird days and great visibility is important to you, then I probably would not recommend Fernie."

  5. Traversing required - Several users mention the traverses needed to reach certain areas. Jarred notes "lots of traversing on the mountain which can be a little more difficult for snowboarders," while Vince says the "treed ridges are amazing skiing but take a bit of traversing to get to."

Recent Reviews

Great resort for advanced skiers and boarders who are looking for powder/off piste & bouncing through the trees. Ive skied mainly in Europe otherwise and the piste skiing is really limited compared to the average alpine resort. Crazy expensive lift passes & poor selection of food, albeit I am comparing to Europe, Im told this is fairly typical for North America
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
Variety of terrain is excellent.on site guide was an asset.. shuttle to town was well used. Residents very friendly and helpful. Slope side accommodations were excellent
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
Great offpiste. Tricky for beginners and some big cat tracks for the snow boarders to watch out for.
Be careful of out of bounds.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options

Fernie Alpine Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
142Total Runs
3.1 milesLongest Run
2504 acresSkiable Terrain
125 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
7001 feetTop
3451 feetBottom
3550 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
7Chairlifts
3Surface Lifts
Lift Pass Costs
$CAD2199Season pass
$CAD1691 day
Weather
268 cmAverage annual snowfall

Fernie Alpine Travel Information

Airports
100min drive105KMsCranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC)
215min drive210KMsKalispell Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Train Stations
10min drive5KMsFernie

FAQs Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Fernie Alpine FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions

Is Fernie Alpine snow-sure?

Fernie Alpine Ski Resort is not consistently snow-sure throughout the season. While it receives impressive annual snowfall and scores highly for powder zones (4.68/5), several Snomad users note that conditions can be variable. One reviewer mentions it can "just as easily rain on you if you're unlucky," while others point out that snow quality is condition-dependent, occasionally switching from hard pack and ice to massive powder days. The resort's reputation for powder is strongest during February and March.

What mountain range is Fernie Alpine part of?

Fernie Alpine Ski Resort is located in the Lizard Range, which is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. The resort sits on the western slopes of the Lizard Range, offering impressive vertical drops and varied terrain across its five alpine bowls.

When does the ski season start and end in Fernie Alpine?

Fernie Alpine Resort typically opens in early December and runs through mid-April, though exact dates vary based on snow conditions. The prime skiing months are January through March when the famous "Fernie Factor" delivers consistent powder. Our users report that February often offers the best conditions with reliable snowfall, while late-season skiing can still be excellent with warming temperatures and spring skiing opportunities.

Is Fernie Alpine good for beginners?

Fernie Alpine isn't ideal for complete beginners. While there are some green runs, the mountain's real strength lies in its intermediate and advanced terrain, with high ratings for intermediates (4.57/5) and powder zones (4.68/5). Our users mention the resort can be "tricky for beginners" and is "not a beginners hill." If you're just starting out, you might find the significant traversing and predominantly steep terrain challenging.

Is Fernie Alpine good for intermediate skiers?

Fernie Alpine Resort is fantastic for intermediates, scoring an impressive 4.57/5 for intermediates. Users praise the variety of terrain, particularly across its five bowls. Tamara, an intermediate skier, says "There is something for everyone at Fernie. What I like best is that skier/boarders of all levels can enjoy the hill together as the terrain is varied across all 5 bowls."

Many intermediates love the mix of groomed runs and accessible tree skiing that helps develop skills in different conditions. The mountain's layout lets you progress gradually to more challenging terrain as your confidence grows.

Is Fernie Alpine good for advanced skiers?

Absolutely! Fernie Alpine is a paradise for advanced skiers, scoring impressively for advanced terrain (4.44/5). The resort's five bowls offer incredible variety with challenging steeps, chutes, and tree runs. One Snomad community member called it "a playground for big mountain skiers." The powder is exceptional, with users consistently praising the off-piste opportunities (4.64/5) and tree skiing (4.54/5). When Polar Peak is open, it offers some of the most exhilarating expert terrain in Canada.

Is Fernie Alpine good for expert skiers?

Absolutely! Fernie is a paradise for expert skiers. Our users rave about its challenging terrain, with ratings of 4.44/5 for advanced skiers and 4.36/5 for experts. The resort shines with exceptional off-piste (4.64/5) and powder zones (4.68/5). Noah mentions "amazing tree runs, bowl skiing, and excellent chutes/steeps," while Adam says "You go for that legendary powder." Polar Peak is frequently highlighted as a must-ski area for experts seeking serious challenges.

Is Fernie Alpine good for non-skiers?

While Fernie Alpine Resort is primarily known for its exceptional powder zones (4.68/5) and tree runs (4.54/5), there's limited non-skiing entertainment at the resort itself. The nearby town of Fernie (just 5 minutes away) offers more options with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Several users mention the friendly atmosphere and picturesque town setting. If you're accompanying skiers but not hitting the slopes yourself, you might find the resort area somewhat limiting.

Is there snow at Christmas in Fernie Alpine?

Fernie often has good snow at Christmas, but it's not guaranteed. The resort's high rating for powder zones (4.68/5) reflects its typically strong snow conditions. Some Snomad users have mentioned getting lucky with Christmas trips, while others note that January-March typically offer more reliable powder. One user from the UK mentioned hitting incredible overnight snowfalls during their trip. However, another reviewer mentioned experiencing rain occasionally, so conditions can vary.

Where should I stay in Fernie Alpine and what type of accommodation is available?

You've got two main options at Fernie: ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the resort base or staying in Fernie town itself, just a 5-minute drive away. The resort area offers slope-side lodges, condos and hotels like Lizard Creek Lodge, which our users particularly praise. In town, you'll find more variety with boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Some Snomad users prefer the authentic charm and dining options in town, while others love the convenience of rolling out of bed straight onto the slopes.

AI:

You've got two main options at Fernie: ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the resort base or staying in Fernie town itself, just a 5-minute drive away. The resort area offers slope-side lodges, condos and hotels like Lizard Creek Lodge, which our users particularly praise. In town, you'll find more variety with boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Some Snomad users prefer the authentic charm and dining options in town, while others love the convenience of rolling out of bed straight onto the slopes.

What's the best way to get to Fernie Alpine?

For international travellers, Calgary International Airport is your best gateway to Fernie Alpine Resort. It's about a 3-hour drive southwest from Calgary across the Alberta-British Columbia border. Many visitors rent a car for the scenic journey through the Canadian Rockies. Alternatively, shuttle services run directly from Calgary Airport to Fernie, with advance booking recommended. The resort sits just 5km from the historic town of Fernie, making it easily accessible once you arrive in the area.