Fernie Alpine

About Fernie Alpine

With an average annual snowfall of 29 feet, Fernie Alpine Resort is what powder lover’s dream of. Adventurous powder hounds will think they've died and gone to heaven with Fernie's 2,500-plus acres of terrain and 2,800-plus-foot vertical, five spectacular open bowls, ridges and glades. A wide variety of on-mountain ski in, ski out condo-style accommodations are available, as well as improved base area facilities. And despite its repute as a snowy destination, the weather is quite manageable, making it a great ski vacation for cold-sensitive skiers. If it’s not snowing, it's sunny in Fernie. Skiing Magazine put it best when they said, "Fernie Alpine Resort is another magical place where temperatures are mild and snowfalls massive!"

The fastest growing resort in Canada offers many tastefully appointed accommodations and year-round services throughout the base village, making it a great option for vacationers who value convenience and modern amenities. The quaint town of Fernie, which is rich in history and features turn-of-the-century architecture, is just minutes away from the ski resort.

If cat-skiing is something you’d like to experience on your Fernie ski vacation, there are two exceptional operators in the area. And if your legs are too tired, and you need a break from Fernie’s famed steeps, you can go snow-shoeing, ice-skating, curling, cross-country skiing, or explore the Historic Downtown.

How to get to Fernie Alpine

Fernie Alpine Resort is just a 3.5-hour drive from Calgary International Airport, which offers flights from most major cities. If you’re driving, you’ll find well-maintained roads and stunning mountain scenery along Highway No. 3. The resort is only 3.11 miles from the town of Fernie and easily accessible by shuttle service during the winter season.

The resort offers a free shuttle service that runs between the town of Fernie and the resort during the winter season, making it easy to access the slopes and village amenities. Once on the mountain, everything is walkable, with ski-in/ski-out access from most accommodations.

Skiing in Fernie Alpine

With an even mix of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, Fernie offers something for every level of skier or snowboarder. Here, you’ll find everything from steep trees and chutes to gentle, groomed boulevards and leg burning bump runs. Combine all the terrain options with Canada’s best snow, and you’ve got a ski experience that’s unmatched.

Beginner Skiing in Fernie Alpine Resort

Beginner skiers can enjoy a third of Fernie’s 2,500-plus skiable acres, with terrain that extends well beyond the base area. First-time skiers and riders will enjoy learning on the gentle slopes off the Mighty Moose chairlift. As they gain confidence, the Deer Chair offers access to nearly a dozen green runs, allowing for a smooth progression to longer, more varied terrain.

More experienced beginners can take the Great Bear Express quad to experience high-alpine skiing and riding. From the top, beginners can experience bowl skiing with a gentle descent down the middle of the wide-open Lizard Bowl.

Ready to hit the slopes? Let our Mountain Travel Experts help you plan the perfect beginner ski vacation to Fernie.

Expert Skiing in Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie provides intermediate and expert skiers and riders with incredible all-mountain access. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can enjoy blue terrain from all of Fernie’s 10 chairlifts, including the high-alpine Polar Peak chairlift. Everything from pristine corduroy to wide-open bowls is yours for the taking.

Extreme-seekers have plenty of black diamond options, with 30 percent of the terrain designated as  advanced. Advanced skiers and riders will love the Polar Peak express lift, which takes you to the 7,800-foot summit and provides a bowl with expansive steeps. Or, the spectacular, expert skier-pleasing Lizard Range offers many hike-to pitches and extreme mountaineering from the peak.

Fernie is also home to two renowned cat-skiing operations ready to make your backcountry powder dreams come true. Guided ski tours are also available for those who like to earn their turns. To learn about these services, call, or chat with, one of Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts.

Ski Schools & Tours

The ski school experience at Fernie is all about fun, progression and personalized attention, no matter your age or skill level. With a team of passionate ski and snowboard pros, your mountain adventure is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Got kids? They’re covered with tailored lessons that blend learning and fun, helping them gain confidence on the slopes while having a blast.

For adults, whether you're strapping on skis for the first time or fine-tuning your technique on advanced terrain, there’s a range of lessons to match your skill level. Simple ability charts make it easy to find the right program for you, from beginners just learning to stop, to experts tackling challenging runs. With a focus on small group sizes and top-notch instruction, you'll get the most out of every run, guided by pros who live and breathe snow sports.

Family vacations in Fernie Alpine

With perfectly varied terrain type for beginner through advanced intermediate families and some high-quality reasonably priced family-friendly accommodations, your clan will love a Fernie family ski vacation. The resort’s ski school offers engaging lessons for kids, helping them build confidence while having fun on the gentle slopes of the Mighty Moose area. Meanwhile, parents can explore more challenging terrain knowing their little ones are in the care of certified, friendly instructors.

Off the slopes, Fernie’s base village and the charming town nearby offer plenty of family-friendly activities, from ice skating and snowshoeing to exploring local shops and cafes. Whether you’re introducing your kids to skiing or seeking new adventures, Fernie provides the perfect mix of mountain fun and family-friendly amenities.