Fernie, British Columbia Ski Guide
Fernie, set amidst the majestic peaks of British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies, regularly declared one of the top ski resorts in North America boasts over 2500 skiable acres and an average snowfall of 9 metres/29 feet. With 5 alpine bowls to explore, there is plenty of terrain to satisfy all ability levels.
Everyone knows about the great skiing in Fernie – but what about the time you spend off the slopes. Are the restaurants good, can I get a decent beer, are the beds comfortable etc.? Hopefully, you’ll get the answers to all these questions right here in our Fernie, British Columbia Ski Guide.
Eat, drink and sleep Fernie, British Columbia
Well-known for great powder and steep, challenging slopes, after a day on Fernie’s mountains you’ll definitely need to celebrate somewhere pretty special. And the après ski at Fernie certainly won’t disappoint. There’s plenty to do, see and great places to eat and drink. You’ll end the day in a comfy bed in one of Fernie’s lovely hotels or condos.
Eat Fernie
Treat yourself to something a little bit special at the Lizard Creek Lodge. An extensive wine list, beautiful fireplace and most importantly a delicious a la carte menu. The relaxing setting, cosy couches and laid back atmosphere, make it the ideal place to chill out after a day on the slopes.
Add a bit of heat with a bite to eat in the TexMex styled Rip ‘n’ Richards restaurant. Whether it’s a quesadilla or jambalaya or maybe you want to go all continental with pizza or pasta. Popular for its BIG portions, you’ll definitely get a belly-full at this riverside restaurant.
If you find yourself in the famous Kelsey’s Bar and Grill, don’t wear a white shirt. Get messy with some of the tastiest ribs anywhere in Canada. Choose your sauce and start eating. Simple as that. They do loads of other dishes but the ribs come with the highest recommendation.
Drink Fernie
Although The Brick House could be in the Eat section of this guide. Its laid-back charm, decent wine list and impressive draught beer selection earns its place here. Play pool, chat and drink a freshly-pulled FBC Ol’ Willy Wit and get a real taste of Fernie.
If you’ve been to Fernie, you’ll know the Griz Bar. It’s the town’s most famous bar for a reason. Ice cold beer, live music, pool tables and more. Anyone that’s anyone will be in the Griz Bar at some point during their ski holiday. Kick back and down a cold one in the Griz or you won’t really have been to Fernie.
The Grand Central Bar is home to live music, guest DJs, big screen TVs (always a favourite) and pool tables. Still hungry? You can grab a bite to eat here too, or maybe take the shortest of strolls to the hotel’s Mezzaluna Restaurant.
Sleep Fernie
Ski to the door at the charming Lizard Creek Lodge. This quaint, secluded hotel is a great location from which to enjoy the very best of Fernie. Close to the ski slopes, it has a hot tub and pool, AND the bar is fantastic too. What more do you want!?
Another ski to the door hotel, The Griz Inn is right at the base of the Fernie ski area. Tired after a day on the piste? Jump into the outdoor hot tub for mountain fun in one of skiing’s great locations. You could swim some lengths in the indoor pool or grab a bite in the Corner Pocket Restaurant.
Fancy staying a little closer to town? You can’t get a much better location than the Park Place Lodge. Just a short drive to the slopes, you’ll enjoy the quaint mountain charm, great facilities and if you get hungry – the Pub bar and grill does a mean chimichanga.
What’s happening in Fernie, BC this year?
February 5th – 7th 2010 Junior Freeski Competition
February 13th – 16th 2010 Helly Hansen Big Mountain Challenge
February 18th – 21st 2010 Freeski Competition
February 25th – 27th 2010 Mountain Film Festival
March 13th – 14th 2010 Powder 8′s Championships
April 17th – 18th 2010 Fernival Closing Weekend
Factfile: Fernie
- Total km of piste: 2,504 acres, 107 trails and 5 alpine bowls.
- Number of runs: n/a
- Lifts: 10
Fernie is a perfect ski area for all levels of skier or boarder and is renowned for its excellent natural snow conditions, record snow levels and 'steep and deep' terrain. The uncrowded slopes make it an ideal environment for families and first time skiers. An alpine resort at the base of the mountain provides a selection of bars, restaurants and shops, whilst the historic mining town of Fernie with its relaxed, laid back and friendly atmosphere is 5 kilometres from the ski area, connected by a regular bus service.
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What a great article on Fernie! We went there last winter for the first time and absolutely loved it! In fact it is the best choice for us of any North American Resorts. The snow is soft and all natural and very deep! The lodging is ski in/ski out so easy for families. The food/dining was reasonable and very good variety. So if thinking of skiing North America this winter i would suggest you consider Fernie. Some input- Wolf’s Den- low budget but clean for ski to door easy. Lizard Creek Lodge best for pool and ski in/ski out but more expensive. Try the Picnic in town for nice dinner and Griz Bar for BBQ burgers! Ski the easy runs in the bowls to orient yourself to vast terrain offering and then explore the ridges for the powder and best skiing. Enjoy! we found some good info at http://www.skircr.com/matts-blog
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