Fernie Alpine Resort, Canada
Resort life
The town of Fernie has developed from the coal and lumber trade and is situated on the banks of the Elk River and beneath the impressive Lizard Range on which the ski area lies. Accommodation and local services can be found a few minutes down the valley in the old town of Fernie. Here plenty of affordable places to eat, sleep and drink are offered with a bit of a Wild West feel. Lodging is available at the resort base, but it is more expensive. There is a shuttle bus service that operates to and from the mountain on a daily basis, costing around $6CAD for a return trip. Fernie offers a high level of services with a host of attractions which include ice skating, a cinema, swimming pools and other sporting faciities. Fernie is also a top summer destination with plenty of fly-fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Mountain biking is huge here with several lifts running during the summer so people can ride down the snow free runs!
Eating
The choices for eating out are extensive and cater for every pallet and every price range. If you wish to dine out in style then you should check the Lizard Creek Lodge dining room. Gabriella's is the place for Italian dishes while Rip & Richard's is noted for its local cuisine. Smitty's Restaurant is noted for its pancakes, breakfasts and light lunches. By far the best down in town is the Currie Bowl but get there early.
Nightlife
Night-life in Fernie is rather tame but still enjoyable. There are a number of bars but they all seem much the same. Check out Eldorados for live music, The Central or the imaginatively named The Pub which has pool tables and table football.
Accomodation
There is plenty of budget accommodation to choose from. The Raging Elk and the SameSun are two conveniently located hostels downtown and there is any number of hotels and motels. On the mountain hotels and self catering apartments include The Wolf's Den (cheapish) and Lizard Creek Lodge (more expensive) but offer ride-to-your-doorstep convenience.
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Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: Nov to April
Summer: None
Lifts
Total Lifts: 10
Chair lifts: 6
Drag lifts: 4
Max people per hour: 13,716
Board Leashes required: Yes
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 107
Total ride area: 2500acres
Longest run: 3miles (5.1km)
Top lift: 1925m
Vertical drop: 857m
First lift: 1068m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 30%
Red runs: 40%
Black runs: 30%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes:
1 day lift pass: $60 CDN
5-day lift pass: $290 CDN
7-day lift pass: $406
Season Pass: $729
Lift times:8.30am to 3.30pm
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 8.75m
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 0%
Facilities
Snowboard Schools:
Lesson, lift and equipment - $43
Snowboard Hire:
Board and boots - $25 (Kids - $20)
Night Riding: :
Yes
Other activities
Heliboarding: :
Yes
Snowmobiles:
Yes
Further information
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Summary
Excellent open bowl freeriding on crowd free slopes and a mountain with a good annual snow record. Good for beginners and ideal for natural freestlye riding.
MONEY WISE: Moderately priced resort but damn good value.
Terrain & parks
HALFPIPE:
No -
TERRAIN PARK:
No - 0
BACKCOUNTRY/OFF-PISTE:Yes
TREE RUNS:Yes
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